I have a Optimax 225 mounted on my tinny via a Quicksilver Paralift hydralic jack plate and it has good and bad points.

Bad things are that it sets the motor back from the transom an extra 300mm causing prop cavitation in rough seas (can be solved by lowering motor hieght), places more stress on the transom due to leverage (my transom has been beefed up to suit) and like trim it is another thing that needs adjusting to suit the conditions/boat load etc.

Good things are that by lifting the motor hieght it reduces drag and improves fuel economy (lifting the motor by about 75mm decreases rpms about 500 for the same speed as if the motor was in the normall position, and saves about 8 ltrs/hr in fuel consumption). In shallow water I can lift the motor up instead of trimming it out and i don't loose the ability to steer and reverse like it normally would (great for getting into creeks and over reefs)

I'm about to repower the tub with a four stroke and I don't think i'll be able to use the jack plate, so it could be up for sale. Drop around with a beer if you want a look.

I'll see you tomorrow arvo mate!!  Ill get address from Michelle..   ;-)

Heading to Perth Friday to pick up the new tub!! 

PS.. Cheers for the info... very helpful and Im sure others on here will appreciate the info also!!

no worrys

I might have to keep the jack plate on my boat because of the mods to the transom could interfear with the steering ram, I have to do some measuring.

It all depends on what size and colour the replacement motor will be.

I have just recently put a manual jacking plate on the back of my douglass craft. It has raised the outboard to the point now that it does no longer leave a fantail at cruising speed. The construction of mine was without a doubt the best bit of engineering I have seen in ages. (I am a fitter/turner by trade) I have been 25 mile out in her off Ocean Reef with no hesitation and like Tony said I have noticed a considerable increase in fuel economy and better hole shot. Where are you looking at getting it from? I got mine from the States and cost just over $300 including postage and it took just on a week to get it.

Why not build the stern up to the required height. Wouldn't take that much work to do it and at a guess, a fraction of the cost .and for a chippie like you, easy peazy.

Wouldn't have to put the stubby down to come and get you, don't drink, but have others that do rescues as well AND need more younger crews willing to learn.

I'm just going through the process of having the height on my Pacemaker Charger increased from a 20inch transom to a 25inch to fit a 25 inch length motor. Trying to get a 20inch leg four stroke is pretty difficult full stop unless you buy brand new. The motor iis being fitted up by Shane at Hayways and he has contacts with a company who do quite a few of these so they know what they're doing.

Total cost for me is $475 fitted ready to have the motor fitted up. Down here in Bunbury it was at least $200 more and those who could do it really weren't that interested - hence the higher price I guess. He's confident they'll do a top job - I'm pretty toey to pick the boat up to see the quality of finish all round.

 Hi Perry,

I'm just in the process of lifting up my transom from 20" to 25" now and was just wondering if you know who it was that did the height conversion for you? Also did they fit a new piece of ply and/or glass? Or has it just been done with a welded piece of alum or stainless?

Cheers,

Andy.