Jack Plate

[Huntn1]

What are the advantages of having a jack plate on a boat? Running high speeds or low speeds? I bought a 07 Ranger 619 with a 225 HO on it. Are the jack plates worth it?

[Tweak]

I find the jack plate on my triton has increased speed, as well as given me the flexibility of keeping the motor low for getting through the rough stuff, and raising it for speed as well as skinny water. I like it, but be prepared to re-prop if you buy a plate. Some props don't like too lifted.

I have a detwiler plate and it has been awesome. You turn a dial to the position you want and the plate goes there. Some you have to hold the up/down switch until you get it where you want and then stop. I think the knob is easier.

[bloodman]

Didnt do much on my 621 as far as performance. I still wouldnt have a boat without one. Nice to lift motor when launching or putting on trailer instead of hitting the lower on the ramp. Nice on shallow water too. Make sure you get the hydraulic lift.

[Skeeter20]

I added one on my WX2100 and picked up almost 2mph, nice also to lower down in rough water. Buddy added one to his 620 225etec and he gained 3-4mph. He tested like 4 props before he found one that worked well. He couldnt get the 4 blade he had to work cause it would just blow out.

[turtle chain]

I went with a detwiler manual plate on my Triton 192 .I moved it up and down I like the ride in the rough stuff with it down so that is where it stays all the time now.I love the plate and would recommend the detwiler if you want speed then I would get a hydraulic plate.If I had a hydraulic plate I would be adjusting it all the time good luck

[walleye12]

I called ranger yesterday on this same thing. They said it may gain a few mph on top end for a 620 because of the hull but it can have some negative effects and in their opinion it isnt worth thecost unless it is on a bass boat. That was from the performance guy himself. I was going to do it too and with the minimual help i passed.

[Tweak]

As far as mentioning disadvantages, I guess I could see a problem moving the folcrum point too far back. So I can see that putting a heavier motor on a plate could have poor results. But I really doubt there is a negative with a lighter motor like an opti or an etec on a 620 or 619.

I'm not disagreeing with a ranger engineer, i'm just saying there is probably more to this.

[walleye12]

You are right what he was saying they see is the bumpers in the steering get effected ang can become stuck or limit the steering. That is on a short setback. The 6 to 8 inch he said is better but it comes down than to is it worth it. I still think it will help or people wouldnt buy them it is more do you want to spend that cash for what you may get back.

[dakotahunter12]

I have a atlas 6" on a 620 with a 250xs, it is not going to turn it into a different boat but it does make a difference if you follow through with all the steps necessary to get the performance out of it. You need a prop that will run higher without blowing out, I would suggest a blue printed prop. It takes some tinkering with setups but it is worth it to me but maybe not to the next guy. The only downside I can think of and don't know if it is a downside is steering changes slightly off plane, your turning radius is a little bigger.

[Pig Pen]

I noticed that my 621 rides higher with a jack plate.