18 Explorer / Jack plate question

[SeaPro Admin]

2008 Triton 18 Explorer, 115 Optimax w/ Laser 21 prop. The boat is running right at 50 mph by the gps and I suspect that's not too bad for a 115 on this boat but I had to move my trolling motor batteries to the bow storage area to get a decent hole shot and I have to trim the motor up to it's limit while running to get the boat on the pad. It's still drawing water at that point but I don't think it should have to be trimmed that far. I'd like to get the boat on it's pad without having to limit out the trim.
Would a jack plate make any difference on this hull and if so, would a manual jack plate do the job or do I need a hydraulic plate to keep a good hole shot and how much set back would you recommend?
Thanks in advance

[Savage]

Put ALL the batteries back in the stern, if you want to ever run on the pad again.

[13tzx190]

Put ALL the batteries back in the stern, if you want to ever run on the pad again.

this and adjust your holeshot with the pvc plugs in your prop

[SeaPro Admin]

Put ALL the batteries back in the stern, if you want to ever run on the pad again.

It runs on the pad now but requires max tilt to get there and with the batteries in the stern, it took forever to get on plane so if that's my only option, I'll leave the batteries in the bow and try a manual jack plate.. Thanks

adjust your holeshot with the pvc plugs in your prop

That might help. Hadn't thought about the PVS plug. I'll try it. Thanks

[Savage]

Your boat, but batteries should always be in the stern, then there are other things you can do to make the holeshot/planning better..........

[SeaPro Admin]

Your boat, but batteries should always be in the stern, then there are other things you can do to make the holeshot/planning better..........

I completely agree and they were a lot easier to maintain when they were back there but moving the weight forward allows it to get on plane without taking forever like it did. Figured it couldn't hurt since the majority of saltwater bay boats have the trolling motor batteries mid ship under the console or closer to the bow. Bass boats are probably a completely different animal. I'm going to experiment with the prop and possibly a manual jack plate and if I can get a decent hole shot without losing too much speed, the batteries will go back to the stern where they belong. Thanks again

[IowaAngler]

I have a 18 explorer as well with the 115 opti. I have no issues getting on plane. I have a 22 pitch prop and usually run around 48-50mph @ 5600 ish rpm. I do not have a jack plate.

[Tritonal186]

I completely agree and they were a lot easier to maintain when they were back there but moving the weight forward allows it to get on plane without taking forever like it did. Figured it couldn't hurt since the majority of saltwater bay boats have the trolling motor batteries mid ship under the console or closer to the bow. Bass boats are probably a completely different animal. I'm going to experiment with the prop and possibly a manual jack plate and if I can get a decent hole shot without losing too much speed, the batteries will go back to the stern where they belong. Thanks again

Yes, leave the batteries in the back and work with your prop and possibly add a jackplate. Moving just one battery to the front will change the center of gravity in your boat and can cause you more headaches then good.

[SeaPro Admin]

The PVS plugs in the prop are already the large openings so I can't do any adjustment without taking it to the prop shop for some tuning. I've got a jack plate on the way so hopefully that will help.

[13tzx190]

You can completely remove one plug at a time and try it. That will open up the hole and let the prop vent more.

[SeaPro Admin]

I'll try taking them completely out..one at a time. Thanks

I have a 18 explorer as well with the 115 opti. I have no issues getting on plane. I have a 22 pitch prop and usually run around 48-50mph @ 5600 ish rpm. I do not have a jack plate.

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