Just put a manual jack plate on my old Whaler, what height should I start it at ?

[bang4dabuck]

It is MANUAL (Rite-Hite 6" setback, 90 HP Evinrude 1968 hull 16'7"). More interested in improving overall performance vs out of the hole shot. What height should the center of prop hub be in relation to keel of boat, at least to start out with ? Continuous Wave board, they must be all out fishing.

 

[ddrieck]

Re: Just put a manual jack plate on my old Whaler, what height should I start it at ?

Start with your anti-cavitation plate even to 1'' above the very bottom of the keel an go up in small increments from there until you cavitate and then drop back down a bit, you have found the sweet spot

 

[bang4dabuck]

Re: Just put a manual jack plate on my old Whaler, what height should I start it at ?

Good answer.

Thanks

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Just put a manual jack plate on my old Whaler, what height should I start it at ?

^^^

 

[alwims]

Re: Just put a manual jack plate on my old Whaler, what height should I start it at ?

Start with your anti-cavitation plate even to 1'' above the very bottom of the keel an go up in small increments from there until you cavitate and then drop back down a bit, you have found the sweet spot

Not meaning to hijack, but can you explan what you mean by, " until you cavitate"? Sorry for the dumb question.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Just put a manual jack plate on my old Whaler, what height should I start it at ?

Cavitation happens when the prop is too close to the surface and sucks air, the engine picks up rpm and you lose thrust till you lower the engine and it is in clean water again.

It is comparable to hydroplaning a car, the tires lose traction and spin without providing forward drive.