Jackplate?

djbird420 · January 02, 2009, 06:42:32 PM

I fish mostly shallow waters in the marsh and swamps of Southwest Louisiana.
I was thinking of putting a jackplate on. Input desired on pro's n' con's.
Thanks.

I have a '95 160tf Rick Klunn Ed. with a '96 Force 75.

BassBUFF · January 02, 2009, 08:09:14 PM

Don't know if you'll get the bang for the buck on that boat/motor combo. Have you tried mounting the motor up a hole or two?

djbird420 · January 02, 2009, 08:15:21 PM

I'm not worried about the price as much as if it will help or hurt.

Ron Fogelson · January 02, 2009, 08:28:02 PM

I agree with Bassbuff. A jackplate can help fine tune your boat set up you have to decide if the $ the time and the work is worth a few MPH and maybe a better a better hole shot or maybe you won't even gain any speed and your hole shot stays the same.

Most boats/motor of that size IMO are going to be a lot more work and $ then any gains you will get.

djbird420 · January 02, 2009, 09:00:58 PM

I fish in less than 3 feet of water most of the time.
I usually tilt my motor up to stay out the mud.
Wouldn't I get better handling by lifting on a jackplate
instead of having to trim up so high?
I'm only idling at the time and want to keep my foot out the mud.
If I ever get another boat it won't be any bigger so I can take the jackplate
with me.
Price not an issue, will it help with the skinny water?

Ron Fogelson · January 02, 2009, 09:21:08 PM

I just don't have the experience to tell you one way or the other.

It could be fine, or if raise the motor up high to give you a straight shot while idling rather then tilting the motor you might never get on pad or at least have a hard time getting on pad.

if all you ever will do is idle and just want a way to get your motor up out of the mud more I think it would be fine but I'm just guessing on it. Sorry.

tsmith35 · January 02, 2009, 11:04:16 PM

Maybe you can convert to a jet drive. Outboardjets has a conversion kit for the Force 75 if you like really skinny water.

BassBUFF · January 03, 2009, 08:38:44 AM

I see only one drawback since price isn't an issue. If you set the motor up so you're not having to trim up idling to spots it may well affect how the boat handles the more open water when you are on plane. There will be a trade-off. I'm assuming you're looking at a manual jackplate and not a hydraulic unit. I would look at the least set-back you could find. Let us know how it goes!