How much setback

[Emptydata]

Hey guy's how's it going?

I have a 85 predictor and looking to put a jack plate on it.
My question is, how much setback should I use?

Thanks in advance

 

[Emptydata]

Hey guy's how's it going?

I have a 85 predictor and looking to put a jack plate on it.
My question is, how much setback should I use?

Thanks in advance

 

[jgreen]

First, do you have a water pressure guage?
Have you plugged at least the top 2 water inntake holes on your lower unit?
The formula for lift to setback is something like this:
for every inch of setback you can raise the engine about 1/2".
A good start would be 5 1/2 or 6".

 

[TCAT]

Hi Emptydata.
What engine you running? If merc buy the water pick up scoops from the Merc accessory catalog they will allow almost any height of engine adjustment. There is a version for 5 and 7 hole lower units. I have them on my 225 optimax I run out of prop before I run out of water pressure. I agree with Pulse185 5.5-6 inches is a good place to start. Seriously consider the extra $ for a hydraulic lift it makes your boat some much more versatile. You can dig it down for holeshot then raise it for speed. Got any pictures? We all love pictures

 

[jgreen]

Hey tcat:

What about those water pick-up scoops ?
How do they work ?
I thought the only way to change the water pic-up point was to put on a nose cone.
I would be really interested in finding out more about this

 

[TCAT]

HI pulse185
The scoops give you great water presure. They are a Mercury part they have two different models one for 5 hole water pick ups and one for 8 hole version. Mercury puts these on the Torque Master gear case from the factory.

You have to drill 2 holes on each side but they are easy to install. I can run my engine up past the point that speed drops off which is just around the top of my hydraulic plate and still have 20 PSI on the H2o gauge.
Here is a link to mercs page for it. Also the part numbers are 17280A-2 8 hole version and 832066A 1 5 hole version
http://www.mercurypartsexpress.com/PartsExpress/ProductSelection/Accessories/getProductGroup.asp?CID=169160192070229059273&lvlOneKey=35&key=1383&level=3&store=Accessories

Unless you are running over 80MPh a nose cone will just slow you down. Better to leave the LU stock and add the scoops. I can take a picture of them on my engine and post it if you want?

 

[JW]

With a Checkmate, use as much setback as your steering cables will allow! My 17' Pulse ran out of cable at 5.5" setback. My Pulsare had enough cable to go to about 12" without strain. You want to go farther back, then you'll have to buy new cables too.

 

[Emptydata]

Thanks guy's for the input!

Boats been put to sleep for the winter, but in the spring that's when the fun starts.

Thanks again..

 

[illMATTic]

i also have a predictor. i am also looking for a jack plate. would a 4" even be worth the money. i plan to put dual cable steering on it so the cable length is not a prob. would 8" be too much? i plan to put a 150 - 200 on it.

 

[JW]

Hey Illmattic! If you're thinking V6 200 hp outboard on the Predictor, then 8-10" setback might just be about perfect!