Jack Plate (170 Striper)

[Joey]

Anyone put a jack plate on a 170 Striper?  Specifically, I have a 1986 one.  I am really starting to enjoy getting out and skinny water and would like to be able to raise the motor up.  I have  a 120 Johnson on the boat.  So I am within 5hp of max motor for the boat.

Transom appears sound.  Will it take a jack plate or not, if so, recommendations?

[wingtime]

My 1987 170 has a Bob's machine manual jack plate on it.  I never move it though and I only have a 90hp on it.  I like the little extra space in the cockpit due to the engine being set back some.

[Joey]

Looks nice, I will look into one.

If you are leaving yours in one position all the time, where do you keep it?  Up high, or mid?  I could find no real disadvantage to having the motor up high all the time.

[wingtime]

If you leave it up high you will cavitate when you are on a plane.  The fixed jackplate allows you to adjust the optimum ride height.  The hydraulic plate allows you to raise the motor for skinny water and then lower it for running on a plane.

[200CCPMerc200]

I run an 8" on my 200ccp, it gives max performance for the motor, but also i like the setback for hooking my EZ steer to the kicker, keeps the stick between 'em at a better angle.

[akbridge]

I run a cmc powerlift.  I like being able adjust depth on the fly.   While skiing and tubing I run the plate all way down, normal cruising half up, and in the flats as high as possible to prevent any scaring.  Having the extra room in the boat is nice.  But you do have more weight hanging off the transom.  Having said all that I would not own another inshore boat without one.  I think your boat will be just fine with a jackplate.  I don't think you will regret it.