Hydraulic Jack Plate Installation

[Mr.Peabody]

I have a 2002 21' "Carolina Skiff" with a 2002 "Suzuki" 115 hp. 4 stroke. I would like to get a hydraulic jack plate on it to get more utility over shallow water. The dealer wants $1300.00 for plate & installation and $100.00 more if steering cable is not long enough. I could could save $600.00 by installing myself, but never installed one. Has anyone out there installed one themselves? or should I follow the old adage, "don't try this at home" advice? I am pretty mechanical and have a chain hoist for motor.

 

[richg99]

Re: Hydraulic Jack Plate Installation

Hmmmm ...I just bought a new ( only 50 hp ) Yamaha with jack plate. Installation for both motor AND jackplate, including new console controls, etc. was only $300.00!!!! Seems either my guys (Northshore Marine, Houston, TX )are just too good, or you better shop around. RichG

 

[Bondo]

Re: Hydraulic Jack Plate Installation

Skiff Man,<br />Go For It...!!!!!<br />The Main Concern will be getting the J-plate Square,+ in-line with the Keel.......<br />After that it's just hooking things back up.......<br />We'll All be here to talk ya thru it.....<br />It'll be a Major Improvement... <br />Not Only for Skinny Water running,<br />But General Boat Handling.......

 

[Mr.Peabody]

Re: Hydraulic Jack Plate Installation

Thanks guys, now dealer says if I install the jack plate it would void the warranty. I will check with Suzuki directly since I have 5 1/2 yrs. left on warranty. I'll let you know.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Hydraulic Jack Plate Installation

Sounds to Me,<br />Your Dealer is Blowing Smoke Up Your Butt.......

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Hydraulic Jack Plate Installation

Do we see a new dealer in your future?<br /><br />Around here we very rarely see a skiff without a hydraulic jackplate. Installation is easy. It bolts up using the same holes already drilled for the motor. A no brainer. If it doesnt use the existing holes you need another brand plate. <br /><br />The top of the line hydraulic plates list for 600.00 to 700.00. Just make sure you have enough slack in the steering cable, 6" - 10" or whatever the set back is. And dont forget the clearance up and down.<br /><br />Now all this is assuming that you are talking about a jackplate and not a Paralift or "sissor" jack.<br /><br />Nobody is going to warranty a motor that burned up because it was run without water. Jackplate or not. Thats why a water pressure gauge is a must. And make sure your alarms are working.<br /><br />I love mine! Good luck!