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.
Thinking of adding a 5” setback jackplate to my 2006 Dauntless 180. Anyone know if there is an issue with having enough length in the rigging with that setback?
That has not been my experience. Ten years ago my Montauk’s top speed was 35 mph. As I looked into it everyone said jackplate and Stilletto prop. I did that and it totally transformed the boats performance and handling. Top speed increased to 42 with no downside over the last ten years.
The Dauntless runs good with a top speed of 42 with my two daughters aboard and a Bimini at 6200. I am interested in a jackplate to see if I can again gain better performance, economy and navigate shallower water. Bob’s hydraulic 4” plate is about 40 pounds so it’s not a lot of weight. My experience with porposing in other boats has been solved with trim adjustments. With the adjustability of a hydraulic plate I would think adjustments could be made to eliminate porposing.
Is there something specific about the Dauntless that makes you think porposing will be an issue or just other experience with jackplates?
Many dealers install engines far too low and with a conservative prop without knowing the hull characteristics of Boston Whalers. For your Montauk raising the engine using transom holes or adding a jackplate to avoid re-drilling the transom and a quality stainless prop is typically the solution.
To clarify, I am referring to setback, rather than jackplate height. This applies to all Boston Whaler models under 20'.
The Bob's Machine Shop has only 4" of setback with lift. Some owners are interested in 6-8" and the requisite lift.
The 1st generation Dauntless 14,15,16 and 18 were sensitive to stern weight/bow rise and some model years had a notch out of the keel that hurt the boats performance that was later eliminated.
Many owners add trim tabs to lessen the bow rise and improve the hull attitude and use a 4-bladed prop. The improved handling has been reported worth the small reduction in WOT speed.
To assess your performance -
What model year and model of engine is on the Dauntless?
Where is the engine mounted? How many empty holes above top bolt?
What is the make/model and size of prop?
