Thinking of getting a jackplate

[RoadrashPaul]

I am running a 93 17' Fisher Marsh Hawk with a 75 Mariner. I can get 39 and change out of it with just me in the boat. I am currently running no jackplate and an aluminum 19 pitch prop.

First question is do you think a jackplate would benefit me? I would love to get a hydrolic so I can jack it up when I get in shallower water but I will probably just go with a manual. If so what setback would you get?

Second question is if I get the jackplate should I also get a stainless prop? Do you think the aluminum prop is hurting me that much?

Thanks for any feedback or help

[Roberte]

I would think that adding a jackplate and stainless prop will give you a few more mph on your rig. Before you do, you need to double check to see if your boat is rated for a jack plate as these put an additional stress on your transom. If it is not, you could run the risk of voiding your warranty (if you have one) if the factory can prove that is what caused the problem. Regardless, if you do decide to add one, I would recommend that you also install a water pressure gauge to help you determine the optimum height. I've done this and it is a fairly simple upgrade. I'm guessing that the jackplate itself will be in the 4" - 6" range and this distance is usually driven by the amount of slack you have in your control cables. As far as a prop, I'm running a Turbo 1 with my 90 Yamaha and it works well, but there are others too.