All,
I have just recently finished modifying a 15 ft. aluminum skiff for shallow water. I have added some weight by installing a front and back deck. I am seriously considering a hydraulic jack plate by Bob's machine. Although before I purchase I had a few questions/reservations.
I am looking at either the Ultra mini jack plate or the Narrow mini jack plate. (Both have 5 1/2 in. of setback and built in 1 1/2 in. lift)
Ultra mini: designed for motors up to 40hp, 4 inches of lift, 18lbs
Narrow mini: designed for motors up to 50 hp, 6 inches of lift, 25 lbs.
Because of the newly added weight I want to save weight wherever possible. Will the lighter Ultra mini be sufficient enough with only 4 inches of lift?
I currently run Nissan 4-stroke 25 hp. 15 in shaft. I have about 13 in. transom. The cavitation plate sits about a1/2 inch below the bottom of my hull. From the Cav plate to the bottom of the skeg is a total of 11 in. Would the 4 inches be enough to get me shallower or would the 6 inches be a better fit, considering they are about the same price???
I realize weight distribution along with some simple additions (tiller extender, etc..) can really make a big difference when you are trying to get skinny but am I compromising my ability to run shallower by trying to save weight with the ultra mini with only 4 inches on hyd. lift??
I guess my question is what is more detrimental to running skinny, weight or prop height?
Also, would anyone recommend transom reinforcement/backing plates??
Here is the link, just in case:
http://www.bobsmachine.com/Products/jackplate_hydraulic_mini.cfm
Thanks for your help, looking forward to the responses
~Loco
I have just recently finished modifying a 15 ft. aluminum skiff for shallow water. I have added some weight by installing a front and back deck. I am seriously considering a hydraulic jack plate by Bob's machine. Although before I purchase I had a few questions/reservations.
I am looking at either the Ultra mini jack plate or the Narrow mini jack plate. (Both have 5 1/2 in. of setback and built in 1 1/2 in. lift)
Ultra mini: designed for motors up to 40hp, 4 inches of lift, 18lbs
Narrow mini: designed for motors up to 50 hp, 6 inches of lift, 25 lbs.
Because of the newly added weight I want to save weight wherever possible. Will the lighter Ultra mini be sufficient enough with only 4 inches of lift?
I currently run Nissan 4-stroke 25 hp. 15 in shaft. I have about 13 in. transom. The cavitation plate sits about a1/2 inch below the bottom of my hull. From the Cav plate to the bottom of the skeg is a total of 11 in. Would the 4 inches be enough to get me shallower or would the 6 inches be a better fit, considering they are about the same price???
I realize weight distribution along with some simple additions (tiller extender, etc..) can really make a big difference when you are trying to get skinny but am I compromising my ability to run shallower by trying to save weight with the ultra mini with only 4 inches on hyd. lift??
I guess my question is what is more detrimental to running skinny, weight or prop height?
Also, would anyone recommend transom reinforcement/backing plates??
Here is the link, just in case:
http://www.bobsmachine.com/Products/jackplate_hydraulic_mini.cfm
Thanks for your help, looking forward to the responses
~Loco