Jack Plate help

[TCHB]

Does a jack plate help with speed due to location (back further) or that you have adjustments?

[Tom Brown]

Yes.

[kingsbiship]

Setback is only one of the factors. You're trying to
balance the boat so you don't need positive trim to obtain max. speed. Some
boats suffer a loss if eng. is too far back. The bow gets flighty and not as
easy to control. Others (usually heavy) benefit from setback. You don't want
to plow with the transom, you want the bottom to be level.
The other being the 'lift' You will find a sweet spot only with trial and error.
Raising the eng. a little at a time 'till it's TOO far and you hinder take-off.
Then lower to the 'sweet spot' The rule is if you shoot a rooster tail... you're
wasting horse power! If you DO raise the eng. you'll have to consider the
water intakes! I suggest before the jack plate, installing a water pressure
gauge and/or low water pick-up nose cone. OR at least fill the two holes at the top on both sides. Then enlarge the remainders. This will save the eng. from overheating due to insufficient cooling (no water).
Note: This does not apply to family boats... These are Hi-perf. modifications only!

[TCHB]

Thanks and that makes sense.