Discover the game-changing benefits of incorporating jackplates into flats and bay boats. From enhanced performance and maneuverability in shallow waters to improved fuel efficiency and motor protection, these versatile devices empower boaters to optimize their experience, ensuring longevity and superior control on every outing.
Ramblins'
I grew up fishing on Estero Bay in Southwest Florida. Now, this is not a scientific number, but if I had to guess the average depth of the entire bay, I’d peg it around 2 feet. It is just a shallow, shallow, place. As you can see in the aerial photo, if you didn’t know where you were going, it was a guarantee that you were going to hit the bottom. You just had to hope that you were hitting a muddy spot and not an oyster bar.
It was such an issue that when my dad and I rebuilt the rotten transom on one of my boats, we added 5 inches of height so that I could get my hand-me-down extra-long shaft outboard up higher so that I could run it in skinnier water. That was well before jackplates were a common thing and it wouldn’t have mattered because I couldn’t have afforded one anyway.
In this post we’re going to talk about what jackplates are, why they matter, and why we’ve chosen the Porta Bracket as our lift of choice.
Unlocking the Power of Jackplates: Enhancing Flats and Bay Boats
Introduction
In the world of boating, the use of jackplates has become increasingly popular, particularly among flats and bay boat enthusiasts. These innovative devices offer a range of benefits that can significantly enhance the performance and versatility of these watercraft. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the advantages of incorporating jackplates into your flats or bay boat setup.
The Basics of Jackplates
Jackplates are adjustable mounting brackets that attach between the boat’s transom and outboard motor. Their primary function is to lift and lower the motor vertically, allowing for precise control of the engine’s height relative to the water. This ability to fine-tune the motor’s position brings about a multitude of advantages, making jackplates a valuable addition for anglers and boating enthusiasts alike.
Outboard motors come with a trim and tilt feature that tilts the bottom of the motor up to get it out of the water, adjust the running angle of the boat, or for trailering. The difference between the trim/tilt and raising the motor with a jackplate is the angle of thrust from the motor does not change with a jackplate, so you can still run the boat, but with the motor in a shallower position.
Improved Performance
One of the key benefits of using jackplates on flats and bay boats is the substantial improvement in overall performance. By adjusting the motor height, boaters can optimize the boat’s running attitude, reducing drag and increasing speed. This enhanced performance is particularly advantageous when navigating shallow waters common in flats and bay environments.
Shallow Water Maneuverability
Flats and bay boats are designed for navigating inshore waters, often characterized by shallow flats and intricate bay systems. Jackplates allow boaters to raise the outboard motor, providing the ability to traverse extremely shallow areas without the risk of damaging the propeller or lower unit. This newfound maneuverability opens up a world of possibilities for anglers seeking hidden honey holes or navigating through marshy estuaries.
Fuel Efficiency and Speed
In addition to better maneuverability, jackplates contribute to increased fuel efficiency and speed. By optimizing the engine height, boaters can reduce hull resistance, resulting in a smoother and more efficient ride. This not only saves on fuel costs but also allows for faster travel, making it easier to cover more ground and explore a variety of fishing spots in a single outing.
Enhanced Boat Control
Beyond the performance benefits, jackplates significantly enhance boat control in various conditions. Whether you’re dealing with strong currents, choppy waters, or changing tides, the ability to adjust the motor height on the fly provides unparalleled control over the boat’s stability and handling.
Optimal Trim Adjustment
Proper trim adjustment is crucial for maintaining stability and control, especially in diverse water conditions. Jackplates empower boaters to make real-time adjustments to the motor trim, ensuring the boat responds seamlessly to changes in weight distribution, wind, and wave patterns. This level of control is particularly valuable for anglers who need precise maneuvering capabilities when casting or trolling in varying conditions.
Improved Hole Shot and Planing
Flats and bay boats often require quick acceleration, known as a “hole shot,” to navigate through shallow waters and avoid obstacles. Jackplates play a pivotal role in optimizing the boat’s hole shot by allowing boaters to raise the motor for a more aggressive angle. This results in quicker planing, reducing the time it takes for the boat to reach optimal speed and providing a competitive edge in shallow, fast-paced fishing environments.
Protecting Your Investment
Investing in a flats or bay boat is a significant financial commitment, and protecting that investment is a top priority for boat owners. Jackplates contribute to the longevity and durability of your boat and outboard motor by minimizing the risk of damage in shallow waters and challenging conditions.
Avoiding Propeller Damage
One of the most common concerns when navigating shallow waters is the potential for propeller damage. Rocks, sandbars, and submerged obstacles pose a constant threat, but jackplates allow boaters to lift the motor clear of these hazards. This simple yet effective maneuver can prevent costly repairs and downtime, ensuring that your boat stays in peak condition for years to come.
Reduced Wear and Tear
Operating in shallow waters without the aid of a jackplate can lead to increased wear and tear on the lower unit of the outboard motor. Constantly scraping or hitting the bottom can cause damage to the propeller, skeg, and other vital components. By using a jackplate to raise the motor, boaters can minimize contact with the bottom, reducing the risk of damage and extending the lifespan of the outboard motor.
Conclusion and Shameless Plug
In conclusion, the benefits of using jackplates on flats and bay boats are numerous and transformative. From improved performance and enhanced boat control to protecting your investment, these versatile devices have become essential tools for anglers and boating enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re exploring shallow flats or navigating through intricate bay systems, the addition of a jackplate can elevate your boating experience to new heights, unlocking the full potential of your flats or bay boat.
Here at Atlas Boatworks, we’ve chosen the Porta Bracket as our jackplate of choice. Honestly, it wasn’t an easy decision. From a boat building economics standpoint, they are far more expensive than a regular jackplate. In the end, the benefits outweighed the cost (literally). For starters, they are basically bulletproof. We have never seen or, even heard of, one failing. Part of that is that all of the “sensitive” equipment like the electronics and hydraulic pump live inside the boat, not out in the saltwater elements like most of their competitors. They come “Power Pole ready” which makes mounting the Power Poles easy and saves you from drilling more holes in the hull, which we really like. Lastly, they have a bigger setback, 17″ in our case, that allows the entire cockpit to be free of engine and rigging. That saves almost 2′ of cockpit space compared to a traditionally rigged boat. Can you really put a price on that? In case you haven’t picked up on it, we are big fans and will continue to rig all of our boats with them.
