Jack Plate Question

[Knot-a-Bite]

Just bought a new to me bass boat.  This is the first bass boat I have owned that had a Jack Plate.  I understand the principle behind the jack plate, but want to better understand where it should be by set.  It is a hydraulic jack plate is there a certain location (ht) it should be set or is this something that I will just need to experiment with to see what the boat likes?  Any and all advice is welcomed.

[5bites]

Basically just experiment while keeping an eye on water pressure. The most gps speed with good pressure is the ticket. The beauty in a hydraulic is putting the motor deeper in rough water too. I wish I had one. 

[Knot-a-Bite]

5bites - Thanks for the response.  I was thinking it was just going to be some playing around to find the sweet spot

[Kramr]

What 5bites said. Also, be sure to put it down after use so it won't get sticky.

[fishinwrench]

Set it and forget it.   Unless you're into racing.  

The feel of the boat and the way it handles in turns, changes whenever you alter the engine height.  So unless you are into peak performance everyday your best bet is to set it where it feels and responds good.....then pull the fuse on that jackplate.  

[Knot-a-Bite]

kramr and fishinwrench,

Thank you for responses.  I like the idea of set it and forget it.  I was just wanting to make sure there was not a certain setting since I have never had a boat with a jack plate.  Thanks again for the responses.

 

[Kramr]

On 5/15/2019 at 7:38 AM, Knot-a-Bite said:

kramr and fishinwrench,

Thank you for responses.  I like the idea of set it and forget it.  I was just wanting to make sure there was not a certain setting since I have never had a boat with a jack plate.  Thanks again for the responses.

 

Different conditions call for different levels. In calm water I will up it to maximize my speed and efficiency. In choppy water I will put it all the way down to maximize boat control when connecting with each wave. Heck, your boat dynamics will change depending on how much fuel you have or how much water you are carrying in your live well. Why pay more for hydraulic if you are only going to set it and forget it? 😦

[fishinwrench]

52 minutes ago, Kramr said:

Why pay more for hydraulic if you are only going to set it and forget it? 😦

He didn't specifically "buy it", it was on the boat that he bought.  

The ability to adjust motor height on the fly is not necessary unless you wanna win a race.    

Are you a racer or a fisherman?  Who has time to be both?

[Kramr]

☺️

https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/gone-fishin’/3-reasons-you-need-jack-plate-your-fishing-boat