The Benefits of Hydraulic Jack Plates
When looking at the appropriate mounting height of an outboard engine, we realize that it’s difficult to achieve the maximum speed at the top end and quick holeshot at lower rpm. The solution to this problem could be a hydraulic Jack Plate that lets us adjust the vertical position of our engine with the push of a button, even when the boat is on plane.
By using the jack plate, we can easily find the appropriate height of our engine for all-around use by measuring the performance of our boat in every lift position separately. We do not need to go back to the shop each time to raise or lower the engine with a portable lift.
Without the jack plate, we are forced to weigh our needs and get an average performance of the combination engine-propeller-boat. With it, we can get closer to the maximum performance of our boat in all circumstances without compromise.
Best of All Worlds
When we want to get on plane quickly or need more thrust at lower rpm, we lower the plate to position the propeller deeper in the water. When we want to run at higher speeds with less wetted surface, which means less resistance, we can raise the engine higher. There’s less gearcase in the water, which reduces drag and should result in the engine consuming less fuel.
The advantages of the jack plate go beyond quicker holeshots and higher top speeds. By submerging the lower unit deeper in the water, we can increase boat performance when we are overloaded or when facing rough weather. We can achieve higher trim angles that let us lift the bow higher when conditions require.
A jack plate also lets us get optimum performance from a wider variety of propellers. Some may perform better when they are submerged more while others when run better when partially surfacing.
For example, let's suppose that we find the perfect mounting height for a certain three-blade propeller. What happens when we want to try another three-blade prop with a greater rake angle or a four-blade that’s designed to run higher? It’s pointless to compare the new propeller at the same mounting height as the first propeller.
If we have the hydraulic jack plate, we can raise the engine and accurately experience the boat’s behavior and performance with the new propeller. The use of the jack plate lets us move into shallower waters and raise the engine so it’s fully out of the water when our boat is docked at a marina. This helps extend engine life because it’s out of salt water.
Sometimes our boat's center of gravity is shifted farther aft or ahead depending on loads or on which of the two fuel tanks is filled. Even in this case, the jack plate helps us correct the negative effects of changing the center of gravity.
It’s obvious that with the use of a hydraulic jack plate, we can get closer to maximum performance every time we experiment with the accessory and learn how to use it properly.