Land and Sea jack plate drifts down, help!

[RotorHead]

Gentlemen, I need some help!

I have an older model Land and Sea jack plate that keeps slipping back down almost as soon as it’s at the set desired position. I believe the electric motor is connected to a worm type gear and the weight of the engine just pushes down and winds the little electric motor back down. There is some ‘wobble’ in the bearing surface that I could not cure with a new Teflon friction bearing, thus there is little to no tension in the guide rails. It’s the type that almost looks like it was extruded from one piece. Quite frankly it does not seem like a very sturdy design for a heavier motor.

My question; Is there a relatively simple/inexpensive, way of installing a type of braking system, or change the existing worm gear type lifting mechanism to perhaps a hydraulic one? Or am I going to have to bite the bullet and buy a whole new Jack plate? Any suggestions on what model would work for a 200 Merc. mounted on a 21’ Scorpion? And if I have to go this route, would there be any value in my old unit for someone with perhaps a lighter motor? I’m also in need of some dual steering cables.

Thanks in advance for your advice or input

[Laker]

I have the Exact same model jack plate and have the Very same problem. Mine will take alittle over an hour to go from full up to full down. The problem is the seals in the valves and cylinder. I had my cylinder resealed and it started doing the same thing within 6 months. For me its not an issue while on the water unless I park the rig on the beach for a while. Then the gear case sinks into the sand. What I did is Drill a hole and Put a locking pin in the plate when I trailer, park at a dock or beach or when ever I dont want the motor sinking.......
I also installed new teflon bearings but I too have a bit of play. Im going to nurse this plate until It totally dies.

[RotorHead]

Wogi, not a bad idea!

The only problem is that I’m out of the country at the moment, as well as being ‘computer/technologically challenged’. If you know what I mean? ( I have no digital camera, and I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to computers ). But anyway, I will be back in the Toronto area in early Jan, 03 and I’d be happy to entertain just upgrading, and sending this one down the road. . …..By the way, forgive my ignorance. What’s a power of tower? ….The set back is roughly 6-7”, I’m guessing. We can discuss it further when I get back if you don’t mind waiting that long. My mobile is 905 751 7057 it’ll be activated on or about the 9th of Jan. The price????….Whatever is fair. ???

Thanks for the suggestion

[RotorHead]

Hay Laker

Thanks for the feedback. I also had thoughts of nursing this one along for another season or so, but perhaps wogis suggestion is the way to go….We’ll see.

Good luck.

PS, Do you have, and know how to post pics of your rig? Luv to see other peoples equipment, I'm a long way from home, and it keeps me sane.:)

[Laker]

If you go to the the main Scream and fly page and find the link to the RUMBLE ON THE RIVER their is 20+ pics of my ventrua V4 combo their. If you want any specific pictures let me know!

[Hydrovector]

I have one on my Euro. I bought it of someone here and it did the same thing, but it 's a hydraulic unit. I replaced the o-rings in it and it's worked fine now for 3 years. One of the o-ring is hard to find. I had to sand it down to make fit. I bought all the o-ring at the local hardware store for less than 2 bucks.

[crazy horse]

All L&S jack plates are hydraulic as far as I know.

[Jimbob]

The o-ring in question is a 004 size and can be had at most hydraulic supply houses. I paid a whole 15cents for them at Purvis. You'll have to make your own gasket for the pumps halves when you tear it apart. It takes a thick material, but is available at most auto parts stores. There is another gasket in the valve body that you should replace at the same time, sorry I can't remember the size though. If you have any questions about rebuilding the pump there is an old thread about them somewhere, or start another. I'm somewhat experienced at rebuilding them(though not a pleasant one), it took me 4 attempts to get mine right.:rolleyes:
Good luck, it's worth the effort.

[TUFFboat]

Since you have a scorpion, you must be in Canada. Sell the L+S jack to the tower of power ( in-line 6 merc ). The loose wobbly mount is the big problem for you. My friends scorpion has your set-up and your problems. I have a used CMC that came off a scorpion available or buy the new one you thought about.

[TUFFboat]

Ofcourse you could be the same friend couldn't you Ted. I have to crawl under your boat this week, check the lines, you know.

[RotorHead]

Thanks for all the input Guys, everyone seems to have a hydraulic unit. I must have some old odd ball and that’s why the guy unloaded it on me. Oh well buyer be ware huh? Anyway, I appreciate you guys taking the time to offer suggestions. Especially the specifics such as 0-ring sizes and everything.


Hi Mark.

I was wondering how long before you realized it was me. You weren’t actually mislead in your first response by my clever new ‘handle’ and all. I dropped all kinds of obvious clues. Anyway, I’ve sent you a couple of e-mails and no response, so I thought I’d try and get your attention on a sight I knew you’d spend time at rather than writing to old friends. Harrr…

Are you really going up to the cottage to crawl around under the boat? ‘Cause if you are, have a look at that old jack plate and see if you recognize that motor and lifting mechanism. I’d hate to look like real dough head in front of everyone here and it really is a hydraulic unit. I’m going on the word of the electric motor ‘rewind’ guy who had it apart. You know.

By the way you are right I should just sell the thing and by a new one. Or! There is the other option of just leaving the thing the way it is fix it to a workable condition and sell the whole thing, or part the whole thing out. Boat, motor and plate. The works. Like we discussed and then buy the first production one off of you. Or, ooops, is that a secret? Are we allowed to talk about that? OK, OK, or, I’ll by the Black one and rig it new. 300xp and all. What do you think?

Ciao

[TUFFboat]

You mean PM 300x.

[Steve Austin]

I had this same problem too. I first called L&S and they told me I need a seal kit ($165.00).... yeah right. Later I took the pump apart to see if a seal kit would fix it. The inside bore of the hydraulic ram was scored badly on one side. A seal kit alone would not have done the trick. I would have to hone the bore to get it smooth again. Then it might or might not work. On my boat once I find the sweet spot I will not move it much anyway so I decided to modify the jack plate and turn it into a manually adjustable . I used a piece of all-thread and aluminum blocks attacked to each side of the plate. it turned out really nice and with last me forever. Most important ... IT DOES NOT MOVE NOW ! Just so you will know my plate was a 1994 model.
let me know if you want to see pictures of the modification.

[TUFFboat]

Hey Ted, I checked your boat while you were away, Crazy Horse is right, it is hydraulic, not a worm gear.
I don't like those units anyway, they lift off center, which would be OK if the tolerances were tight but there not. And the short length of the whole thing makes it put all the HP through about 6 inchs of overlap when its all the way up.
Get new.

[RotorHead]

Hay Steve, any relation to the $6,000,000 dollar man? Harrr..

Sorry I could not resist. You must have gotten that all through high school. Anyway, kind of you to post your solution. I sure would like to see pictures of what you came up with, and I'm always keen on seeing other peoples rides, so yeah send some pictures.

I'm begining to think I'm going to have egg on my face (again) if mine turns out to be a hydraulic one as well. My buddy is going up to crawl around under the boat anyway, so maybe he can tell what that thing is. He has forgotten more about boats than I'll ever know. (by the way Mark, yeah I did mean PM 300, doughhhh...)

Ciao for now.

[RotorHead]

Holly Jumpin'!!!! Mark.

Were on here at the same time on opposite sides of the planet. YOu posted the reply 3 minute before I did. How embarrasing in front of all these people. Gotta go flyin'
Talk at ya' later

[Steve Austin]

hahahaha....naw, just a big SMDM fan. I also noticed that the pump was offset to one side. Seems like the wrong place to put it to me. Puts the whole plate in a bind and makes it wear out faster. If I was going to fix the pump I would redrill the plate and move it to the center.

[Steve Austin]

If you decide on this mod will be happy to give more details and pics.

[pyro]

I guess I've had a little better luck with my Land & Sea jackplate, it was dealer installed in 1989, and still works fine with no drift. After winter storage , it's still right where I left it.

The only problem with mine is that the nylon slide inserts are broken and need replacing (maybe that's why it doesn't drift.)
I use the plate a LOT, and it has always worked OK.

[BarryStrawn]

Also had good luck with one I bought in the mid 80's. This summer it started to leak down but the slides are still nice and tight. One thing I always do is store it with the slides in full match. I don't know if that has made any difference but it seemed a good way to keep the bearing inserts clean and in shape.

I remember the old literature said the lift ram was offset to match the torque loading on the plate under power. Could be or maybe it is just to provide room for the pump and ram inside the plate.

[Steve Austin]

doesn't make room for the pump or ram but the sending unit for the gauge is over on the other side. I was gonna put the pump assembly in the center and move the sending unit somewhere else. I still might one of these days but I bet I wont mess with it anymore.

[RotorHead]

Hay Steve, nice photo. Thanks for posting it.

Good to hear that there are some of you out there that are having good luck with yours. It’s quite likely that the previous owner of mine beat the hell out of it and it didn't see much maintenance, it sure hasn’t since I’ve owned it.

So here’s where I stand with the whole thing now. ….

I’ve been talking to TUFFboat and its quite likely that we’re going to part this boat apart. He wants the hull, which leaves an /87 , 200hp (oil injected) Merc., the jack plate, and some odds and ends from the thing. TUFFboat also has a bunch of stuff from two other boats……Mark, what do you think ? If you could borrow a digital camera, we could have a heck of a garage sale from the bunch of boats that we’ve accumulated. You probably don’t want to keep that 150 Merc. and that other jack plate and stuff off the black boat. What do you think we could scrounge together some money to build one new one, with totally new components. The only problem is that the burden would be on you until I got home to part my boat apart. That is if you need the hull before I get there. I’ll write more on the e-mail.

Anyway, if there is any interest in a bunch of stuff out there, let us know. There is at least two engines, two jack plates and a bunch of props and odds and ends. If this thing gains momentum we’ll do our best to get photos of the suff and probably start a new thread. But in the mean time if there is any preliminary interest, I’d appreciate hearing about it.

Thankx in advance

[DonChicho]

Waohhh, I'll be very glad to receive a Pics How to modify those L&S Hydraulic Jacks.to Manual Ones. Until know i have in my Garage 3ea. Yes,3ea. of those Hydraulic Model 600 Jacks. and the Hydraulic System of all ones has failure. DON

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