2013 Z-7 6" jack plate

merlin · February 27, 2013, 08:55:04 AM

New to this.
My 94 Nitro Rick Clunn edition blew the motor last fall. So I have decided it is time to step up and have ordered a 2013 Z-7 with the Merc 150 Pro XS. The dealer is telling me I should get the jack plate option. I talked to a tech at tracker Marine and he stated there would not be much improvement if any. he said with the hydraulic steering it would loose a little tilt but not enough to affect performance. Has anyone experienced this with the later model Z-7 with a 150? And what you your opinions on this? Thanks all advise is appreciated.

RichmondVa · March 14, 2013, 08:43:03 AM

I was told the same from our BPS here in Richmond. From what I can find on the Internet, there doesn't seem to be much benefit to having one. Maybe a couple mphs at most. Same was suggested on my post here as well.

Brudd · March 14, 2013, 09:59:12 AM

I thought a jack plate would also make the boat more stable at speed.

merlin · March 14, 2013, 10:11:15 AM

From what I am hearing, Nitro reduced the Max HP rating last year. Don't know why. Maybe it was because of the 200HP engine was causing it to chine walk at WOT. Maybe the jack plate would help in that case, Don't know just a lot of guessing. I have decided that when my boat comes in I will go through the break in period without one. Once I get the top end with GPS, I'll do the mathematical calculations to determine how much slip I am getting. As long as it is less than 10% I will not get a jack plate. If it is 10% or greater then I will go with the 6" adjustable to peak it out. besides a good mechanical is about $100 less than the optional one offered by Tracker Marine. I figure I can install it in less than two hours.

Fishingfun86 · March 14, 2013, 02:44:03 PM

If you end up ordering one for your boat I Recommend Hydro Dynamics in Benton, Louisiana. I am having one installed as we speak on my 2013 Nitro Z7 with a 150. Ill post here later next week after i run it.

merlin · March 15, 2013, 09:23:51 AM

Thanks. Did you exchange the 10" with a 6"? Am looking forward to your report.

Fishingfun86 · March 15, 2013, 10:08:14 AM

Quote from: merlin on March 15, 2013, 09:23:51 AM
Thanks. Did you exchange the 10" with a 6"? Am looking forward to your report.

Yes it was a headache getting anything in writing about the warranty with the 10" so i swapped to what i could get in writing which is the 6". However, I hope you experience ends up being a little better than mine right now. I might have to walk away from this deal today. if you want to know more message me.

DaytonMPorter · August 30, 2013, 04:13:42 PM

im a little late but a 6" plate on my 2012 z-7 made all the difference in my stability and holeshot and got me about 5 mph more 3.25 " below pad with a 150 pro xs