1972 MX-16 Engine Set Back Question

[capt911]

I have an old 1972 MX-16 with a 2.0 135 Black Max with a 20" Mid. I have raised the engine on the transom just using the existing holes in the engine mounts but want to get it higher and in order to do it right or make it adjustable in the future buy a manually adjustable Jack Plate.

Being a pretty light boat and not needing any bow lift is my thinking correct to use a jack plate with minimal set back? I have shopped around and can get a Bob's maybe others with only 2 1/2" adjustable to 5" set back. I was thinking 2 1/2" as I am only wanting to raise the engine not add any considerable amount of set back which would add bow lift.

Does anyone here have experience with one of these old boats or advice on set back distance. I already went from a 14/21 to Laser II 14x23 prop so far so good no blowout, excessive RPM's or water flow issues. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Any info on where to buy good manual jack plates at reasonable prices or someone that wants to sell an old one would be appreciated as well

Thanks Cap

 

[JW]

The less setback the better, or putting it another way, only add enough setback to allow best top speed without having to trim the engine way out to get best top speed.
So if your setup is already ideal and you only need some height, then yes on the small setback. If you currently use a lot of positive trim to get best top speed, then go with more setback.

 

[Tx91z28]

I was in the same position as you, and ended up going with a Hydrodynamics 4" rapid jack (manual) jack plate. It has only improved the ride of the boat (mx-15), if anything the bow is less flighty simply because the prop isn't buried as deep