I was kicking around the idea of maybe getting a jack plate some time in the near future. I'm running a Yamaha 115 SHO four stroke, so it's actually light enough that I could run it on TH Marine's Atlas Micro-Jacker plate. It's about half the price of the bigger Atlas hydraulic plate, only weighs 23 lb, has 5" of travel, but I think the only setback available is 4". Boat is a 19.5' aluminum boat. Not looking to get huge gains in mph or anything, my boat is slow as molasses anyway. Mostly just wanting to be able to get my prop out of the mud in skinny water.
Any reason to spend twice the money on the bigger jack plate over the micro-jacker?
Anyone know if the micro-jacker might cause problems for mounting some Power Poles or Raptors later on?
Seems like it would be perfect for you situation. If speed is a non issue then the set back isn't either. The extra lift is going to get you some speed.
As far as add on's you'll have to contact T H Marine. I've always had great support with them on other issues.
The micro will not take the side mounted pole brackets like the full size ones will. Meaning you would have to take the motor off again and use the full transom mount bracket for future poles. That is the only drawback I see to using the micro.