294 Jackplate

[TBBasser]

Hi All,
I have a question I hope some of the local experts can answer for me.
I have a 07 294 XL I have in the shop having a second console added
too and a couple of other minor issues and was thinking of having a
hydraulic jackplate installed. (currently have 6" manual) What would
you guys recommend as far as brand and set back?
The motor is a 200HO Etec if that makes a difference.
Thanks

[kneed]

Not sure on this one, but Someone told me that Stratos boats cannot take anything bigger than a 6" jackplate. I could be wrong. I just know that a guy I fish against tried to put a 10" jackplate on and could not get his boat set right. He ended up calling Stratos and they told him the JP was too big.

[Jason Phillips]

Stratos can't take anything over 8" and still have warranty.

Performance increases between the 6" and 8" will be minimal.

[Clint S]

the 6 should be perfect for your boat. what kind of numbers are you getting right now? what engine, prop, and engine height, etc? if you're lacking speed or performance, you may have setup issues that don't justify a new jackplate.

hydraulic jackplates are better served for shallow running, tunnel hulled saltwater boats running in 6 inches of water. or if you're constantly and dramatically changing the load in your boat. a manual plate is best for 95% of bass boat applications because you don't really change your setup very much once you dial it in.

[Clint S]

i have a 6" manual plate on mine, i also have an HO etec. i love the combination of the etec on the 294 hull. it flat out scoots. everyone i've ever had in my boat has always complimented the boat on it's speed and handling.

i get 76mph by myself with a light load, 73-74 with a full tourney load.

i'm turning a stock 27p tempest. about 3 1/8 below pad..

[TBBasser]

Thanks Guys. Clint S- I'm running the Raker II Todd suggested.
How much walk do you get? I took out a lower unit this summer
and the orginal Raker I was getting middle to low 70's. This new
one I can't get above mid sixties? I'm done for the year (Minnesota)
lol as when I when to the ramp Saturday it was ice for 200 yards to
open water. Dang

[Clint S]

it walks a little when i get close to 70, but it's not enough to notice. i try to prevent the walk from happening.

[ctepps]

For me I'm always on my plate. I have to drop the engine down to get it on pad. Then I can raise it back up. Jumps out of the hole great at just about any height, but just can't get her on pad without dropping down

[Glenn_S]

Brad, what do you want a hydraulic for? Planning on running skinny water? LOL...j/k

The new prop isn't running right? I still think you have setup issues, like I said this summer. That rig shouldn't walk that much.

I heard about your aborted trip...Maybe you should have taken a portable shack out there...

See ya next Tuesday...