decided on manual plate, need help on size/brand

[chillywillie]

So I've decided to go with a manual jack plate, my budget is too strapped for a hydraulic right now and I'm really needing a plate as the one on the boat won't go higher than 3.75" below pad no matter what I do to it (bottom hole of motor, motor raised all the way up).

I'm down to the Hydro Dynamics Rapid Jack (running a 200efi 2.5L so shouldn't need a Magnum) or the Bob's Machine Versa Jack (which can be converted to hydraulic later). Bob's should end up being about $100 more if that makes a difference.

Any recommendations on which one to get and also the size? Was planning on an 8" because that's what is currently on the boat, but if I should go to a 10" I might as well do it now.

Boat is the Intimidator 2000 (20' basically). Wanting to order today or tomorrow at the latest because I've got it scheduled into the shop next week.

Thanks!
Willie

[chillywillie]

One other possible factor - my rear straps currently run from the trailer to Ubolts mounted on the jack plate.

Guess I need to find out if either of these plates could be done the same. I asked Detwiler and they said not to do it to their plate.

Willie

[low slung cruiser]

you are mistaken...
you can find a bobs hydraulic used with pump for less than $500....
i'd wait till i could afford a hydraulic...

[chillywillie]

Boy I wish I could find that deal. I've literally been on ebay, all of craigslist, and every message board I know of for the last month and not found a good used hydraulic at a decent price. If there under $500 they're worn out, look like they've been through a war, etc and if they are in good shape they are $650 plus which I simply don't have to spend on the boat right now.

Or they are CMC's which I don't want due to past issues.

That's one reason I was thinking the Versajac because I could convert it later and have a well taken care of plate that would last.

Guess I'll keep looking. Thanks for the input!

Willie

[gambler209]

I had your problem also but i took jack plate apart and redrilled it so i could raise the motor higher. the part of the jackplate the motor bolts to is made like a peice of angle iron. unbolt the motor then unbolt the the two pieces {3 BOLTS ON EACH SIDE} drill three new holes and put it back together i did mine that way ten years ago and it is still fine made of very heavy duty alloy so it did not hurt it and i have a 225 3.1 litre yamaha at 500 lbs with more hours on this rig than i care to talk about

[chillywillie]

I was looking at that, but there isn't enough room at the top of the plate to put another hole from what I can tell.

Did your's look like this?





Willie

[chillywillie]

The way it's pictured, it's a little over 5" below pad. I gained a 3/4" moving up to the very last mounting hole on the engine, and then a little over a 1/2" on plate adjustment leaving me at 3.75" below pad with no room left.

Willie

[TheDuke]

Get the rapid jack with the holes, this is where my straps go

[JAZII]

Here's my take on jack plates.

Do not waste your money on a manual jack plate, unless the one you mentioned is actually up-gradable to hydraulic.

You will not receive the full benefits from a manual jack plate. Anytime the fishing load changes in your boat you will not be at your peak proformance with the manual.

A hydraulic allows you to adjust on the fly, for load and conditions. You would not believe the difference of ride in rough water with the jack plate burried deep.

JAZII

[gambler209]

yes that is the one you are not driiling new holes for the motor but drilling 3 new holes that hold the L shaped piece in place move it up 3 inches and mark them drill them and then you will have more than enough adjustment to work with

[low slung cruiser]

joe is so exactly right here....
i'd just save up...and modify what i already had till i could afford the used BOBs hydraulic

[chillywillie]

I'm taking your advice, going to modify my plate short term with gambler 209's advice, and work on the hydraulic. Sold a spare troller and gator mount yesterday for $500 to put towards a hydraulic. Probably sell my spare 26 trophy too to put towards it.

Willie

[low slung cruiser]

now you thinking...