Best Jack Plates For Outboard Motors

Category: jack plate 👁 1115 👍 46 ★★★★☆4.4

Well, it's the same answer I'd give to someone asking, “Does my boat need an outboard motor?”

If you don't have one, your boat is going to be pretty inefficient compared to how it could be.

Simply put: a jack plate significantly improves the performance of your outboard motor by creating space between the engine and the transom.

You see, when a jack plate is lowered and the engine is moved away from the transom, the planning pivot point changes to increase the length of the hull, which, in turn, gives leverage to lift the bow.

Not only that, you also give the propeller some distance from the turbulence around the hull, so it's able to get a much better bite.

These are the two main advantages of using a jack plate. They're where the improved efficiency comes from.

In no way, who makes the best jack plate?

Alternative Top Pick: T-H Marine Atlas Series The #1 best-selling hydraulic jack plate on the market. It's even factory installed by more boat manufacturers than any other plate on the market.

So anyway, how much difference does a jack plate make? A correctly adjusted jack plate may (MAY) result in a 5% performance increase, but usually somewhat less than that, so if your rig is already doing 50 mph you may see 52 on a good day. A jack's real benefit is seen in terms of years.

Apart from that, what does a jack plate do for your boat?

Jack plates perform two key functions. One is setback, which distances an outboard from the boat's transom, allowing the propeller to run in less-turbulent water. Jack plates also move an outboard up and down to optimize performance and enable a boat to venture into shallower water than it might otherwise.

Who makes Atlas plates?

T-H Marine

BESTSELLER NO. 1 in 2023

T-H Marine JPZ-6-DP Z-Lock Manual Jack Plate - 6"

Design eliminates side slippage
Made of strong aircraft grade aluminum a full 1/2" thick for strength
Handles all V6 outboards up to 300 HP
Allows 5" of vertical adjustment
Available in 4", 6", 8", 10" and 12" setbacks

BESTSELLER NO. 2 in 2023

Mini-Jacker SM ENG. Jack Plate

MARINE LIFE

BESTSELLER NO. 3 in 2023

T-H Marine JP-4FA-DP Hi-Jacker Fixed Jack Plate - 4"

Inexpensive Short Transom Fix
Solid Aluminum Extrusion
3-Engine Mount Holes - 2 Transom Holes
Total Vertical of 5.5" with 4" Setback
Maximum HP - 150

BESTSELLER NO. 4 in 2023

T-H Marine - 3002.1023 65302 CMC PL-65 High Speed Hydraulic Jack Plate

Ideal for fresh and salt water use
No welds or castings to break
The PL-65 is rated for V-6 motors and smaller
5" of vertical travel with 1.5" of adjustment on the motor bracket and 1.5" of adjustment on the transom bracket

BESTSELLER NO. 5 in 2023

T-H Marine - 3001.1005 65012 CMC Manual Jack Plates

One piece design
5" vertical adjustment
Made of 6061 T6 extruded aluminum alloy.Aluminum models rated for up to V6 outboards
Stainless steel fasteners for maximum strength and durability
Centrally located adjustment screw for positive alignment

BESTSELLER NO. 6 in 2023

5.5-Inch Set Back CMC Manual Power-Lift Transom Jack Plate 65012

One piece design
5 1/2" Set Back from Transom
5" Vertical Adjustment
Stainless steel fasteners for maximum strength and durability

BESTSELLER NO. 7 in 2023

Bob's Machine 100-106010 Action Series Jac Plate-6", 300 HP Max

Large powerful motor can lift heavy outboards under full power in six seconds - Provides 7. 5" (19cm) of lift
One-piece design with internally mounted pump
Includes wiring harness, control switch, automotive grease fittings, and adjustable tension rods
Setback: 6" (15cm)
Plate Weight: 52 lbs. (23 kg)

BESTSELLER NO. 8 in 2023

KUAFU 4'' Set Back Jack Plate Manual Power Lift Transom Outboard Boat Motor

Jack plates are the perfect solution for long shaft engines with a short shaft transom.
With a convenient one piece design made of aluminum alloy and stainless steel fasteners for maximum corrosion resistance and durable.
Adjusts easily by turning one steel bolt, offers 4 inches of adjustable vertical movement. Quick installation,easy slip-on. Replace your original damaged or rusted one.
Here are the pre-drilled hole dimensions listed below in inches: Pre-drilled holes for 1/2'' stainless hardware; 12 7/8'' across the top two holes from center to center; 9 7/8'' across the bottom two holes from center to center; 8'' of vertical distance between the top holes and bottom mounting holes
Material: Aluminum; Package Size: 17.72’’ X 16.54’’ X5.12’’. Weight: 19.67kg; 4 inches of setback; 225 Maximum Horsepower. Instructions is included.

BESTSELLER NO. 9 in 2023

T-H Marine AHJ-6V-DP Hydraulic Jack Plate - 6" Setback

Self-contained hydraulic pump system, no reservoir or lines to install
Fast! Bottom to top in less than eight seconds
Rod and slot lifting design, trouble free lifting action
High-tech engineered polymer rods, six times more abrasion resistant then steel
Rods made from self-lubricating material

BESTSELLER NO. 10 in 2023

Bob's Machine Shop Action Series Jack Plate 8 inch Setback

Pump inside jack plate
Large powerful motor that can lift heavy outboards under full power
Lifetime warranty on structure
Automotive grease nipples for easy lubrication
Made in USA, in our own factory in Tampa, Florida

8 More Questions Answered

Where should my outboard sit in the water?

A boat rigger's rule of thumb is that the motor can be raised one inch for each eight to 10 inches of distance between the transom and prop. As the prop moves further aft, it's also likely to be in cleaner, “harder” water, and be more efficient.

What RPM should I run my outboard?

The full-throttle limit for modern marine gasoline motors ranges from 4800 to 6000 rpm. (By comparison, your car's engine probably turns less than 2500 rpm at freeway speeds.) Most mechanics and engineers suggest the best cruising speeds are achieved at 3400 and 3800 rpm respectively.

How can I add horsepower to my outboard motor?

How to Increase the Performance of an Outboard Motor

Modifying Your Outboard Engine Can Lessen Reliability. ...

Trimming Your Engine Loses Efficiency. ...

Try Different Props to Maximize Performance. ...

Get Rid of the Roostertail Behind the Boat. ...

Get a Jack Plate for Your Outboard Engine. ...

Get Advice from Other Boaters with Your Same Engine.

Does a jack plate make your boat faster?

Less lower unit in the water means less drag, which means your engine can spin just a hair faster and the boat will move along at a slightly quicker clip. A jack plate allows you to raise an outboard engine up and out of the water as much as possible.

What is Hydraulic setback?

A setback bracket in simple language “pushes” the outboard motor further away from the transom. The benefit of the setback is that it adds weight to the rear of a boat (and increases the overall length) which can help raise the bow.

Do I need a Jackplate?

To get the most out of almost any setup, a jackplate is a must, if for nothing else, to get the engine height dialed in. ... Most have the hydraulic so they can drop the motor for the whole shot and raise the motor for max speed.

How do you make a jack plate for an outboard motor?

What is a splash well on a boat?

On most Boston Whaler boats the motor is not mounted in a well. The motor is mounted to the transom. Surrounding the motor is a splash well. The purpose of a splash well is to act as a well (see definition 5) to collect sea water that has splashed aboard which otherwise would enter the boat's cockpit and deck area.