Gambler owner needs help raising motor

[BamaGambla]

This Gambler forum is the greatest resource I have found!! I have learned so much about my boat from the knowledge and wisdom that's thrown around on this Gambler forum. I was about to have a breakdown over the way my boat was performing. Hard fishing and lack of maintenance led to horrible holeshot and speed and I happened upon this forum looking for the answers I could'nt find. Now I'm obsessed about getting my rig setup properly. Here's what I've got:
95 Intimidator
05 Merc Optimax 225
27" Trophy reworked by Mark Croxton
5-6 " Gambler manual jackplate(looks like a CMC powerlift)
With a FULL load (Full gas, Full livewells, partner, & too much tackle & gear) I'm hitting 72-73 mph @ 5550-5600 rpms.
Part 1 of my dilema is that my jackplate is all the way up and motor is mounted in bottom holes putting it as high as I can possibly get it. Propshaft is still 4" below pad. From what I have read, I think if I can get it up an inch or so, I can achieve the 5750 rpm rev limit, get some more speed and add to my holeshot(which is now more than adequate).
Part 2 of my dilema is that since this addiction started this summer, I have 2 new DF, gps, new trolling motor, new prop with work done, propshaft, trailer tires and complete brake rebuild, and next week hydraulic steering. I'm spent out at the moment.

What options do I have to get my motor higher? Just like an inch or so?

Eventually I am going to add a hydraulic jackplate, but I cant right now unless its an insanely good deal. I need another alternative.

What do I do? Thanks.

[Mac]

I replaced my manual JP with a hydraulic 2 seasons ago on my 95 209. I was limited as well. Just an FYI... The mounting holes on the transom didn't match up with the new JP. I got more speed when I swapped them out. Now I'm looking for 225 Merc.

[low slung cruiser]

hydraulic steering and hydraulic JP will be the best money you've ever spent...So instead of spending time on doing any other adjustments, START saving up...ALSO, DONT BE AFRAID TO GO USED on those to pieces of equipment...only things on either that might need to be replaced will be a couple of seals...
CHECK ON the FOR SALE FORUM under all the topics...theres randomly some used on there...ALSO, BUDGET BOATS in CHESAPEAK, VA has hundreds of USED helms, and rams for the steeering...

[gambler209]

unbolt your motor take the jackplate apart and drill new holes the jack plate you will see the jack plate is bolted together like two pieces of angle iron and can be changed

[BamaGambla]

Thanks. That did cross my mind already because I can raise it about an inch before it will be touching the cap above the transom. I'm curious, have you tried this with good results?

I guess I could mark the bolt pattern on the raised plate through the transom and have new holes drilled?? Then bolt it all back back together after resealing it. It always sounds easy.

I'm open to any suggestions. Appreciate it.

[JF1]

I have the same problem with my boat, posted here awhile and was told rapid jack was the way too go with manual jack plate. Was told that this plate would pick me up a few more inches.

[gamblerjewell]

When I got my Bob's Hydo jack I had to drill new holes in it so drilled them as low as I could on the plate raise it as high as possible. It gave me an extra 2" of raise and I have been able to use all but the last 1/2" to get better speed. I dont loose lift until it gets to the 5 1/2" mark on the JP. Watch your Water Pressure though I have a nosecone on mine. I can get an extra 4 mph out of it because of the combination of 10" hydro JP and LWP.

[BamaGambla]

Thanks for passing on the info about the rapid jack plate. I am going to check them out. I really want a hydraulic, but my main goal is to lift it to the optimum height and the correct manual jackplate is a good solution.

[BamaGambla]

GamblerJewel, when you drilled the new holes in your jackplate, did you have a template to use? did you use a drill press? Did you get it done by professional? Im very interested in knowing. Thanks

[gamblerjewell]

I drilled them my self I just measured it very precisely I do have a drill press but it was not large enough for the 10" JP. I just drilled them with a cordless drill.