How do you determine what setback of plate?

[bworner]

Hello Guys, Many of you have s6 uggested to me to use a 4 inch,5 inch or 6 inch Jack plate.....Well I can buy a new plate, but since I run the sales end of a marina Im looking for deals, My buddy has a brand new Panther model 300, its an electric type of adjustable lift, like the merc paralift...it is 8inch of setback and 5.5 of vertical lift, I guess the design is when you hit up on the button it trims out also, aiding in performance, any opinions please tell me....See I always go for what works, and bass cat typically has used 6inch Manual R&R designs manuals for like $100....so thats my other option...my question is on a 16 1/2ft open bow, not at all water logged, its very very dry and light....it has a stock and oddly original 140 X Flow Johnnyrude, and need that sucker Up,Up,Up, I know how to mod my water inlets from my Hydrostream buddys, but what do the Checkmate pros say, some have told me 5 or 4 inch is perfect, but I thought alot of you run a 6, please post opinions on Predictors or Enticers like mine, that way I can be sure...Thank You......Please feel free and call or email if your chatty enough to help a fellow Mate out....920-295-2069 or worner_brannon@yahoo.com Thanks, Brannon

 

[JW]

You know you have too much setback when you reach your best top speed and the motor is tucked under instead of level or slightly positive trim.

Since this is almost NEVER a problem with our Checkmates, I vote for the most setback for the money that your steering cables will allow.

 

[jallen355]

You know you have too much setback when you reach your best top speed and the motor is tucked under instead of level or slightly positive trim.

Since this is almost NEVER a problem with our Checkmates, I vote for the most setback for the money that your steering cables will allow.

....and then your replace your steering cables with longer ones and go bigger!!!

No, seriously though. I'll give you a for instance. Running 10" of setback on my 18' and I still have to use all of the trim to get max rpm/speed. In other words, I need more setback. 4-5"'s on your boat will be poretty good, but at least 6", or maybe more will be better if top end is all your looking for. There's also a line between max performance and all around performance to consider. The optimum amount of setback to produce your best top speed may cause your boat to porpoise at slow to midrange speeds. Something else to consider....

 

[Mark]

The Enticer does not run as bow heavy as the bigger Mates. Also, setback does not make as much difference on these hulls as far as top end either. I have had 5" and 6" plates on my Diplomat and prefered the 5". But both work. Too much and you are going to propoise at cruising speeds. With a 140 you are not building a rocket ship, so anything between 4-6" should work.