I was thinking about how they run jon boats in such skinny water for duck hunting and inshore fishing. I see the mud motors ripping through the swamps and boats running in only inches of water, but how? I started looking around and landed on jack plates.
What is a jack plate for a boat?
A jack plate is a great addition to a jon boat, as it can help you increase the performance of your boat. It is designed to raise the outboard motor, allowing you to run in shallower water, as well as giving you more control over the engine. By providing more control over the engine, you can reduce the risk of damage to the lower unit, as well as reduce fuel consumption. Additionally, a jack plate can help you adjust the trim angle of the outboard, allowing you to get the best performance from your engine. In addition, the jack plate can be a great way to help you move your jon boat in and out of tight or shallow areas.
How do jack plates work?
A jack plate is an essential piece of equipment for any jon boat. A jack plate is a device that allows the operator to adjust the height of the engine in relation to the bottom of the boat. This is important for two reasons. First, adjusting the engine height can help the boat go faster by minimizing drag. Second, it can help protect the boat from shallow water damage by allowing the operator to raise the engine above the waterline. Jack plates are advantageous because they allow the operator to make quick and precise adjustments, allowing them to maximize the performance of the boat.
Why use a jack plate on a jon boat?
A jack plate is a great way to increase the performance of a jon boat. It allows for better control when navigating shallow waters, and it also provides better performance when accelerating and turning. The jack plate allows the motor to be mounted on a higher plane, giving the boat extra lift when turning and reducing the amount of water drag. This helps to increase the top speed of the boat and provides a smoother ride. Additionally, the jack plate allows for greater control when the boat is in reverse, allowing the driver to back out of tight spots with ease. Finally, the jack plate allows for better fuel efficiency as the motor is now placed closer to the center of gravity of the boat.
Different Types of Jack Plates
A jack plate is a great addition to any jon boat. Jack plates are designed to be mounted on the transom of a boat to provide an adjustable mounting point for an outboard motor. This allows the motor to be raised or lowered to accommodate different water depths and conditions, as well as to provide increased thrust for improved boat performance. They also reduce stress and damage to the transom when the boat is beached or run aground. Jack plates are available in different sizes to fit different size boats, and come in both manual and power operated versions. With a jack plate, you can customize your jon boat to your exact boating needs.
Fixed Jack Plate
A fixed jack plate is an important addition to any jon boat, as it helps to keep the boat elevated and allows for better control and maneuverability on the water. It also helps to reduce drag, which in turn increases fuel efficiency and can help improve the overall performance of the vessel. Additionally, the jack plate helps to keep the motor mounted securely to the hull, allowing for increased safety when traveling at higher speeds. Finally, it also serves as an extra layer of protection for the motor, protecting it from rocks and other debris that may be in the water.
Manual jack plate
A Manual Jack Plate on a jon boat is used to adjust the engine height. It is especially important in shallow water to raise the engine out of the water, allowing the boat to ride higher in the water. The Manual Jack Plate is also beneficial for running in deeper water, allowing the engine to be raised and lowered depending on the water depth. It is a great way to adjust the engine height to best fit your specific needs, and it can also make your boat more efficient by reducing drag and improving its speed and performance.
A manual jack plate uses a large screw, like a C-clamp, that moves the outer plate up and down. Manual plates are cheaper than hydraulic plates, and they work well if your main concern is finding the best position your engine works in and locking it down. Manual Jack Plates can be adjusted on the water but require more effort and may be time-consuming to adjust.
Best jack plate for a jon boat
These are some of our picks for the best, simplest and cheapest jon boat jack plates on Amazon.
Best micro jackplate for a jon boat: T H Marine Atlas Micro Jacker Plate
- Small Outboard jack plate
- Great For Shallow Water Boats – Gheenoes, jon boats and skiffs
- Max Weight 425 lbs/Max Horsepower 115 HP
- Lifts in 8 Seconds
- Lightweight
- fit type: Universal Fit
Best Manual Jack Plate for a Jon Boat
The Fiberfly Manual Jack Plate
- Pre-drilled holes
- Bronze and brass hardware
- Adjusts easily by turning one steel bolt
- 4 inches of Vertical movement and 4 inches of setback
- Lightweight
- 1 Year Unconditional Warranty against manufacturer defect
Best mini jack plate for a jon boat
T H marine MJ-1-DP Mini Jacker Small Engine Jack Plate
- best mini jack plate for a small outboard
- Best Clamp-style small motor jack plate
- For skiffs, aluminum boats,
- 4″ setback, 3″ vertical offset
- Cast aluminum bracket
- Marine grade transom block
- Best cheap jack plate too!
- good jack plate for 25 hp outboard
Hydraulic jack plate
A hydraulic jack plate, sometimes called an electric jack plate, can be a great addition to any jon boat. Jack plates are used to raise the engine of the boat higher in the water. This can give your boat more control and power, as well as more speed. If you are looking to fish in shallow water, a jack plate can be essential to getting the boat in and out of tight spots. It also increases safety on the water, as the higher engine position makes it easier to navigate shallow waters. Jack plates also help to reduce the amount of water spray coming up around the boat, which can be beneficial in cold weather. Finally, a jack plate can help to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency, saving you money in the long run.
A hydraulic jack plate for a jon boat uses a hydraulic ram driven by an electric pump to lift and lower the plate. A hydraulic jack can be adjusted on the fly, going deep in the water to help you get a good hole shot, then raising up for optimum performance once you’re underway. This is the best choice if your focus is speed, shallow water, or ease of use.
How to choose a jack plate?
The size of a jack plate depends on transom strength, motor weight, horsepower and method of mounting. A jack plate is sized by the amount of setback, or how far the plate extends past the transom. For smaller clamp-on engines there are mini jack plates with setbacks from 5-8″. For larger higher horsepower motors the options range from 6″-14″ setbacks. The best way to find out what size jack plate you need is to call the jack plate dealer or manufacturer and give them your jon boat and motor specs and let them make a recommendation.
What size jack plate do I need?
The size of the jack plate you need will depend on the size and weight of your jon boat. Generally, the bigger and heavier your jon boat, the larger the jack plate you will need to support it. You should also consider the type of motor you will be using and the horsepower it provides. The power, weight, and size of the motor will also affect the size of jack plate you will need. If you are unsure about what size jack plate to get, it is best to consult with an expert or do some research online.
What does setback do?
Setback is how far the jack plate extends past the transom, this typically ranges from 6″-14″. The more setback you have, the more leverage the motor will have on the boat. This leverage helps raise the bow out of the water. Setback also positions the prop away from turbulent water coming off the hull, which can help with performance. As a general rule, you want your motor cavitation plate to be slightly (1 inch) above the bottom of your boat transom.
There is no set rule of thumb for how much setback you need for your boat. It all depends on how much bow lift you need and how far you need to move the motor to push through clean water. Also consider any room you may need to clear steering components. When you tilt your motor up, or turn it all the way, if you don’t have enough setback and have clearance issues your steering may hit the top of the boat transom or jack plate.
Where should I set my jack plate?
When deciding where to set your jack plate on your Jon Boat, there are a few things that you should consider. First of all, consider what type of usage your Jon Boat will get and how far you plan to raise the engine. You may want to raise the engine high enough to get the prop set in the correct position for maximum performance. Furthermore, you should consider the size of your Jon Boat and how much horsepower your engine has. You want to make sure that the jack plate is set high enough to provide maximum performance and not too high that it creates drag or prevents the engine from getting up on plane. Additionally, you should also consider the engine’s trim range and how you want to adjust it. After all these considerations have been taken into account, it’s time to set the jack plate and get out on the water.
FAQs
Can you put a jack plate on a tiller motor?
Yes, you can have a jack plate on a tiller motor. The benefits are the same as a jack plate on any outboard motor. One thing to consider is the position of the tiller handle. Make sure to check if you will have enough clearance for the tiller handle and for turning if the motor is lowered all the way down. Also the angle you hold the tiller handle will change as well, this may be uncomfortable for some people. Vance Mfg makes a mini jack plate for clamp-on motors that would be suitable for a tiller motor.
Will a jack plate make my jon boat faster?
One of the benefits of a jack plate on a jon boat is speed. A jack plate can certainly help to improve the performance of a boat, including a Jon boat. By positioning the outboard motor higher in the water, the boat will benefit from increased speed and improved handling. Additionally, a jack plate can help to reduce drag on the hull, which can lead to even greater speed improvements. Finally, depending on the type of jack plate installed, it can also provide additional clearance for shallow water operation. With the right jack plate installed, a Jon boat can become significantly faster and more enjoyable to operate.
Does a jack plate put more stress on a jon boat transom?
A jack plate is a type of outboard motor mount designed to raise the engine, allowing it to be mounted further back on the transom of the boat. This type of mount is often used on Jon boats, as it allows for an increased range of trim angles and improved speed and performance. While it is true that the jack plate does put additional stress on the transom, this is generally not a problem as long as the transom is strong enough to support the extra weight. When properly installed, a jack plate can significantly improve the performance of a Jon boat. So do jack plates damage transoms? No.
Will a jack plate help hole shot?
A jack plate will improve the hole shot of a Jon boat by allowing the motor to be mounted higher. This allows the prop to be more effective by reducing drag and providing more power to the boat. A jack plate also helps to reduce the prop slip which can be caused by the hull shape. In addition, the higher mounting angle of the motor helps to reduce cavitation and improve the overall performance of the boat.
Conclusion
The Jon Boat Jack Plate is an essential component of any Jon Boat. It helps to increase the performance of the boat by allowing the engine to be mounted higher and closer to the water line. This helps to reduce drag and improve the overall speed and maneuverability of the boat. Additionally, the jack plate also helps to reduce wear and tear and strain on the engine, as it can be adjusted in height as needed. With its many benefits, the Jon Boat Jack Plate is an invaluable addition to any Jon Boat.
I hope this helps in your jon boat jack plate journey. If you have any questions contact us and sign up for the email list. Thanks!
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