See full version: Jack plate for small outboard motors
Engineers at Bob's Machine Shop have developed a product that all boaters can use.
With a maximum engine rating of 40 hp, BMS's hydraulic kicker jack plate provides slow-speed power for cruisers, auxiliary power for sailboats and trolling power for fishermen. Sailboat skippers will appreciate the jackplate's ability to reduce engine drag while under sail.
The kicker jack plate is built with 6061 T-6 aircraft-grade aluminum to ensure high strength with minimal weight. Hydraulic jack plates are useful when it is necessary to get a boat on or off plane in shallow waters. [links]
For economy, powerboaters can fire up their kicker for no-wake zones, slow cruising or when navigating shallow backwaters. And, the jack provides anglers with the option of using just one motor for trolling and main power.
These issues can likely be resolved with one of our fantastic lightweight manual outboard jack plates. Our plates serve to raise the engine of your boat, allowing you to turn higher-pitch props than before. Overall, your engine has the chance to perform better with the addition of a jack plate, according to many boating professionals. We proudly make our manual jack plates in the USA, although they are available for sale worldwide. Our plates are available for a variety of horsepower capacities, so you will be sure to find a product that works for you. For more information about jack plates, check out our FAQ page.
How Do I Find the Best Manual Jack Plate for My Boat? [links]
If your boat has one or more of the following issues, you should consider buying a manual jack plate:
For all your boat equipment, depend on Hodges Marine to offer the best selection, speediest service and, by far, the best prices out there. more
Checkout out our top quality selection of TH Marine Atlas Jackplates. The Atlas revolutionary design meets the demands of today's high performance outboards. The one piece design, featuring the innovative Rod and Slot lifting system, will handle the stresses from the heaviest and most powerful outboards, up to 300 HP or 625 pounds, on the market today. more
Adjusting the jack plate if no one is available to assist requires removing the engine first. Prior to removal, mark the spot on the jack plate at which the engine is currently to act as a guide to where it should be adjusted. Now, remove the engine and complete the same steps as above: loosening the bolts on either side and raising or lowering as needed, then securely re-tightening the bolts. Re-attach the outboard to its new position on the jack plate.
A jack plate is used to raise and lower the outboard engine on a boat to achieve optimum performance. Ideally, your boat engine is positioned with the propeller just under the surface of the water, producing maximum performance. Too high or low and boat propulsion is severely limited. Also, the additional work required of the engine results in shortened engine life. The appropriate height will depend upon the size and weight of the boat. Different conditions (number of people on the boat, for example) may require adjusting the jack plate to accommodate these changes.
Adjust the jack plate, in our out of the water, using the wrench-like apparatus included as part of the adjustable jack plate. Many jack plates are designed for easy adjustment by simply cranking handles on either side of the plate, moving your outboard engine up or down depending on need. more
Ensure the jack plate is rated appropriately for your engine size. Jack plates come in multiple sizes and ratings depending on size of engine and your projected needs. Jack plates are rated based on the horsepower of the engine projected for use. Trying to utilize a jack plate not appropriately rated for your engine can result in unsafe boating.
Manually adjust your jack plate using the slots on either side, which allow for adjustments up and down. If you have access to a friend or other assistant who can help, removing the engine may not even be necessary. While one person supports the engine from directly behind, the other loosens the bolts on either side of the jack plate. Then, raise or lower the engine to its correct height in the jack plate slots and re-tighten the bolts, securing the engine at its new height. more
Use a car or truck jack to move the engine up or down without removing it from the jack plate. Place a board or some other sturdy base below the jack plate. Place the car jack on the base and, using a sturdy length of wood, approximately 2 feet in length, raise the wood on the car jack until it is flush with the bottom of the engine. Now, loosen the bolts on either side of the jack plate, and raise or lower the engine to its new height.