---

I do not see a jack plate as a very solution to this problem.

- If the transom holes are not BIA standard then the jack plate won't fit them either and the jack plate will need to be drilled

- The jack plate will add considerable expense to the project and may add a delay waiting for it to arrive

- A jack plate will add some setback which is the last thing a tiller steered 40 HP motor on a 16'-7" hull needs.

- A jack plate may offer more vertical adjustment but again, we are talking about a 40 HP tiller steered motor and once the best height is found I do not think it going to need to be readjusted, and three sets of bolts holes ought to be more than enough to find that best height.