PARALIFT Jack plate

**skiboater** · 09-26-2009, 08:30 PM

Winter project.... Jack plate . Any thoughts or experience with Mercury's PARA-LIFT ?

**Raceman** · 09-26-2009, 09:57 PM

What I don't like about 'em is that the setback varies with transom height. It's not so much in the "zone" where you'd usually make common running adjustments, but in the case of all the way down, like to try and pull a skier with NO fan, to up real high, the setback difference is significant, and the bad thing is, the higher you go the more setback you LOSE.

One advantage of the Paralift is that it's got a TON of travel. You can get that sucker WAY UP for towing.

**Greg G** · 09-27-2009, 05:22 AM

What are your goals with the Paralift versus a standard jackplate?

**skiboater** · 09-27-2009, 07:16 AM

I have no preference. I was told the PARALIFT was lighter. Weight is an issue. Raceman's input on "setback difference is significant" in relationship to pulling up a skier concerns me. I'm open to suggestions.

**Greg G** · 09-27-2009, 09:49 AM

The Mercury Paralift came in two capacities. Which one do you have?

**XstreamVking** · 09-27-2009, 10:01 AM

On the setup for the para lift, put the plate on the motor and run the plate to it's most extended (biggest set back) position. Determine the fast running mount ht. for the motor and bolt the para lift to the boat at that position. As raceman said it has so much adj. you can mount it any where. This way gives the biggest set back when going fast......Just my 2 cts..

**XstreamVking** · 09-27-2009, 10:05 AM

Another thing about para lifts, mount the motor at least 1 hole up, or the hyd. steering cylinder will hit the lift when trimmed up..

**samari** · 09-27-2009, 10:09 AM

I'm no set up expert by ant means but I run one on a vegas with a 200 and like it. The ability to raise it if need be is nice

The jack moves through it's up and down motion in a arc rather than slide up and down like a standard jack.

**XstreamVking** · 09-27-2009, 10:52 AM

The old para lifts were 450# and newer were rated at 500# . 2.5 motors work best. 3.0l motors are a little too much, but will work. I have a 225 opti on my para-lift with no problems..

**skiboater** · 09-27-2009, 12:37 PM

Greg..... I don't have one.

Thanks XstreamVking. A stock Looper weighs in at 450..

Anyone know how to tell a old paralift from a newer one ? and How much does a paralift weigh?

**Greg G** · 09-27-2009, 12:46 PM

There often is a sticker right on the side that indicates the capacity to XstreamVking's point. I am not sure what the last model year for the Paralift was, does anyone know when they stopped making them?

I also believe that the later model 500lb capacity Paralift was actually fabricated from stainless.

**tlwjkw** · 09-27-2009, 01:16 PM

If your lookin' at a used one be sure ta check tha bushings at tha swivel points really well.............t

**Greg G** · 09-28-2009, 09:17 AM

And you also might want to swap out the bolts for Grade 8 replacements on the Paralift.

Has anyone ever actually thrown a Paralift on a scale?

**max200** · 09-28-2009, 02:22 PM

I run one on my xb2002 it works well and I enjoy the extra lift for running in the shallows the only problem I had was if you are cruising in some heavy chop the it would creep up because of the geometry the engine basically is pushing up. the motor lost water pressure a couple of times. probably have to rebuild the cylinder. but I am also able to get the boat in the garage because of it. when full up it brings the motor close to the boat makes it shorter.

**jdutmers** · 05-10-2010, 04:21 PM

Anyone have info on parts? Am in need of motor/hydraulic assmbly

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