Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Paul Graham on 08/13/08 - 7:22 PM

Has anyone installed a fixed jack plate on a classic 17' hull, I'm thinking about fabrcating one with and 6"to 10" set back. I was wondering how it would affect the ride and performance, and how the boat sits at rest

Posted by Binkie on 08/13/08 - 8:43 PM

Here is a picture of an adjustable jackplate I built for my 13` Whaler. Haven't had a chance to test it yet, with the new Merc, but it improved the performance of the previous motor a `58 Evinrude Lark 35. It was easy to make, Just a piece of 8" aluminum channel and aluminum angles. A block of mahogany was bolted on the channel, becuase the motor was equipped with screw clamps. If I was building one for a 17 footer I would use a piece of 12" channel instead of 8"
rich

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c19...rMerc1.jpg

Posted by Paul Graham on 08/14/08 - 6:12 PM

That is a very sharp looking jack plate, the craftsmanship is impressive. Did you pick up speed and did it affect the ride. I have 4 pieces of 5" x 5" x 1/2" alum. angle that I intend to have welded together to create 2 pieces of channel that will be 5" x 10" x 1/2" , I may trim it down to 8" for an 8" set back. I would imagine that the motor (75hp Honda) could be raised 4" if it is set back that far, what do you think

Posted by Binkie on 08/14/08 - 8:31 PM

I picked up about a mile an hour or so with the speed of the old 35, as the motor sat about an inch or so higher, and it didn`t effect the ride in a negative way. I think 10" wide might be too narrow for the bracket on your motor. It should be at least an inch wider at the inside measurement than the outboard clamp bracket. Your 1/2' thick channel is about right, mine is 3/8" thick, too light for a bigger engine.
rich