I am a bass boat rookie. What is the purpose of a jack plate? And with my 90hp Javelin would I benefit from one?
I am a bass boat rookie. What is the purpose of a jack plate? And with my 90hp Javelin would I benefit from one?
A jack-plate gives you the ability to fine tune your setup by allowing you to raise and lower your motor for optimum performance. It also sets your motor back off of the transom into cleaner, less turbulent water. With the motor setting back from your transom, you are able to raise it higher than you could with it mounted directly to the transom. This generally relates to a little better handling, a little higher top-end, and a little better holeshot.
As for whether or not you could benefit from one, you need to look at what your expectations are from your boat. If you have a 90 hp motor, you aren't trying to win races. You're also not going to be going fast enough to notice a lot of ill-handling characteristics. My opinion on smaller boats (less than 150 hp motors especially) is that the money you were going to spend on a jack-plate would be better spent on fishing tackle or electronics for the boat. Don't try to make your boat into something it is not. Enjoy it, learn to handle it and spend more time honing your fishing skills. Then, look to upgrade boats down the road as your needs/wants change.
With that said, almost all boats would see some kind of benefit from a jack-plate. But, in your case, I think the money would be better spent elsewhere.
If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Jason Phillips
Yeah I was thinking the same thing. I am running between 50 and 55 and that is fast enough on our little lakes here in NC. Thanks for the advice.
Jason Phillips
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