Caracal and Hydraulic JP – Q for BCB

[Bass Cat Boats]

No, we have never indicated use of a hydraulic plate for performance reasons. We have always endorsed use of manual plates for dependability. The hydraulic plates are not as dependable and we prefer consumer satisfaction in operation, which means they need to function better over time.

The second and third owners are always the ones dealing with replacement of motors, pumps, seals, bolt fatigue and crazing in aluminum. Those are often are restricted on ability to repair a part and these add a couple of thousand dollars for labor and replacement when they fail.

Some brands are more prone to failure than others, and older plates more prone than newer.

Bass Cat has long been aware of the eventual service and replacement cost of Power Poles, hydraulic plates, expensive transducers and large graphs. Which is why we are focused on Transducer Shield and Savers for long term protection of transducers.

We make a lot of decisions for long term service on production of our raw material products in all areas. Such as gelcoat, resins, glass, carpeting, vinyls and more. Using A1 fuel lines for over 3 decades (30 years) is an example of that. Most companies only revised that when required and some only to B2 to save literally pennies.

There have been two major discussions with two primary bass boat builders of notable name, over use of vinyl Ester resin and why. Both are very well known top executives, and one is a household name. One was expressive that they could not spend that amounted money on VE resin, the other asked why because they felt it overkill. Both have their share of issues in this area. Both companies also were Walleye boat companies as well.

At Bass Cat, and now Yar-Craft, we think about the third and forth and even 12th ownership. We want them to have the best product in 15 years they can own. Not everyone who builds boats thinks that way as there is good enough.

Thus, no we are not fans of hydraulic plates for this reason though we mount a tremendous number of those today and they do help achieve performance for those few who understand how to use them.

[Bass Cat Boats]

The post is longer because this is a major topic today in consumer inquiries.

[BamaCat]

Very wise words from a company that truly cares for not only it’s future but that of it’s customers. Great job BCB.

[HobeyBaker]

Bass Cat Boats wrote: The post is longer because this is a major topic today in consumer inquiries.

What does BCB recommend for long-term, low maintenance rigging? Manual jack plate, no power poles, etc? What about things like trolling motors and graphs on mounts for swapping them out without drilling new holes?

[Redngoo]

My last cat which i owned for 25 yr had a manual plate never gave a minutes issue. My 13 model i bought second handed has a atlas. If( and i know it will) gives trouble i will not repair it.i will just go manual. Very rarely do i even move my hydraulic plate. I keep it at the best height for my boat. Im sure they have their advantages. Ive just not seen it for my purposes. Not to say the next person dont see advantages for their purpose. Imo opinion boats are no different than cars or houshold appliances. The more goodies they have the more apt they are to fail!!.

[Bass Cat Boats]

The more fundamental, the more tight or secure, the less maintenance.

[Macsimus]

Bass Cat Boats wrote: No, we have never indicated use of a hydraulic plate for performance reasons. We have always endorsed use of manual plates for dependability. The hydraulic plates are not as dependable and we prefer consumer satisfaction in operation, which means they need to function better over time.

The second and third owners are always the ones dealing with replacement of motors, pumps, seals, bolt fatigue and crazing in aluminum. Those are often are restricted on ability to repair a part and these add a couple of thousand dollars for labor and replacement when they fail.

Some brands are more prone to failure than others, and older plates more prone than newer.

Bass Cat has long been aware of the eventual service and replacement cost of Power Poles, hydraulic plates, expensive transducers and large graphs. Which is why we are focused on Transducer Shield and Savers for long term protection of transducers.

We make a lot of decisions for long term service on production of our raw material products in all areas. Such as gelcoat, resins, glass, carpeting, vinyls and more. Using A1 fuel lines for over 3 decades (30 years) is an example of that. Most companies only revised that when required and some only to B2 to save literally pennies.

There have been two major discussions with two primary bass boat builders of notable name, over use of vinyl Ester resin and why. Both are very well known top executives, and one is a household name.  One was expressive that they could not spend that amounted money on VE resin, the other asked why because they felt it overkill. Both have their share of issues in this area. Both companies also were Walleye boat companies as well.

At Bass Cat, and now Yar-Craft, we think about the third and forth and even 12th ownership. We want them to have the best product in 15 years they can own. Not everyone who builds boats thinks that way as there is good enough.

Thus, no we are not fans of hydraulic plates for this reason though we mount a tremendous number of those today and they do help achieve performance for those few who understand how to use them.

A gem of a post tucked away in a thread about hydraulic jack plates. As an owner, I surely appreciate hearing about this kind of commitment to long-term quality and positive ownership. So rare these days.

[TAKFishing]

Thanks. I have one on mine now and am considering going without on my next. I’ve not had issues on my last 2 boats with the hyd but yes agree another thing that can break.

[Author]

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