Jackplate only with a full transom?

[Tampa Bay Mike]

So obviously the trend when you go with a full transom is to install either a porta bracket or an Armstrong type bracket, but can you get away with just running a 14" setback jackplate now that they are available? I know the obvious concern is the motor hitting the top of the transom, and of course the other options definitely have their pros, but they are also quite a bit more $$$.

Is anyone running a setup like this, and if so how do you like it?

[Marcel4t]

following

[Capt.Joe]

The marina I bought my boat from has rebuilt several AQ's. He suggested the 14" setback Bobs JP and said it's less expensive than the porta and works just as well.

 In my opinion all three products (Armstrong, porta, and bobs) do the exact same job as to creating the motor setback. Armstrong doubles as a swim platform too, but limits engine height adjustment.

I think the porta has the best setback and engine height adjustments. A captain near me bought his from dorado that they had lying around for a fair price.

I'm interested to see if anyone has first hand experience.

[Tampa Bay Mike]

Well it's nice to hear that it could work. I was leaning towards the porta bracket because I like the idea of getting the motor completely out of the water when needed, but in reality how often will that happen for a trailered boat.

As long as I can tilt the motor all the way up without cracking the cowling I would be just as happy and could put the extra +/- $1500 towards something else. I agree, some first hand insight would be great.

[RickK]

Does the JP have electric or hydraulic travel? And how much, if it does? If it has a lot of travel you might be able to install the engine even with the bottom of the hull, when all the way down (your position to start getting on plane) and then just raise the engine straight up instead of worrying about the tilt.

[boatnamesue]

Actually...quite a difference between the porta bracket, xyz bracket, and xyz jack plate.  The former 2 allow for one feature, setback the motor and raise/lower the motor, respectively.   The porta does both, which I reckon gives credence to its price. 

If you primarily run deep water and need the setback...xyz bracket.  Primarily run shallow...xyz jack plate with x" fixed setback.  Need both features with variable setback...porta.

[Tampa Bay Mike]

Thanks for all the info. I guess my main question now is, would 14" be enough setback to allow me to tilt the motor all the way up without having to jack the motor up first? My kids love to push buttons and I worry about the motor hitting the transom.

[mshugg]

Thanks for all the info. I guess my main question now is, would 14" be enough setback to allow me to tilt the motor all the way up without having to jack the motor up first? My kids love to push buttons and I worry about the motor hitting the transom.

No.  You could start to tilt, but quickly reach a point where your engine cowl would go crunch. You should be able to find the required dimension for your motor, but for most,it’s 24-30”.

[Tampa Bay Mike]

Guess that makes my decision a lot easier, and more expensive.

Thanks guys

[Bencarpenter112]

Guess that makes my decision a lot easier, and more expensive.

Thanks guys

It can be done without the expensive option. closed my 200 osprey and have an 8 inch bobs and its fine. Obviously a porta or Armstrong is nicer and honestly more beneficial but it can be done

[Tampa Bay Mike]

Thanks for the insight, Ben. How far can you tilt the motor up before it starts to cause an issue with hitting the transom? One of my concerns is that I have three young kids with lots of friends and cousins who love to play in the boat and touch switches. I worry that I'll find a smashed cowling if it's not set back far enough.

[NewGuy55]

OP - what did you end up doing and how did it work out?

[Tampa Bay Mike]

I found a used porta bracket locally and I'm very happy with it.

https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=14797.345