Help, Jack Plate

[Prattville]

I am considering a "Jack Plate" on my 2008 Sea Chaser 250LX. NOt so much for a speed increase as much as a alterantive for fuel economy increase. Is it worth the money? Should I go Hydrualic or Manual? I am running a 225 Evinrude. I am new to "Jack Plates" and would hate to waste money, for a very little increase. Don't get me wrong, a speed increase would be nice but not that much of a determining factor. I find that 56 mph on a 25 ft boat is realy good, personally. What brand should I chose if I do? Also what size? Is the boat capable of even holding one? Thank you in advance for everyone's help!

 

[zopperman]

Re: Help, Jack Plate

Welcome to iboats!

Well, it depends how your motor sits on your boat. Can you post a pic of the back of your rig? This is the proper configuration for an OB: http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/engineMountingHeight.html

I'd go for the manual... just for the cost difference...

http://www.iboats.com/Outboard-Jack-Plates-Mounting-Brackets/dm/view_id.217144

 

[Prattville]

Re: Help, Jack Plate

Currently my boat is getting the new engine installed. I had a Mercury Verdado 300 (Supercharged model). I have never been sold on 4 strokes. Besides the fact the fuel economy is better, the wieght just doesn't seem worth the risk. Nor the hassle of the price of oil changes. All my other boats have had 2 strokes; so I decided to go with a proven method, that I know works. Everyone has tried to convince me that a "Jack Plate" is the way to go, but they are all running Bass Boats. I don't fish fresh water, it is all Salt Water. So it is just a option I am considering before the engine is mounted.

 

[zopperman]

Re: Help, Jack Plate

Just editied my previous post to include a link.. look at the PIC, if it doesn't work like that then you need a jackplate

 

[Prattville]

Re: Help, Jack Plate

I do know that the current engine is mounted where the Anti-vent plate is located is even with the drain plug of my boat. I am not sure if that helps any. I am little bit of a noob, when it comes to determining what is what.... I knwo how to operate the boat and fish with the best of them, but other then that... I am lost. That is why I am seeking advice, lol.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Help, Jack Plate

I do know that the current engine is mounted where the Anti-vent plate is located is even with the drain plug of my boat.

That sounds like proper mounting height to me.

 

[zopperman]

Re: Help, Jack Plate

That sounds like proper mounting height to me.

Yep, I agree. Doesn't sound like you need a jackplate at all..

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Help, Jack Plate

I doub't you will improve on 56MPH on a 25 footer. Jackplate doesn't by itself increase MPG. I would skip it