Jack Plates: Advice Needed

[Badbagger]

Getting the SeaArk prep finished up and she's headed to Sarasota next week for Linex and paint. When I'm done there, time to hang the Etec 115. Now the debate;
jack plates. I'll have 4 batteries and an external oil tank so room is pretty much gone but I contacted Bob's and they have a new jack plate with an internal hydraulic pump so that solves that issue. Now the question, of how much value are jack plates running around the Big Bend? Last season was the first time we've ventured out and ran around the light house a good bit and nothing to shallow so I can't determine much from that.

With that said, this year we'll be moving around a bit more and would like some input. So tell me your thoughts on jack plates if you would. Would you buy another or ? They're sure not cheap but something I'd consider and if I'm going to do it, now is the time to make the move.

Thanks

[FUTCHCAIRO]

WOULDNT BE WITHOUT ONE.
PA
SEMPER FI

[charlie tuna]

This is my set up on a 90 HP Honda -- SeaArk Tunnel hull

[mpa_72001]

Fishing shallow u want it.

[Logan]

Never had one before this boat. Love it.

[mountain man]

If you want to go any time and stay late gotta have one. I fish mainly out of Spring Warrior and without one I would have to come in sooner.
I have a 22 Pathfinder and have made it in on a neg tide. That would not have happened without jackplate.

[Badbagger]

Thanks and should mention boat is NOT a tunnel hull but the folks at Bob's told me it would still benefit the boat.

[tin can]

If you're intending to fish skinny water a jack plate is very helpful. If you're idling in shallow water you can raise the jack plate and not have to tilt the motor as much, or not at all. Much better boat control. Under power, every boat has a "sweet spot" setup. The jack plate will allow you to raise and lower the motor under power, and find that spot. I'll also add that, if you install a jack plate, the right prop is as important as the jack plate. Give the folks at PowerTech a call. They can fix you up with a prop for your boat and setup.

After owning several boats with a jack plate I'll tell you that a water pressure gauge is a must. I wouldn't run a jack plate without one.

[SHOWBOAT]

Tin Can's comments are right on point as usual. I run a JP on a boat without a tunnel and it took me a while to find the prop with the right amount of bite. Detwiller's have internal pumps as well. Talk to the guys at Parkway.

[ced0412]

Depends on the boat really.

Had one on my previous boat which had no deadrise at the transom (flat bottom) and really needed it on that boat to idle in shallow water.

Don't have one on my current boat, it has sponsons in the back and can idle in with the motor trimmed up in as much water as my previous when it was jacked all the way up.

Like they mentioned, a 4 blade prop is going to be needed to run with the plate up most likely to prevent it from blowing out.

[Badbagger]

Thanks much. Engine is a new 115 Etec still in the box. I'll have to play with the prop but I'm starting with a Rogue 4 blade stainless which based on research should put me in the ball park at least.

[LJR]

i have ran a atlas jackplate for three years now and wouldn't even consider buying another bobs all you need to do is hook it to the battery

[JIm Smith]

Jack Plates are good! I agree that that a water pressure gauge is a for sure need. Personaly I run one no matter , jack plate or not.

[Badbagger]

After a lot of reading, I'm leaning towards the Bob's Hydraulic unit with a 6" set back. I've read a good bit on the Atlas as well but still favor Bob's. They're producing a jack plate - Action Jack with the pump built directly into the plate. While my space is at a premium in the stern, I'm not so sure about having the hydraulic pump so close to salt water.

With the unit with the separate pump, my concern is the size of the pump. The boat has 4 batteries and an external oil tank for the Etec. I'll place the starting battery, two trolling motor batteries and house battery in the stern and that won't leave me much if any sizeable space.
The external oil tank for the engine will have to be mounted under the console and no big deal. Now for the pump, not having seen the Bob's hydraulic pumps I am wondering if it would fit into say a Group 27 or Group 31 battery box? I'd place the pump under the console and out of the way and far away from water and dry.

These are just my initial thoughts and looking for any thoughts and suggestions.

Much appreciated as usual.

BB

[Rhettley]

That's a LOT of weight in the stern! Is it possible to put the trolling motor batteries under the console or up front somewhere to balance the weight out? If you put them up front get a battery designed for the pounding.