Jackplates?

[1Step]

Has anyone put one on an 18 or a 20 for that matter?
I'm toying with an idea for a livewell (the under the leaning post idea didn't appeal to me that much) and if the motor was 6-8" set back I think I can get it to work.
Will the plate help/hurt the performance of the 18?

[Snookerd]

A jackplate on an 18 or 20 would work fine. It has been done before. Should pick up a bit more speed.

[follybob]

I also have an 18 and have though about this often. If you do it, please let us know how it turns out. Seems like moving 400 lbs 8" to the rear could make the boat into a lowrider at the stern.

[1Step]

Bob, that's some of my concern although the Johnson 115 I have on it only weight 350#.
Will moving the engine back that little really affect it that much?
I am probably going to go with the 6" at the most as I think that will give the clearance I want and will hopefully minimize any squatting.

[Snookerd]

Forum member TheTowBoat had a 20SF w/ a jackplate holding a 475 lb Suzuki 175 off it and he did not have a problem.......Do a search on his posts from over 2 yrs ago.

[1Step]

Snook, I found his post(s) and it looked like he had a 10" with that 175 and only had minimal squatting .
Bob's makes a 5" & 8" in the model I can afford but don't know if 8" will be too much.
Any recommendations?

[Snookerd]

I would stay with the smaller one for less squat as you had mentioned in your prior post.

[1Step]

Thanks.

[Callipygian]

I bought a 78 20' MA this winter that has a CMC Power Lift Jackplate with a 175 Suzuki. Just finished rewiring the helm so hope to splash some time next week. Will know more then. I don't thing it puts the engine any more than 3 - 4 " off the transom.

[follybob]

Has anyone ever used a 6" setback jack plate with mechanical steering? Would I need to change to hydraulic steering on my 18'?