206 prop to pad

[Jabad]

Have a new to me 2004 206 with a Merc 250 4 stroke. It has a hydraulic jackplate which is something I’ve never had before, only manual. This is a 10 inch Bobs.
For those who use hydraulic plates, do you have better success dropping and raising during a period of use or just finding a good prop-to-pad and leaving it there unless conditions warrant ( rough or shallow water, etc) ?
Thanks

[harrys]

i have the same boat with a merc 250 2 stroke, i have a 25p bravo on mine. i don't do a lot of adjustment during my runs, i have run mine in the 4" setting for years but never was happy with my heavy load hole shot in questioning the BBC group many suggested raising it to full up , i played with that this past season seemed to help.

[Jabad]

Full up to start, then drop, then trim?

[ChanceHuiet]

Full height and drop when bow breaks over

[MMosher]

Burry the plate. Once you get on pad make a long straight run. Slowly start to bump the plate up until you find the best height for lift/speed/water pressure. Then leave it alone. If you go to high you'll feel the steering get tight, bump it down until it loosens up, that's normally your sweet spot.

[Lea]

I'm not sure I understand the logic behind the recommendation to put plate full up when taking off. I lower mine to get the best bite.

Read MMosher's post. Matt has had years of experience with our Champs.

[ChampioNman]

Yep drop it all the way down and then start bringing it up and trim out.

[kris_tx]

Raising the plate gets the prop to vent more on takeoff,
especially with a prop like a bravo xs.

[BassinB]

My 203 will come out of the hole 3-4 seconds faster and a little shallower if I take off with the plate all the way up and lower it as the boat breaks over. Also helps if I am loaded really heavy with a full gas tanks and livewells.