Setting up outboard- jack plate or not?

[Fishfighter]

I've recently purchased a Supreme L48XP and I believe i want a Mercury 20 HP prop (same weight as 15 HP, 95lbs). 

Shallow water will inevitably be encountered where i fish. Big question- should i use a lightweight jack plate or not? It would add 20lbs to the transom but im not running an electric start outboard so theres 70 lbs saved considering no battery and starter, etc. 

I think it would allow me to fine tune the prop up as far as possible for shallow water. 

Thoughts?

[snagged in outlet 3]

9 minutes ago, Fishfighter said:

I've recently purchased a Supreme L48XP and I believe i want a Mercury 20 HP prop (same weight as 15 HP, 95lbs). 

Shallow water will inevitably be encountered where i fish. Big question- should i use a lightweight jack plate or not? It would add 20lbs to the transom but im not running an electric start outboard so theres 70 lbs saved considering no battery and starter, etc. 

I think it would allow me to fine tune the prop up as far as possible for shallow water. 

Thoughts?

Jet

[fishinwrench]

Transom height ?

[Fishfighter]

Short transom, actual measurement is 17inches.

[fishinwrench]

Yeah you'll benefit from a jack plate.

[Fishfighter]

As far as jet, ive never been in one of these boats equipped with a jet. Only been in one with a 15hp prop and it operated very shallow. 

Im thinking the weight of a jet would offset any advantage. No?

[snagged in outlet 3]

21 minutes ago, Fishfighter said:

As far as jet, ive never been in one of these boats equipped with a jet. Only been in one with a 15hp prop and it operated very shallow. 

Im thinking the weight of a jet would offset any advantage. No?

Wrench knows more it about than I do. But a jet runs shallower than a prop. 

[fishinwrench]

Supreme's are a pretty heavy boat.  A jet will scoot one but they were originally built/designed as a prop boat. 

[Fishfighter]

So what do you suggest? I could care less about topend or roaring up and down the river. I just want a boat that is strictly a fishing boat, hence the supreme river boat. Thanks.

[fishinwrench]

9 minutes ago, Fishfighter said:

So what do you suggest? I could care less about topend or roaring up and down the river. I just want a boat that is strictly a fishing boat, hence the supreme river boat. Thanks.

Supreme's are awesome.  But if you decide that you specifically want a jet then I'd recommend an aluminum rig.

But then again, if you like a Supreme there's nothing wrong with mounting a jet on it.   It just might be a tad sluggish.

Props are better, if the water is deep enough, because they allow better control overall, and more efficient use of available horsepower.