Adjusting the jackplate...???

[clooney]

A couple questions regarding jackplates. First, how do i tell what kind and/or make of jackplate that i have on my boat ? The only label on it is "Union City Marine". Second, a real stupid question. How and where can you adjust the jackplate from? It is a manual plate.

[Trent_in_BG]

Most will have nuts an bolts on the side holding the two parts together. Loosen those then adjust hieght by turning bolt that run vertically down the center of the j/p. THen tighten nuts and bolt on the side. Does it look like this?

http://www.thmarine.com/product.cfm?PRID=20

[clooney]

Their is no center bolt running down the middle of my jackplate. Where else would i adjust it?

[PowerFish]

Then it probably has two threaded adjustment rods 1 on each side of the jackplate, you'll have to raise/lower them and be sure to count your turns up or down, so you don't get off level...

[clooney]

I'm sure thats what i have... two adjustment bolts..one on each side. Seems like my jackplate keeps slipping from this area about a 1/4"-1/2". Should i use locktite and lock type nuts to keep this from happening? This part of the jackplate doesnt have locking nuts on it but every other nut is a locking nut, and I'm not sure why.
I will only have the boat out a couple more times this year and i'm thinking my jackplate isnt the best of quality. Should i upgrade it for next years season?
'

[big_o_tom]

There should also be some bolts on the side that need to be loosened then retightened after you adjust your jack-plate. The two adjusting bolts on each side are not meant to hold the motor in place while running down the lake, be sure to tighten the bolts that run left to right on the side of the jack-plate.

[clooney]

I think my side bolts are slipping and have bent slightly also. I assume they need to be changed out. Is this hard to do alone? What type of jack or lift should i use to complete this project ?

[big_o_tom]

I use a cherry picker to hold the motor while I work on the plate.