Jackplate question ... '05 201ProXL w/ ETEC 250HO

I now have a 6" plate ... when I plane, just before I crest over, I have a bit of vibration so I had to let off the throttle just a bit and then after it planes, throttle up again. I think it's from the backwash of the prop vibrating against the transum ... question is if I put in an 8" jackplate, will it help with this vibration?? Would it give me any extra speed also?? I'm running a touch over 73MPH by myself (still had a bit more throttle left; but walks like crazy) ... comments welcome here or email me at 5littlebass@gmail.com. Thanks.

I am not sure what the vibration is from, but I did not see enough performance difference to recommend someone to go from a 6" to 8" plate. I saw a very little difference in handling, it is a little better with the 8" plate. I went from a 6" manual to a 8" hydro jp. I just wanted a hydro plate for getting in skinny water and went for the 8" plate.

I have no clue on the vibration unless it is a prop issue. But I have heard of this some lately.
You have the new lower unit on that motor, so it is going to be slower than the older motors were. You need to learn to drive the boat to handle the chine walk. It takes some seat time to get to where it come as second nature to prevent it from ever starting. Mine will walk bad from 75 up, but you will never know it from riding with me. I catch it before it starts. I don't feel it really should be walking that bad at only 73 if it is set up right, but I do not know how that lower unit reacts with that hull yet. What is the prop height now?

201Pro, I've been playing with the motor height since adding a little more cup to my 27p Tempest+. So I'll need to check the height. With two people and full tourney load (4-batteries, 1/2 tank of gas, full livewells and a tackle shop at the bow) I can run 72MPH on the GPS and it's rock stable. I suppose I can drop the motor a touch and see if that walking would go away until a bit higher speed. When I say it walks like crazy, it's really not that bad ... I've driven a Triton and that sucker walks violently! ;)

Brad, thanks for your comments ... I'm still considering changing to an 8" ... but maybe I'll wait a little before doing it! :)

It will walk worse if it is too low, than too high.

201Pro -- I think I'm real close. With 2 people, it runs pretty good. Just by myself, it'll walk quite a bit. Not violently, but will walk. So you think I should jack it UP or down??

According to BWB magazine tests of the 201, 8" of set-back yields a few more mphs over a 6" plate (but I have no personal experience). Let us know how it goes as I have a 201 with a 6" plate and am considering adding 2" spacers. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/popcorn.gif

As to the vibration, its probably due to the flo-torq hub kit on the e-rude (I assume your using one since u have a tempest on there). Unfortunately the flo-torq hub kits for evinrudes are not perfect and can exhibit the vibration that your talking about (same thing happens with my Turbo TXP using the flo-torq hub). Make sure the splined spacer and flat washer are thick enough to allow the prop nut to be tightened down all the way without hitting the splines on the prop shaft. Also, if you have PVS plugs in, make sure they are all the same size (Ex: use all small plugs instead of one closed plug and two large plugs) http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif