Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

How many of you guys are running one?
I am thinking about it for my new boat.

I don't, but now that I'm doing more flats fishing I would definatly get one on a new boat.

I'm thinking about getting one. I just added a trolling motor.

I've been running JP's for 20 yrs. They are a great tool for getting the most out of your setup. Some rigs benefit more than others,and a few not at all.

I think it only makes since to run hydr. JP's on any higher HP toon that can plane out. Their loads/balance vary not only trip to trip,but during a trip. A manual JP only allows you to adjust height for the best average,which works fine for boats that leave and return to the dock with the same load/balace. With hydr. JP's you can tweak prop height on the fly. It's not just the optimum prop height your after. It's the combination of prop height/trim angle.

Having said that. Transom tubes have the structural strenght to add a JP,but I question if some of the already maxed out pods can handle them. They may even void a warranty. It's not the weight of the JP that's the problem. It's the extended leverage the motor has against the transom. They see the most stress bouncing on the trailer,so transom savers are a good idea. And for the pods stick with a 4"-6" setback plates.

Ran the CMC 10" Hydraulic on Manny 1. Gained about 6mph and ran 2 pitch higher props. The Premier is getting a 6" Detwiler with the gauge and turn signal style controller. About $1050.00 from BoatOwnersWorld.com or TransomJacks.com Same companies...
What I love about them, is getting into the shallow water no one else can get into, without one!

I do want the hydraulic plate because I am currently set up for running as shallow as I can but when there is a lot of litter in the water the prop loads up and I also blow out on tight turns. I would able to be able to move the motor down when I want to.

I am seeing the prices all over the map. Used they seem to be $150 or so. I am not afraid of rebuilding the hydraulics if that is necessary.

GregF wrote:I do want the hydraulic plate because I am currently set up for running as shallow as I can but when there is a lot of litter in the water the prop loads up and I also blow out on tight turns. I would able to be able to move the motor down when I want to.

I am seeing the prices all over the map. Used they seem to be $150 or so. I am not afraid of rebuilding the hydraulics if that is necessary.

There was a used Atlas on Ebay a few weeks ago. Needed a pump, for $200.00 Just FYI.

I am not really in a big hurry. The new boat project will be after Christmas when it stops raining here. (also borderline, too cold to boat)

I am going to build the new boat and swap the motor over when it is done so I have a minimum of down time.

I am going to be shopping for a jack plate in the mean time. I probably don't need the biggest one they make because I only have a 70.