I bought a 2007 Ranger 188 VS dual console in June of this year. It is my first Ranger!!!! I've owned a Champion and a Nitro in the past. Love the setup of the Ranger, incredible fishing platform.
Anyway on to my question(s). I'm getting about 52-54 mph GPS top speed, 2007 Mercury 150 Optimax, Tempest 21P, RMP's max out around 5300, normal fishing and fuel load out. I noticed that the motor is mounted on the second set of mounting holes. Last night I checked the below pad depth; the center of prop is 5 5/8" inches below pad. From what I've read it should be 3 1/2" below, so I'm 2 1/8" lower than recomended.
SO? Should I put a jackplate on? Never had one on my previous boats.

If so should I just go with a manual JP to save money and set the engine at its sweet spot and leave it alone? Or should I spend the extra money on a hydraulic so I can take advantage of easy adjustments on the go? Also by raising motor to the sweet spot, will I probably have to re-prop? Not currently taking advantage of full RPM or speed. Also what JP's would you recommend and why?

Additionally I'm leaning towards a JP to take advantage of mounting for Power Pole or Talon and Structure Scan; currently Have HDS 7 and HDS 5.

I'd love to hear your expeirence and opinions on this issue. Thanks in advance and sorry for the long read/questions.

I think for the money a manual is best bang for the buck on bass boats. I have a 10" slidemaster in stock for $399.99 includes shipping if you want it. And It sounds like you x diminshion is off and I would bet your boat would wake up and handle better with the motor higher up.

I think Ranger recommends an 8"

Here is an 8" Rapid Jack for about $300 shipped to your door!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rapid-Jack-Stand...=item3a3bb158ae

But incase I am mistaken here is a 10" Slidemaster for $236 shipped to your door.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TRACKER-SLIDEMAS...=item2ebac8c351


Here is one for $75 but they don't say what size it is.
http://houston.craigslist.org/boa/2748268305.html

Yup, I was correct!

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=588229

New in box with hardware. I don't think an additional 2 in. of set back will have a negitive impact on performence and normaly will increase top speed.Also, allows for less trim angle while cruising and top end runs. I'm sure Ranger has done their homework,however you may need to check all of your rigging lengths, fuel line,cables and the like before you do anything.

The 8" Rapid Jackplate is NEW and it comes with NEW bolts! And while I have no idea what brand you are trying to sell there aren't many better than a Rapid Jack! And I would listen to what Ranger says about their boats. Unless you are willing to cover any ill effects caused by going against what Ranger says as you recommended...

But I guess that doesn't matter as long as you sell a jackplate...

I ran one of my Bullets with a 15" setback, which was quite a bit more than the builder suggested, but for my boat and motor, it really worked well. You just never really know how the boat is going to react. I would not expect 2" to make a lot of difference. The real problem that I see is, you have the motor buried in the water and it is having a hard time overcoming it. So, that being said, a good jackplate should make a difference, but the difference may be more in being able to raise the motor to an appropriate level rather than the length of setback. Good luck with your boat.

I agree with brown stripe there is no better than Hydro Dynamics rapid jack. I've got 3 of them. One on my 1990 Mirage ski racer,one on my Mirage river racer and one on my 21 liberator. All three boats see 100 plus mph gps every time out with 0 concerns. They are light weight and easy to adjust evan while standing in shallow water. I know George, the fellow that builds them and his shop is in Benton la. He will build them to your specs..

The slidemaster is a little heavyier but works fine and also adjust eaisly.

I've got a 8'' in stock that is powdercoated but has been on one of our race boats that blew over, however the plate is undamaged and looks new.Rapid jack.

a jackplate on that boat is still an ongoing debate.

i've tried a plate on several and ended up taking them back off!
Some i've put on a 6" plate and it worked great.

do NOT expect a huge mph increase! you already have the right prop on that rig.
first thing i'd do is raise the engine to it's highest mounting point. then run the boat and see if the rpms come up and the speed comes up.

if you are going to install power pole or poles, then you might was well put on a 6" plate... NO MORE!!!!

i sell and install new hydro dynamics plates.

NOW! let me tell you this.
there is a HUGE difference in plates. if it's a cheap one, then it's not a MAGNUM! you need the bigger plate with that engine and the power poles.

give me a call if i can help you. i may not be the cheapest on the plate selling price, but when you buy the plate from me, i charge 75.00 to instal the plate and set the engine height.
my price on a 6" magnum is 365.0 brand new!

Gary,
How much are you asking for the 8" powdercoated used jackplate?
Steve

I talked to Ranger and they do recommend an 8" jackplate for my boat. I believe I'm going to go with a manual jackplate. Steve, I'd love to bring it to you and either purchase from you or at least have you install and set up for me, but I live in the Houston area. May just have to plan a trip to Fork to fish and have you set it up.

Thanks to everyone who has replied.

i have an 8" magnum in stock.

I'd just like to update and let everyone know what a great guy Steve is at Steve's Custom Props. Traveled to Lake Fork yesterday and had Steve install a Hydro Dynamics 8" Rapid Jack Magnum. Awesome guy and great expierence. He had it installed and ready to go in an hour.

Just wish the weather would have held out on Fork, my 11 year old and I tried to fish, but wind made it hard. Still a great day with my daughter.

Thanks again Steve.

was my pleasure to set up your boat.

too bad the weather didn't hold out for ya.

let me know how it's running when you can.