Let's talk jack plates!

[FlyPelican]

I was on the fence about buying a new boat this spring... I've instead decided to pour a little bit of money in to my boat and make some much needed improvements. New trolling motor, electronics, and an overhaul on the wiring. While I'm at it, I'd like to add a hydraulic jack plate.

I run a 20 ft boat with a Yamaha 150 four stroke. What are the best brands of jack plates I should be researching? What's the amount of vertical travel I should consider?

Thanks in advance!

- FlyPelican

[rdb]

Bobs jack plate 6"

[kenny]

I say CMC. I've had mine for 14 years and use it at least 3-4 days a week. It has a integral pump unlike Bob's which is in the boat somewhere.

http://www.wholesalemarine.com/th-marine-cmc-hydraulic-power-lift-transom-jack-5-1-2-set-back.html?gclid=CJiotrnLyskCFQiKaQodstMPSw

[Robalo]

Call Bryan Evans.

[ROGUECUSTOMRODS]

I have a 6in flat jac by bobs. The pump is nice that you can put it out of the elements. Salt is hungry and doesnt matter what its made out of unless its 316ss. To me it is on the sloooooow side. I have an old style cmc 6in like kenny on my other boat with the motor mounted on the plate. It seems to be a little faster but ive had corrosion problems with it and had to replace the pump. I would do some research on atlas,bobs, and cmc. Look at travel times and can you buy replacements parts or do you just have to replace. Any plate is better than none. Hope this helps

[TroutSupport]

What type or make of boat and does it have a tunnel. ...

and either way... the bobs is nice. I bought an older one used and it's great on the whaler.

[FlyPelican]

It's a 2008 Key West Bay Reef 196...no tunnel. Bought it from a widow about 2 years and it had 32 hrs on the motor.

[Big Will]

Teleflex makes one now and I have one on a 20' aluminum without a tunnel. It has the turn signal lever type control on it and so far I love it. Had a CMC on my last boat and it was about 15 yrs old and still working good.