Before Posting, Please Read Our Posting Guidelines Below.
1. Use the full 4 digit year for everything you are asking your question about. Example: 1962, 1988, 2000, 2011 2. Include the correct name of your Whaler model. Example: Montauk 17, Montauk 170, Outrage 26, Outrage 260 3. Include the length when necessary. Example: 16, 17, 18, 20, 22 4. Do not post your email address anywhere on this site as it is already in your user profile.
I have a 2003 Montauk 170 with a Mercury 90 and I would like to add a hydraulic jack plate.
Any suggestions as to make, model and features?
I fish in North and South Carolina in an area with strong tides and I like to fish shallow water.
Thanks
I would get the Bobs Jackplate Action Series. The pump and hydraulics are all built into the plate so you will not have to take up space somewhere for the pump.
Not sure what setback would be ideal for your boat though.
I would strongly recommend a Detwiler ANODIZED aluminum jackplate, 6" setback. I use these with good results, and they are good looking with the anodized black surface. Detwiler is now a Teleflex Marine company.
For salt water use, you want an anodized surface, as it is the only thing that will hold up and continue to look good. Stay away from mill finish aluminum, either plain or polished (it will turn black), powder coating (it will chip and peel off, particualrly at fasterner locations) and SS (way to much galvanic action).
I have added a 12" hydraulic jack plate to my 22ft 1979 Revenge. It replaced a 6" manual jack plate from Springfield Marine (still for sale at a reasonable cost). I went with Bob's Machine Shop. They now have a jack plate that is self contained (cylinder and pump in jack plate) but I chose them because of an awkward pump/valve assembly that is separate from the cylinder. Now located in a protected cabinet in cuddy cabin. A tough life at the transom so I prefer my hydraulic pump/valve away from the water. Other members have better info for track record with everything at transom. Type III anodizing (black or clear) only way to go. If the company you choose does not offer anodizing, get it raw and send it out. 100% agreement with Finnegan on anodizing.
I put a CMC powered jackplate on my Classic Montauk. I choose it over a Bob's because it was self contained (Bob did not have the option at the time) and had a good reputation with other Whaler owners:
I have not found it's milled finish to be an issue, it has not turned black and still looks and works great after 3 years of salt water use, here is a very recent picture:
