Buying a jack plate

[austin]

Where would ya'll suggets buying a jack plate on the internet, I'm looking at an 8" manual Detwiler for my 1999 Coral 202 with a Mercury 200 efi. Does Steve (Prop Man) sell props I want to go from my 23" Trophy Plus to a 24" Tempest.

[Backlash Ar]

Austin....if I was going to buy a jackplate here's where I would buy it from: http://www.pitstopmarine.com/ They're a BBC Sponsor too! (Money permitting, take a look at Detwiler's 10" manual with on the water adjustment). As for the prop, I'm not sure that Mark sells props but you could always call him: http://www.bassboatcentral.com/marksprops1.htm Also, be sure to check the Props For Sale Board. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/props4sale1.htm

[austin]

Thanks Backlash your help is always appreciated. I was considering the 10" but didn't know if is was good for my boat, but that's what I'll get from Pitstop. I've been looking at the Props for Sale but no 24" Tempest has come up in the last few weeks.

[tom h]

I agree, Pitstop all the way. I bought a 10" slidemaster from them last spring, best price I could find and outstanding service.

[Backlash Ar]

Austin...call here and ask for John Janaky: http://www.dahpropellers.com/ Good work and fair prices. You could always try Rich Boger who is also excellent but be prepared to lighten your wallet!

[austin]

I'll give John a call I just ordered the 10 jack plate from Pit Stop and thanks again.

[Orlando69]

Hello all,

I was just wonder what benefit do you get from a jack plate? I own a 99 Cobra 180D with a Merc. 150 EFI. It seems fine out of the hole with full trim down???

[austin]

The benefit of the jackplate has been discussed several times and I am no expert by any means but they say it places the prop in "cleaner" water and therefore you get better performance from your prop. Maybe one of the guys who is more knowledgeable can explain this better.

[Backlash Ar]

Orlando69.....
A jackplate will do a few things for your set-up that are all favorable. First, a jackplate will improve your hole shot and increase your speed a little as well as give you better handling because it moves the boats center of gravity back, i.e., the hull is rebalanced to favor the bow so the engine can devote more effort to driving the boat forward rather than lifting it up.
Secondly, setting the engine back allows the prop to run in "cleaner water" behind the boat. A jackplate will allow you to run your outboard height for less gear case drag without getting prop cavitation (vertical adjustment). Moving the prop back gets it out of the turbulent, hull-disturbed water. You get a better "Prop Bite" because the prop is running in smoother, more solid water.

Thirdly, setting the engine back gives it more acceleration power. You get on plane quicker (less hull drag) and accelerate faster. Handling is improved. The more effective prop bite makes steering more responsive. And, the engine set back adds stability in rough water because, in effect, you're running a longer, more stable hull.

Personally I think everyone should have a water pressure gauge, jackplate or not, but I wouldn't even think about fooling around with engine height without one.

Hope this answers your question.