jack plate material

[peacekeeper6]

Ok, built a static jack plate out of steel, not SS BUT....its aircraft grade and has a **** ton of rust inhibitor and paint on it, basically qualified to go onto an aircraft (yes i know most of the aircraft is Alum.) now i tried to make it out of alum (aircraft grade) but it didnt seem strong enough. The weight difference is about double with the steel approx. 20-25 Ibs i would say. Would it hurt me to use this material instead of ALUM? cost me $0 money instead of $100 for the alum plate. and it seems pretty strong. i know it might rust if the paint is scratched anywhere and regular maintenance isnt taken. thoughts?

 

[dlngr]

Re: jack plate material

i made one out of plain old steel well over a year ago.No problems with it.
Needed to raise motor about 5 inches-long shaft motor on a short transom.
[35 hp Johnson on a 14' Lund]

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: jack plate material

made out of 3/16 aluminum, and scrap exterior plywood. $50 for aluminum fabricator.

 

[peacekeeper6]

Re: jack plate material

ok, sounds good, i have a larger motor though and ahd to go with thick steel. and i have a 6 inch set back, is this too much or too little?

 

[Esox]

Re: jack plate material

testing is usually the best way to determine the optimal setback. you'll know when you have gone to far back

 

[peacekeeper6]

Re: jack plate material

i see....i hope i didnt go too far back, whatusually happens?

 

[Esox]

Re: jack plate material

Poor handling and reduced performance. I don't have any first hand experience with going to far back (yet) but that is what I was told.