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jackplates and setback

R

riverbarron

New member
i have a 79'predictor w/ a healthy 86'model 140 suzuki. i would like to install a jackplate but don't know where to start as far as height and setback. i have read most of the threads, but it seems they refer to larger boats. thanks in advance!!!
 
The further back the setback, the more strain on that old transom. Has it been reworked? The shorter the setback, the less strain on the transom, but the less effect you'll gain by the setback. Also, the further back you go, the greater the need will be for longer steering cables. How much money you've got for modifications depends on how far you go back :surf:

A small Predictor with a 140 should probably be OK with a 6-8" setback at the most I'm guessing?

I set up my setback jackplate height (where it's mounted on the transom and where the motor is mounted on the jack plate) so that I had a range of adjustment from 5" below the pad to 1" above the pad (propshaft centerline). I knew that for all-around use, I'd never need to go below that or above that dimension.

Where to start? Depends on jack plate brand. Before you use any sealant, hang the jack plate all the way up using the lowest set of holes, then line the motor up so that it's all the way down on the jack plate using the highest set of holes. How does that look? Or maybe start with both motor and jack plate in the middle holes, and see how that works for you when the jackplate is adjusted all the way up and down.
Only one thing to really consider: Once you're done and sealed up, it's easier to re-mount the motor higher or lower than to remount that sealed up jackplate higher or lower. Get the jackplate where it needs to be, and if you need a little more up or a little more down, remount the motor.

This is how I've done it, there's probably better ways out there or other ideas on how to mount the jack and motor.
 
On my Predictor, with a Mercury V6 150 and a CMC jackplate, it was get both the engine and the jackplate as high as possible.
 
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