Best size jack plate (inches) for a 96 20XD w/98 225 ProMax

[Chuck Whitehead]

I have a 96 20XD with a 98 225 ProMax. It has been sitting garaged for a while, a few years, due to shoulder surgeries, and career changes. I'm getting ready to start getting the engine squared away from sitting, and thought that the boat/hull is now as dry as it has ever been since it left the factory. May be the best time ever to remove the jack plate and reseal.
My question is: It came with a 9-1/2" Rapid Jack. I've had no problems with it, but if I'm going to pull it off, it would be the perfect time to go to a 12" or a 14" Rapid Jack. Probably better too if power poles are ever installed later.
Has anyone gone 12 or 14 and noticed enough performance increase to make it worthwhile?
Thanks.

[alli ss]

15"

[Just in time]

Sporty on the promax?

[Chuck Whitehead]

Sportmaster. Right now about 3/4" above the pad. I should have mentioned the lower unit.

[Ky Bullet]

I got a 14 RJ on mine. 1.5 above, you will notice the difference.

[Just in time]

I would think a 14" with a 225pm with a sporty on a 20'er. Not sure you would see any performance gains on the top that would warrant the loss in holeshot with a 15" plate. Hanging a 300 is a different animal and the 15" is probably more fitting but have also heard no increase and actual negative results with a few guys when they went 15". I say a 14" and depending on the load 1.5 above pad.

[crank68]

In general I like a 14" on a 20'er at 1.25-1.50"s above for fishin....

[90 5.0]

If you are gonna put power poles on get a 14" RJ, the PP bracket that fits is about 3/4" think so you'll have effectively 14 3/4" set back.

Thats where mine is and drives and runs perfect.

[Rex1]

Just got done talking with the guy I got my boat from. New boat at the time (2013) and was talking about getting a/the
build sheet that Bullet used to make my boat. He stated if I ordered a 15" jack I would get a 14" and if I had ordered a 14"
jack plate I would have gotten a 12 3/4" jack plate. Ordered 2 transducers to be put in the boat at time of building it, got
one. Ordered it 100 lbs light, will find out tomorrow, I'm weighting it. Call Bullet and told them I wanted the build sheet, no
response as of this time.

[alli ss]

I like a 14 with a 3.0 and a 15" with a 2.5 just as 90 5.0 likes his. Ive been from 12 to 15 with a 2.5 and the farther back the better it gets. It gets you a bit more lift with the lighter weight motor and frees it up a bit. 14 not much different

[QuickBullet]

I hated the PowerPole brackets that sandwich between the motor and jackplate!
Not to mention they were pretty flimsy but with those poles a mile high an 8 footer wouldn't hit bottom at 7 foot.
Bought the brackets which bolt to the bottom side of the jackplate.....they tucked the poles in very nice and not only cleaned up the looks but are really a solid mount and now I can plant the poles at 8.5 feet!
A lesser trade off is.....Since I lowered'em I haven't swatted any more MudDucks!!!
BTW, I run a 14" JP.

[Chuck Whitehead]

Thank you all for the replies! I really like the set up you have there QuickBullet. I also have thought Mercury and Mariner engines of that year range were hands down the best looking engines! I like the alien cowl style of mine pretty well, but I've always like your style cowl and mid section look the best, without doubt!