Topic: should i buy a hydraulic jack plate?

Hey guys i have a 08 puma with a 250 pro xs and a 6" slide master manual jp. ive been kicking around the idea of getting a hydraulic jack plate and just looking to get some opinions from you guys. Is it worth the 1500? Do you think i will get more speed out of my boat going from a 6" manual to a 8" hydraulic seeing that it sits 2" further back and i can play with the engine hights? my pro xs sucks up junk from the lake allll the time especially when in shallow water and it seems like i gotta pull the t stats out all the time and clean them and was thinking mabe if i can just raise the motor up instead of having to trim it up it might not suck up as much junk but mabe im wrong . So overall again im just looking for some input from you guys and if you think its a must have on these boats or if you think its not really worth the money

This topic has 4 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 10 years ago by PhilAddison.

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May 17, 2015 at 11:39 pm #328066

rlb8s
Participant

I am probably in the minority, but I think hydraulic jack plates are just one more item that will break. Your manual JP will never fail or leave you stranded. Eventually a hydraulic JP will break and it might be at the most inopportune time. I have a hydraulic plat on my Puma and I have purchased a manual one. My intent is to swap them in the near future and then sell my hydraulic one. Perhaps you can find a good deal on a used one so your expense output would make it worthwhile (hint hint).

May 17, 2015 at 11:40 pm #328083

Mainliner61
Participant

Their will be a lot of different opinions on this one I think. I run a manual 8″ on my Puma FTD and Ive takin off in 2.5 of water several times and havent skinned the skeg yet. I wont chance it on a rock bottom though. Im sure the Hydro plate in better but I just wouldnt spend the extra $ on mine. My hole shot is good as well as top end. As for the thermostats, I have had to clean mine several times also but It has been caused by floating leaves, pine needles, small floating debrees, etc. while on pad running.

May 18, 2015 at 1:06 am #328105

captjerry
Participant

I found the hydraulic plate to be helpful when running in very shallow places such as Okeechobee. Otherwise, limited value to me. Id spend the money on a couple of good fishing trips!

May 18, 2015 at 2:36 am #328124

PhilAddison
Participant

Ultimately it comes down to what you want to do with your money, but if it were me I would probably stand pat on a boat that old. If youre looking for more speed yes I believe you can tinker with it and get another mph or two out of it, but you might need to play with props as well. If youre looking to reduce the odds of sucking in trash to prevent thermostat pluggage, then your odds wont increase. A jack plate is not a must have. Ive ran one for 15 years now and used to sell them online for a period of time. Ive had problems on a few occasions, but I would not let the potential breakdown be a deal breaker. New or newer boat yes……..5-10 yr old or older boat….No. My opinion for what its worth.Lastly, if you decide to get a hydraulic jack plate, you will need to purchase from BCB. It has a special 6 bolt pattern and a standard jack plate wont fit. Good luck with your decision.
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