I have a two pce manual jackplate and I need HELP!!!!!

[Irish916]

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Total newb trying to understand how to adjust a two piece manual jack plate. I've linked an image of my jackplate. https://www.t-mobilepictures.c...0.jpg

I've loosened the two 3/4 bolt/nuts on each side that appear to guide and secure the outer jack plate (mounted to the transom) to the inner jack plate (mounted to the outboard).

I'm looking to raise my set up one inch. In doing so, I had to remove 1 9/16 bolt and nut that went through the both the inner and out pieces of the jackplate on both sides. This is depicted in the image where the arrow is pointing. If I didn't remove it, the jack plate would not move up and down.

I'm concerned because upon raising the jackplate, there are no tapped holes for me to put this 9/16 nut/bolt back in. The linked photo shows the jack plate up 1in where I want it. Can I simply drill out a new hole? Can I leave this off the jackplate, seems like the two larger 3/4 bolts on each side really hold things down.

If anyone knows what type of jackplate this and may have a place where I can get literature on it, I would appreciate it.

Thank you.

The boat is an 85 Hydra-Sports VL485 DC with an xp200 on it.

[rude power]

is that hole on both sides? it looks like some one may have drilled that for extra support. my neighbor has the same [looks the same] jack-plate and it doesn't have that hole.

[lousyfisher]

my guess is that the 9/16 hole was put in later as a safety. My jackplate only has the two bolts on each side and I don't have a problem with it holding. I would like to add that you should try to even the jackplate before tightening. I have to jack the back of my motor up to do that.

[ChampioNman]

I would replace that jack plate with a more current one, Rapid Jack makes a simple to adjust manual plate.

[Melton Jason]

That is a smaller version of my jack plate and no you don't need to worry about the screw, Mine is larger and doesn't have one

[Irish916]

thanks for your feedback folks! I do appreciate it. I'm going to level it out and tighten it up with just the main two 3/4 bolts on each side and see what happens.

BTW- anyone know a good starting point for motor height? I've heard different things. The XP 200 had the prop 4.5 inches below the pad(bottom most point of the boat). I wasn't turning high RPMS and I want to see about raising up the motor to see what it does.

I'm thinking I should be ok with the prop center about 3.5 inches below the pad. Any thoughtst to the contrary?

[Bassmeister]

Sounds like a good starting point, keep an eye on the water pressure.

[Irish916]

Thanks folks. I'll let you know how I make out.

Bassmeister, any thoughts on where the water pressure should run? I've heard no less than 12psi, but my Rude manual doesn't put a number on a minimum amount. I'm also told that the motor will likely shut off with lack of pressure, but I absolutely don't want this to occur.

[ChampioNman]

Minimum 18 PSI at WOT anything more is a bonus.