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I do not know if this will help you, but I have had a summer of headaches with a 17 ss with a jack plate. Simple answer DON"T DO IT! It changes the complete handling of your boat. What are you wanting to accomplish? Is it a weight issue or performance issue?
Paul, you cannot imagine the improvement in handling from a manual jack plate. Originally I installed mine so that I did not have to fill and drill new bolt patterns in the transom when upgrading from an old OMC 70 to a new Yamaha 60 four stroke. Additional weight of F60 (238 lbs.) and jack plate (24 lbs.) changed attitude of boat but handling results are awesome. May also require a different prop because you will end up jacking the outboard up until the anti-ventilation plate is 1.5 inches above the keel. It really gets fun. Ultimately you will find ideal setting and lock it down never to be moved again. It takes about 4 minutes to adjust and can be done with two open end wrenches from a dock or a sandbar. All for about $200 bucks. I can no longer ride with full cooler behind the rear thwart. Additional weight needs to move forward to get on plane, but with a strong two stroke 70 this may not effect your set-up. You will not regret it. I can email pics. if you like. zot.
For an additional $20 I would also recommend a transom saver, the solid piece of metal that is mounted inside the transom and reinforces both upper through bolted nuts. If thats not clear I can send pics as well.
Jon, I used a T-H Marine m#JP-4FA-DP
that bolted to the standard bolt patten. My first problem was I was installing a 115HP suz 4 stroke with a 25" shaft, so the jack plate was to take care of the extra 5" of shaft. jack plate was only one inch offset, but still changed the tilt to the transom. Tried to move fuel forward, but with batt. and spare 6 gal tank, plus my fat a$$, it was like riding a porpoise. Would be happy to post pics, but it is OFF boat and repowering wiyh 90 HP 4 stroke 20" merc and planning on moving entire interior 6" forward. I tried serveral different things, but finally threw the towel in when she filled up with water at my pier. Like they say, whalers don't sink, but they will sure fill to the top of the gunnells! Good luck with your project.
joninnj, I am a firefighter, and by no means, a computer guy. I would be happy to email a ton of shots for you to choose, use or post to the sight. I am most challenged. I'd like to think that my projects will benefit others but I need some serious help in something as easy as setting up a personal page. Thanks. zot.
BTW, I've got a custom aluminum 19 gallon fuel cell designed to fit under a rear raised thwart that was epoxy coated and will accept Desert Tan paint for sale for any 15, or even 13. I ordered two, one for each 15, prior to committing to a center console conversion for the 1988. It was built in Beachwood, or Bayville, New Jersey. My first BW was a 13, at a beach house in Toms River. Small world. Michael.
Great info guys. Useful to all. I am kicking the idea around myself. MY PT motor is corroded and I think on the verge of leaking. I need to take the engine off the boat to replace it and while I am at it I would add the jack plate...
Zotcha, attached is the link from the FAQ on setting up personal pages. this may help you. Take spacial care in the size of the file and naming. No caps.. Joe Kriz will also be happy to help you.
