Jack Plates Setbacks???

[pierce200]

How do you know what size is needed? I was told, for every 2 feet of boat you will need 1 inch of setback. If that is true I have a 18 feet boat and need a 9 inch, that is not made. If that is true , do I coin toss for the 8 inch or 10 inch?

 

[seabob4]

Re: Jack Plates Setbacks???

How do you know what size is needed? I was told, for every 2 feet of boat you will need 1 inch of setback. If that is true I have a 18 feet boat and need a 9 inch, that is not made. If that is true , do I coin toss for the 8 inch or 10 inch?

Jack Plate setback has nothing to do with the length of the boat. They have to do with the ability to mount the engine higher with the plate at full down and still get the prop the clean water it needs, as well as jacking up the motor when in the shallows.

You might want to pose the same question on screamandfly or Florida Sportsman. We use jack plates a ton down here in Florida...

 

[Kobie]

Re: Jack Plates Setbacks???

How do you know what size is needed? I was told, for every 2 feet of boat you will need 1 inch of setback. If that is true I have a 18 feet boat and need a 9 inch, that is not made. If that is true , do I coin toss for the 8 inch or 10 inch?

Don't head to scream and fly just yet, may be able to answer it here (although I will reply to your thread at s&f aswell). Why do you think you need setback? What boat/motor are running and at what speeds. 10in setback is alot depending on what your trying to acheive.

 

[pierce200]

Re: Jack Plates Setbacks???

I have a Ranger with a V-200 with a manual plate (was there when I bought it). And now fishing a tour if I set it up for me and my partner and then go fishing alone one day it is not setup right. I am going to replace it with a Hydro-Jack, I just want to make sure it is right or as right as a guy from AL can get it.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Jack Plates Setbacks???

It's related to mainly hull design. Boats that need help with bow lift generally need more setback. Those with natural bow lift need less. Generally speaking a Ranger can use some help in that department. You have to temper your decision with boat length and engine weight considerations. There will be a point in every set up that another inch back creates handling issues.

On an 18' boat like a Ranger I'd start with 6" setback. You have an advantage in that you have some setback now so you have a basic baseline. There are 2" spacers so you can experiment a little.

Now, you'll have to balance all this with prop design. If you need bow lift you can use setback and bow lifting props. It wouldn't make much sense to use a lot of setback and then offset it with a stern lifting prop.

Walleyehed has been working with a Ranger lately, maybe he'll pop in with some insight. We've done some set up on a 20' Ranger and we used a 6" setback and a Turbo Lightning.

Also tell us more about what you have and your performance.

 

[ddrieck]

Re: Jack Plates Setbacks???

Then there is the fact that you can run your outboard above the pad for more speed due to less water resistance on the lower unit. Once up on plane you can go up until you hit the sweet spot. Since you have different weight setups the hydro jack is your best bet. Just be sure to run a water pressure gauge and depending on how far above pad you are able to run you may need to invest in a low water pickup and a surface prop.

I just helped a guy with a 2008 18' Ranger 188 running a 175hp Optimax and we ended up using a 8'' setback hydraulic plate. His outboard was stock top to bottom and running the original prop. The 8'' setback gave him the best bang for his buck.

Keep in mind that all boats are not created equal. Not even the same make, model, and year. They all have differences in the way the handle and perform. So..its tinkering thing if you want all out performance.

 

[pierce200]

Re: Jack Plates Setbacks???

What I Have.

Is a Ranger 373-V 18' , Merc. V-200 both are in 1980's. I have a Super Jack 6" setback, Manual. The Prop is a quicksilver 48-11078A43 25. When I first got it, at 57 MPH it would chime walk. Replaced steering parts and installed a hot foot and added some trim controls on the steering wheel. Bought a really nice lift jacket and tested the kill switch. raised and lowered the motor a few thousand times. And lots of seat time!!! Now we are at 66MPH at 5400 RPMS, strong head wind rough water. That was the last time I was out. I have the motor 2 inch above where it was set when I got it.
We will not go into wet sanding and polishing, or the gauge replacement, nor the rewiring most of the boat.

You got me at the whole prop thing, some lift the bow ?? Some lift the stern ??
I should have jumped on here long ago THANKS FOR THE HELP.
Or just replying!!!