285 Pro XL Jack Plate

[Southfork]

I have a 2006 285 with a 150 carb Vmax running a 25" 3 blade tempest prop. What advantages would i gain by adding a Jack Plate in any. The manual reccomends no more than a 5" plate. What should i expect to pay for one ?
It will run around 58-60 with a lot of pedal left turning around 5200 rpms after that it gets a little squirrely. I hardly ever run wide open so i am wondering is it worth it

[KellyJoe]

I have an '04 w/ 150 Johnson. 6" plate set at 3.25 below the pad and have seen 64.8 GPS w/ a very light load. Running on fumes w/ a tailwind and slight chop. I think my prop is a 23 tempest but not absolutely sure.

Paid $300 installed at the dealer. Made quite a bit of difference for mine.

[BuzzB8]

Honestly, if you don't run wide open and you're not out there to bust the water speed record, then why bother with one.

There are many positive reasons for having one and I'll list a few.
1. The engine sits back away from the boat which gives a little more room for the back seat person.
2. You can adjust the engine to give you a better ride when running wide open.
3. You can make your boat faster.

If I were getting a 5" jackplate, I'd get the 5.5" one that BPS sells for $200. I think it's a CMC manual one. I had one on my last boat and it worked to perfection.

[Jason Phillips]

4) You should also see an increase in holeshot.
5) When you get ready to sell it you will notice more people are going to want it than not so it may be a selling feature.

[Neilslure]

I have seen 64 GPS on my boat with no jackplate, heavy tackle and moderate fuel load. I am also considering adding a 6" plate. Running the stock 25 M prop.

[Southfork]

Thanks for the replies. I have a torque wrench and a can get a winch. Is it a do yourself project or should i haul it to my dealer who his 70 miles away

[Dover]

whatever manual jp you get, recommend one that has a single nut adjustment (up/down) ---not one that adjust on both sides....... I'd also get one from a dealer who may also install it during one of your regualr service visits........ do it yourself -----it's not something I'd want to tackle by myself.... tight lines




Modified by Dover at 9:38 PM 1/5/2007

[BuzzB8]

45 minute job! Easy as pie! Get the CMC manual (5.5")from BPS for only $230.

Be sure to squeeze some marine silicon into the bolt holes.

[phillipshunter]

I would definitely add the jack plate. You can scroll down to a thread I started titled 2007 285 XL w/150 VMax to see where I started and where I'm at now.

[ChadASX]

I'd get one put on there. That will allow you to get the motor at the right height which should make the boat easier to drive at full throttle. Its easy to do yourself and will save you a hundred bucks or so. Just need a lifting ring for the motor and a hoist and your good to go. I done mine myself and its a hydro jackplate. Had a friend help, which makes it a lot easier. That would be my best advice for the install. Get a friend to help, makes things go a lot faster.

[fastman151]

You would'nt regret it!!!