Jackplate problems!! Set bolt is backing out?

Ran into a problem, needing advice. On my 203 champ my jackplate(manual) there is 2 bolts you turn(hold one and turn other one) to move motor up and down. Well the top bolt you turn to move it keeps back out when I'm running boat. The bolt only tightens so much until the motor moves down, just wondering if anyone has seen this before. It doesn't seem to be affecting the way my boat runs. Just don't like to look at a backed out bolt. Thanks guy!

New Jackplate time. Yours is worn out. Time for a new one. Bolts are stretched & will shear off. You won't notice any difference until it shears. Then it will be a sudden catastrophic (possibly) difference.

Why not drill and tap to the next size?Are drill and tap for healy coil. If it was mine I would try to rebuild it.

What jackplate are reccomended? Problay can't afford a hydraulic jack, and how can I tell what size jack plate mine is? What size should I need? 99 champion 203, Mercury 225 proxs

Have you tried putting two narrow bolts on and locking them together? A nylon self locking nut or one with the dimple in the side will lock pretty good.
For cheap try using a thread locker.

Does look like this jackplate has been through 2 wars. I would replace it.

Call Steve or Josh at SCP @ 903-763-0200(Josh) or 903-763-5225(Steve). They'll be able to tell you which Jackplate/prop setup you'll need on that boat. Measure Jackplate setback from front edge to back edge. Example 6",8",10"etc.

Get rid of it. You don't want to do a patch job and have it come apart causing damage or personal injury to anyone. Your "size" is the distance it hangs off the back of your transom. They all use the same mounting hole pattern. The best manual is Hydro-Dynamics and you can get one for less than $300.

coolj on here has a 10" HydroDynamics manual built by them in trading post for $300. That's a really great price & I know personally it was used for about 10 months. He had a transom issue on his Stratos & bought a Bullet that already had one so he' selling this one. PM me if interested & I can get you his phone number.

Bob, if you know where a nearly new 10" HydroDynamics Manual Jackplate is for less than $300 id say he needs to buy it. I've looked at all the forums & haven't found an almost new 10" for less of any brand.They were more than $525 new over a year ago. Just saying let him know where to get one if you know where it's at. . I know this one is AVAILABLE at a great price.

buzzbaitfishes, pm me if you want. I don't know if you're looking for new or used, but I'll keep my eyes open. WELCOME to the forum.

Thanks guys I ordered one today from hydro dynamics 10" for $360 not a bad deal!

When I wrote my post, it was responding to his original post in which he did not specify a JP with a particular setback. My post was accurate, there are Hydro-Dynamics JPs for less than $300. I don't recall specifying a size.

If I jump form 8" jack plate I have to an 10" (got a great deal on one) do you think I'll need to change steering cables because they'll be too short? I know I won't know till I get into it just wondering if y'all knew

You should have hydraulic steering, so you've got no issues.

i sell brand new 10" manual plates for 389.95

the hydraulic version is 1050.00 (intro price)

Sorry Bob, you are correct. I just had been reading about jackplate setups for 203 Champs & 10" setback was stuck in my head. Wasn't trying to dispute you at all. I just personally knew of this certain one for sale. We are both just trying to help. Have a great day.

Looks like he got it all ironed out now.