Jack plate question.

[dblount]

I have a tracker avalanche with a 2004 xr6 150. It is all stock and was looking at getting a jack plate for it. Would this be beneficial for my setup? I was just looking at a manual one. If so what size do I need to be looking for? thanks.

[4Speed]

I am not that familiar with the tracker but I had a hydraulic jack on my Baja with a 150 HP 2.0L Mercury and loved it. It allowed me to try a lot of different props by being able to raise the engine vertically as opposed to using the power trim while under way. When I purchased my STV I opted to go with a manual and that was a big mistake. I was thinking with a STV it would be a set & forget - I was wrong. The boat rides totally different with a 3 blade vs. a 4 blade and its a pain carrying 2 wrenches and making adjustments. If I were you I would look for a hydraulic plate on the S&F board. I gained about 4 MPH on my Baja as I was able to go from a 23p laser II to a 25p tempest at almost the same RPM.

[dblount]

thanks for the info. I would get a hydraulic if I found a good deal on one, but most are out of my price range.

[steve@scp]

a 6" plate would be a good choice for that boat. will help with lift at w.o.t. and the cornering will improve.

[Badbait]

I personally don't think you need anything more than a setback bracket and then only if your not getting enough bow lift. The hydraulic plate adds weight to the transom(40 lbs) and will cause you to loose some of your hole shot. Once you find the sweet spot as far as motor height you will end up just leaving it there and not changing the height. You may be able to accomplish that with a setback bracket if a little more lift is needed. It's a lot less money and less weight. If you are having to run a lot of positive trim to get your best top speed a little more setback may be the answer. If your motor is currently bolted to your transom I would go with no more than 4 more inches of setback. If you find you need more you can buy spacers. The only drawback is your adjustments will be 3/4 of an inch up or down. Good luck

[dblount]

I'm having to us all my trim to get my best speeds and sometimes I feel like I don't have enough trim. I guess that's where the bow lift is coming in to play.

[steve@scp]

6" plate and some slight cupping to the prop and you'll be surprised at how it will run.

[dblount]

Looking at getting a 6" setback or Manual jackplate. as far as prop work goes I don't know where to start. I think it has a 21p tempest on it now.

[steve@scp]

a 21p tempest needs to be worked. the tips lay back on that prop right out of the box.

working the prop for lift and a 6" plate will make a huge difference on your boat.

[dblount]

is there anyone you recomend for me to send it too? I live in NE Arkansas. I don't know if there is anyone close or not.

[hsbob]

do you have a round or a padded bottom. i think its a rounded v. that limits the max speed to around 60. if your close to that dont bother with any changes. you'll never be able to drive thru the chime wlaking at 60mph.