Jack Plates: 101

[Furudak]

I don't know much about jack plates- when, where, and why they are useful. Is it so that you can adjust your prop depth based on boat loading? Are there 'rules of thumb' for use, i.e. deeper for getting on step with a heavy load, etc? Start deep, get on step, and then trim upwards to minimize drag and to cruise through skinny water?

 

[forrest.billy]

You pretty much have it figured out. When heavy drop them down to get on step and then bring you motor up when on step to be more efficient and run shallower. Can be used with both props and jets, but running with props is where they are the most useful. With under powered boats or boats that are carrying to much weight a lift can be the difference between getting on step or not. There are some brands to avoid in my opinion.