Choosing what size jackplate??

[ringstad]

I'm setting up a boat that has never been powered and believe that I need a jackplate for it to run right. I've been told that it could use a 12" jackplate. I believe the transom to be about 14 degrees. Does anyone know exactly how to choose what size and angle jackplate a boat needs? This is a pic of the transom area.

[Ted Stryker]

Many things will decide this... To cut through a lengthy speech riddled with confusion try to answer a few questions:

-length of boat
-weight of hull
-type and horsepower of engine
-intended usage of boat

Nothing can replace on the water testing, but We'll try to get You in the ballpark to maybe save You some time, money and lots of expletives... Let's hear it...

[ringstad]

- 21 1/2' with the swim step
- 20' without
- Do not know hull wieght
- Mercury 200hp
- Recreation

I sure appreciate the advice. I could run down and weigh the boat and trailer if needed but I dont think the boats ever been off the trailer.

[Ted Stryker]

It sounds like a purpose Ski Hull given that it has a swim step... You could probabaly use anything that would give You an adjustable height and see good benefits... The hull I will loosely estimate to be well over 1,200 lbs. and probabaly doesnt have a flat pad so top-end isn't gonna be it's strong suit so i would'nt spend alot of money trying to push that agenda but rather concentrate on what it was built for... You could probabaly go anywhere from an 8" setback to 12" and have some performance enhancements without too much trouble... There are generally some nice jackplates in that range on here for sale... Hydrodamics/RapidJack makes or can make anything that You may need regarding the angle that You may require unless You'd prefer a hydraulic jackplate... I think there are some Hydrodynamic plate in the 9"-14" range for sale currently..

[ringstad]

The actual hull itself is an avenger hull and someone got ahold of the mold and created these boats. Its called a Vector Waveline. Anyways... what about the angle aspect of a jackplate. I was looking at a Hydrodynamic jackplate that came off a 99 Bullet and I wasnt sure it would work due to the different angles. Thoughts??

[HStream1]

Ted asked the right questions. Before I insert foot I'd like to see some pictures of the rest of the boat I.E. Hull design sides, inside and front. It looks from the rear, that it has a "o" so slight pad about 18" to 24" wide x 1/2" with no pocket, but I don't know how long the pad runs to the front. That pad design should make it stable and chine shouldn't be all that bad (just guessing) without better picture(s). With a foot and a half of fiberglass hanging out on both sides behind the transom to much set back could hurt you. But then again where you place the fuel cell, battery, how bow heavy is the boat etc all plays a deciding factor on that. I seriousely don't think this is a hull designed for very high speed. Again more pictures would help.

Just IMO rig the boat completely like you want W/O engine set it in the water (DRAIN PLUG IN), take some pictures and post them. How it sits in the water will get you some very positive feedback with good results.

BTW who manufactured the boat? Not knowing how it's constructed (core etc) again just guessing based on your discription it could weigh between 1000 and 1200 lbs as it sits.

Good Luck, Happy and safe Fourth!!!

[ringstad]

Added pics. See above post. Thanks for your help. I will dunk it in the water and post some pics of that later.

[HStream1]

Nice looking boat and sleek design. Ted nailed it :thumbsup:. It's a two boat. As far as the angle in relation to jack plate your trim will compensate for that. If not there are always wedges. But I don't think you'll need any.

Look forward to seeing it rigged and setting in the water. :cheers:

[ringstad]

What exactly do you mean by "IMO rig the boat"?

[HStream1]

IMO "In My Openion" Rig the boat. Rig to me means install everything temporarly to see how it floats. If adjustments are needed you can make changes as required. It will set differently in the water once everything is set in place. Fuel Tank, battery etc. After your adjustments are made. Secure everything permantely. Figure at least 8 lbs per gallon of fuel.

Just set everything in there like you think you want it. Include seats also.

[BUSHWACKER]

Look where the axels are :eek: look kinda far forward? With a motor and other items on it I think it will be real tail heavy! My 17' Vector towed fine till I put a V6 on it, then found out it's on a trailer designed for a 15' boat! :mad:

[Charger200]

The transom almost looks like its designed for I/O , the trailer backs this up a lil too being that the axles are further forward like a I/O would have.

Has this boat been stored outside without a cover? looks like some water stains inside the boat at the back? even though there are no holes drilled in the transom it might be worth getting it looked at to make sure it aint soaked.

a good 10'' plate should get you rolling. there is no setback designed into the hull which again makes it seem like an I/O hull.

if this hull was designed for I/O you will find out very quick as you will see alot or cracking from the leverage of an OB on a jack plate hanging of a transom.

jay

[ringstad]

Actually got ahold of a couple people that have owned this kind of boat and they've all been setup with outboards. Talked to one guy that bought two of them directly from the boat builder. Its definitely taken some time to learn about this thing. Anyways, decided to go with a 12" HD jackplate.