Bobs Jackplate 14" or 12" ??

[djb750]

2020 21XRS
250 Mercury pro xs 4S

If I get a hydraulic plate, it'll be a Bobs. Boat has a 14" Hydrodynamics manual plate.

I am wanting some feedback on pros/cons of a 12" plate versus 14".

Is there any reason why I would get a 12", and not the 14" ??

[WVBullet]

Get the 14”

[BEEZER]

If you are happy with the holes shot with the 14 now, stay in the 14. A 12 will slightly help hole shot but will change the balance of the boat while running on pad. Think of the pad being a fulcrum and the motor being a heavy weight counter balancing the front of the boat. The further away from the pad the motor is the easier to balance out the boat. 14 is a proven set back over the years on the 21 10 hulls.

[muddywaters]

I have a 2016 21 xrd 250 pro xs and I have a 14" bobs hydraulic plate and I am pleased with its performance and how quick it is.

[gehol]

I too have a 14" on my XRS with 300R. I have wondered since the XRS is more bow heavy than the XD and XRD if a 12" might actually be better? Then when you add in the weight increase of hyd jack plate, makes me wonder.

[SUSHII]

Most of the guys who did a good bit of testing found that 16" of setback was the best. My last xrs had 16" and I was very pleased with the performance. The xrs I have now has 14" and I am changing it to 16" to see if it makes a difference in anything.

[WPC3]

Personally I wouldn’t waste my money on a Bob’s I would get a sea star. The Bob’s will hang up under a load the sea Star will not. The bobs will also develop slop over time as the slides begin to wear. I’ve used sea Star for years on multiple boats and currently have a sea star on my 21xd that I’ve used flawlessly since 2015.

[21XDC]

I went from a 12in RapidJack to a 14-15in RapidJack and gained some bow lift, But no speed.... But I did lose a little holeshot. I prefered the 12in.

[djb750]

I went from a 12in RapidJack to a 14-15in RapidJack and gained some bow lift, But no speed.... But I did lose a little holeshot. I prefered the 12in.

Did your 12" drive differently in the 65-75mph range than the 14" ? Is your preference for the 12" just based on hole shot?

thanks

[21XDC]

Did your 12" drive differently in the 65-75mph range than the 14" ? Is your preference for the 12" just based on hole shot?

thanks

It's been so long since I took off the 12 in, I can't remember if it drove any differently. My preference is because I gained nothing going back farther. Lost holeshot, and puts a lot more strain on the transom. Takes more room in my garage. (barely fit with the 12in)