Maybe ya'll can answer this for me. Why do the new boats like Skeeter, Stratos, Nitro (around 18') not come with jackplates. I have been looking on their websites and it is not even on option you can upgrade to. Does a jackplate not do any good on the smaller boats, or am I missing something?

it's not necessarily a performance issue.

They will still perform better with a plate, but the smaller boats are made to be a bit cheaper.

You gotta be somewhat careful also with the strength of their transoms.

I think it is for the most part price point issue. I just put a hydraulic jackplate on my 2003 Ranger 175DVS. I'm also upgrading to digital gauges, hotfoot...etc. If you are skilled around tools then rigging them aftermarket is cheaper.

I'm sure somebody can give you an estimate of labor for rigging but I'm sure it is not cheap. The upgrades and rigging quickly adds a bunch of $$$ to the price.

How much performance difference is there if I were to put a manual jackplate like 6" or so? Of course I would check and see if it voids any kind of warranty with the manufacturer first.

let me clarify what i mean by "performance"

it's not always mph. it can be holeshot, handling, mpg increase, rough water handling, etc.

a 6" plate will make a boat ride like it's a foot bigger.

It also puts the engine back away from the transom allowing the prop to run in cleaner, non turbulated water. That's why when you install a plate, then engine needs to run higher, giving the compensation for a loss of rpms. cleaner water means less slip.

make sense?

Actually the main reason for adding a jackplate is to get the bow to lift. Adding a jackplate actually gives the motor more leverage to lift heavy hulls. We all carry too much chit. LOL!!!!

As stated above, it also puts the prop further back away from the running surface allowing it to run in cleaner water.

Most bass boats will benefit from a jack plate, you just need to determine how much setback you need and what is allowed by the manufacturer.

I would recommend a hydraulic unit, It will give you the ability to adjust while running to get the best performance from your rig.

Most feel like it is to recess the engine for performance and lot of companies are building their transoms recessed already. The big difference is the up and down change that you can gain. It might allow you to get in SKINNY water.

Thanks for all your help guys.

Monkey, Just a word to consider. Some boat manufacturers that don't offer jackplates will void your warranty if you install one. Be sure to check it out before buy one!

Tommy Yetts
Rockwall Marine

they dont want you to max out your performance because pushing the envelope increases their warranty to the limit, its stricly a liability issue and nothing else