I have a loose jack plate

Ron Fogelson · November 17, 2008, 03:54:38 PM

Ok, I have a 2003 Nitro 929 with a 10 inch setback manual jack plate holding a 2003 225hp opti, after running the river on Saturday in the ABA the boat just didn't feel right. I thought it could have been the wind knocking me off pad while running but when I got back to the ramp I did a visual of the boat to see if I hurt the boat when I got slammed into the stumps and drove over a few that I couldn't see due to the waves. Anyway the boat looked fine but while checking over the motor it was loose, after looking at it further I determined the jack plate was loose. I check both inside and out to look for any damage and couldn't see any. Is it normal to have the bold loosen up or should I be worried that the transom is going?

OutdoorFrontiers · November 17, 2008, 04:38:22 PM

Fogy,

Lift the back lid and look to see if there's a backing plate on your jackplate bolts. There should be two fairly heavy duty metal plates with the bolts running through. If there isn't any backing plates, it's possible that the bolt heads are being pulled through the transom, not a good thing! If that's the case (and I've seen this a couple times on Nitros), you need to get backing plates installed. You can probably do this yourself, but make sure you coat the inside of the holes with marine sealant.

It's equally possible, and more than likely that due to vibration, the nuts simply loosened up. You should have stainless/nylon locknuts on the jackplate bolts, and the nylon does wear after a while, requiring periodic replacement. Or, double nut the plate bolts if you have enough thread.

Steve

Ron Fogelson · November 17, 2008, 04:45:00 PM

Thanks Steve, I do have one back plate on the top, didn't see the lower one but it could be under my fuel tank, didn't dig that deep yet as it was just the top two bolts loose.

I also have the nylon locknuts that's why I got worried, but hey it's my boat and I'm allowed to be worried

I'm going to do as you suggested and place a 2nd nut on them, did that a lot on the farm and will see how it goes.

Mike Cork · November 17, 2008, 04:50:38 PM

Two questions, just to be clear the bolts we are talking about are the ones holding the jack plate to the transom and not the bolts that hold the jack plate in position after adjustments?

And second question (if your talking about the transom bolts) is have YOU, personally every put Fogy torque on them?

bassadict69 · November 17, 2008, 06:59:08 PM

Third question...Did "Fogy Torque" break the said bolts?

Ron Fogelson · November 17, 2008, 07:08:14 PM

Quote from: Mike on November 17, 2008, 04:50:38 PM
Two questions, just to be clear the bolts we are talking about are the ones holding the jack plate to the transom and not the bolts that hold the jack plate in position after adjustments?

And second question (if your talking about the transom bolts) is have YOU, personally every put Fogy torque on them?

Answer #1 it is the transom bolts not the slide bolts on the jack plate, those came loose last year.

Answer #2 No, never had to until now.

Ron Fogelson · November 17, 2008, 07:11:57 PM

Quote from: bassadict69 on November 17, 2008, 06:59:08 PM
Third question...Did "Fogy Torque" break the said bolts?

God I hope not, I don't want to fix that.

AJ · November 17, 2008, 09:06:33 PM

while wearin pink crocs is foggy torque

1. tighter then a well diggers u know what
2. loose as a goose??

Mike Cork · November 19, 2008, 10:56:30 AM

My next question would be, how far are the washers sunk into the fiberglass of the transom?

The motor of a boat takes a beating going down the lake. Have you ever road passenger and watched the motor as you went down a lake with a slight chop on it. That motor is shaking and jumping all around. Over the years and with several days on the water like that day of the ABA where you noticed it being loose, I don't see how they haven't back out on you buy now. We also have even more to the mix here because we are idling through stumps and stuff and occasionally bump and roll off of things causing yet more jerking and pulling on the bolts.

So can the transom be hurt, sure? But, I would smoke them back down, hit the water and keep a close eye on things. Probably would invest in some of that birdshit stuff for bolts, or go across the parking lot of yours and get some

Ron Fogelson · November 19, 2008, 11:05:21 AM

Thanks Mike, going to dig into it tomorrow after work.

I know the washers are not pulled into the transom that I can see. They are on the outside of the plate and on the inside of the boat there is a big bar the bolts go through and nether the plate or the bar looks to be denting the transom any.

I think I know someone here that could get me some jet grade lock tight

BassBUFF · November 19, 2008, 09:44:10 PM

We actually use the same stuff you can buy anywhere!

Ron Fogelson · November 20, 2008, 12:35:23 AM

Quote from: BassBUFF on November 19, 2008, 09:44:10 PM
We actually use the same stuff you can buy anywhere!

Thanks Steve, I figured as much. Still I like free stuff.

bass1cpr · November 21, 2008, 09:00:57 AM

Fogy I've been following this thread but hadn't posted because you seemed to be getting a handle on it.

Have you trimmed the motor down while it's on the trailer to see if you can find any tell tale movement.

You said it had a funny feeling to it when you were running. If everything seems to be good with the transom bolts, then I'm thinking maybe you may have a broken motor mount.
This isn't an easy check item but if you still persist to having a funny feeling when it's running after you've checked the transom bolts it would be time to take it to a professional service tech and get it checked.
Just another idea to check with all the stump filled waters you fish.

Ron Fogelson · November 21, 2008, 10:13:56 PM

bass1cpr thanks for the advice.

I'll know more in the morning, got the jack plate bolts Fogy tight, and a new prop on the boat, she ran good today, came home and did a bit more work and will see what the morning brings out on Caddo lake.

I think it is/was just the jack plate, but if like you said it still feels off I'm going to give it to the shop.

jfly · November 28, 2008, 03:39:44 AM

Fogy-What prop are you running? I am picking up my new 929/225 opti next week. It comes with a 25 tempest but I want a spare. Thought I might try a Fury and use the tempest as a spare.

Ron Fogelson · November 28, 2008, 09:09:58 AM

I have been running a 25 tempest for the last 4 years and have been red lining it the whole time.

Moved to a 26 last month and so far so go. I have some adjustment to make in hight to see what I can get out of it but have high hopes of 70+

Hit 69 going up river the other day but had issues with my motor so didn't get to open it up all the way.

The colder the water gets the better bit I should have. I'm turning it with one vent open and 2 having the largest plugs in place.

Good luck with your new boat, I love mine.