Would you or not install a jack plate

Hey Folks,

I just recently received a jack plate for my ranger Z20. It is a 10 inch set back. MY question to the loyal fans of fishin.com is would you or would you not put it on. Also why? I am not looking for more speed (huh?) but I am a little more interested in getting more bow lift. Ok maybe speed does play a part in it. Right now I am getting 70.6 mph gps'd. Not that I need more speed but like a friend of mine said there is always going to be a faster boat out there than you. I bought the Ranger for ride and saftey not neccasarily speed. Any comments would be appreciated.

thanks,
Marty

[url]www.bassboatcentral.com[/url] or ask on BFHP for answers to your question. Its probably listed on the Ranger Owners section of BassBoatCentral, most guys who have new rigs give their set-up information and GPS readings there. Your speed for that rig is about the same as a friends who owns the same rig. 225 Etec spinning a 26 Raker.

Hope this helps
Don

I would. After installing a 9.4" plate on my 392V, ride and handling improved dramatically. The prop in cleaner water helps it bite when the plate is set up properly. The change to the Center of Floatation of the rig can also lead to improved rough water ride. Agree with the level of info you'll get from the BassBoatCentral folks. Make sure 10" doesn't void any warrantees for the hull your mounting it on.

Hey Dion,

Thansk for th einfo. Thats set up is exactly what I have. I assume your friend did install the jack plate. If he is gettign that speed then I am assuming the jack plate di d nto help with that just the handling and bowlift?

Thansk Again,
Marty

I would check your dealer but I belive that a 10" plate is what they use if you order the boat with a jack plate. I know that on the 520s they use a 6". That is what they put on mine anyway. I can't compare mine since I ordered it with one. But I can say that my boat handles great. I have talked with guys with Z boats that noticed an improvement in handling with a 10" plate.

No expert here but it is possible that you may have to get a different prop to max out your preformance with the new jack plate. That could add a few hundred dollars to you decision. I could be wrong but if the prop is riding higher and further back you may need a higer pitch. I may not know what I'm talking about but to go faster your going to have to up the rpm's or use a higher pitch prop. Maybe different cupping. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I probably am. I hear it takes alot of trial and error to set it up the way you want it but after that it may well be worth your effort. Good luck.