jackplate
jorggy
Posted 5/4/2010 12:52 PM (#439035)
Subject: jackplate




Posts: 19


Location: antigo
I have a 1890 with a 200 opti. Would a jackplate improve the performance of the boat at all? (speed, handling etc..) I don't have a problem with it now but I mite be able to get a good deal on a plate. I just don't want to be wasting my time and money.
VMS
Posted 5/4/2010 1:34 PM (#439047 - in reply to #439035)
Subject: Re: jackplate





Posts: 3480


Location: Elk River, Minnesota
Hiya,

What a jackplate will do is allow you to raise the motor out of the water more, but it also moves the center of gravity of the boat back a little farther, making trimming adjustments easier. With the center of gravity further to the stern, the bow will react more to smaller amounts of trim. You might also find that changing to a higher pitched prop will be in order as well, since you will have less motor in the water (less drag) which will give you more RPMs. You will also find that handling can be increased since the prop blades are running in "cleaner" water so to speak because it may not have as much turbulent water to run through as it did when tight to the transom. So...a little more bite, which helps in cornering is a plus as well.

With the ability to move the motor up, you also may see more overall boat out of the water as well, which means more speed.

If you install a jackplate, one thing you must watch for is water pressure. If you go with the plate, be sure to install a water pressure gauge, because if you get too high and lose water pressure, it will be new engine time.

Before you spend the cash, I would check with your manufacturer to be sure they will still warranty the boat if something goes wrong. Worst thing would be for a transom failure and you are not covered due to the plate.

All in all, in almost every case, putting on a jackplate will only give you gains both in handling and in speed. It will, however, make the rear of the boat "squat" more in the water, so it is not level as might be desired while fishing, so there is a trade off as well.

Steve
jorggy
Posted 5/5/2010 10:28 AM (#439190 - in reply to #439035)
Subject: Re: jackplate




Posts: 19


Location: antigo
Thanks for the reply. I just don't know if the increase in performance the plate would give me is worth the money. I don't want to spend the money and only get a 2 mph increase or something like that. I was hoping someone out there is running a 1890 or even a 2060 with a plate, so they could tell me how much it helped there performance.
sworrall
Posted 5/5/2010 11:55 AM (#439198 - in reply to #439035)
Subject: Re: jackplate





Posts: 32886


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
The 1890 performance will not significantly improve with a plate because of the set-back already designed in to the running bottom. You are pretty much already in the 'clean' water from the running bottom, so making sure your prop matches your engine height is the trick. If a plate is selected to make height adjustments easy, a 4" setback is all you need.
jorggy
Posted 5/5/2010 1:03 PM (#439218 - in reply to #439035)
Subject: Re: jackplate




Posts: 19


Location: antigo
Thanks steve, that is what I wanted to hear. I'll save my money.