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 Jack Plate on 17 Astro
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Bassn
Every day on the lake is a good day

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cypress TX
 Jack Plate on 17 Astro1:58 PM 11/19/2009 Reply  Edit

Has anybody installed Jack plate on a 1996 17' 475DC ASTRO or similar boat and if so did you half to replace the steering cables. I am looking at adding a 4" set back on mine and want to know before hand. Any and all help greatly appreciated.


Bassn
Every day on the lake is a good day

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cypress TX
 Re: Jack Plate on 17 Astro (Bassn) »3:35 PM 11/23/2009 Reply  Edit

Or how do I check to see if I have enough cable length to add a jack plate?
Astro-T
USAF Retired - RC-135 Crewdog



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Omaha Ne
 Re: Jack Plate on 17 Astro (Bassn) »1:40 AM 11/24/2009 Reply  Edit

Just curious as to what motor you have on there? I had an 89 17dc with a 115 merc and everyone told me not to add a plate because it would do me no good and be a waste. If you have a similiar setup may want to check with Todd on the setup forum. Hes pretty knowledgeable and might be able to save you some hasle and $$$
Bassn
Every day on the lake is a good day

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cypress TX
 Re: Jack Plate on 17 Astro (Astro-T) »9:31 AM 11/24/2009 Reply  Edit

I have a 120hp and not looking for a big improvement but have a buddy that added one to a Nitro with a 115 and it helped his rig a noticeable amount so I figured I would try one and see if it will improve anything for mine. At least I can play with the motor height and no be wondering what if LOL
Bassn
Every day on the lake is a good day

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cypress TX
 Re: Jack Plate on 17 Astro (Bassn) »2:13 PM 11/30/2009 Reply  Edit

BUMP
Bassn
Every day on the lake is a good day

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cypress TX
 Re: Jack Plate on 17 Astro (Bassn) »3:09 PM 12/17/2009 Reply  Edit

ANYBODY?
ProcraftMike
Boat by Piece buy Piece



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Neenah WI
 Re: Jack Plate on 17 Astro (Bassn) »1:48 PM 12/18/2009 Reply  Edit

I don't have an Astro, but I did put a 5.5" plate on my 17' fish-n-ski Procraft. I don't have anything to compare it to, as installed it on the boat as part of my restoration. The boat was trashed when I bought it, so I never ran it without a plate. But, in my opinion it helps me out. You can fine tune the motor height based on your style.

I am getting low 50's out of my heavy fish-n-ski with a 130 hp. Per Pat on the setups board, that is all I can expect.

Keep your eyes open for a used one. I ended up putting a 5.5" CMC on mine and I haven't had any problems with it. I don't see how a plate would hurt you.

I think you can probably go to about a 6" plate, before you will have to start looking at replacing cables and such.


Modified '92 Procraft 170 Combo/'97 Johnson 130
Bassn
Every day on the lake is a good day

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cypress TX
 Re: Jack Plate on 17 Astro (ProcraftMike) »2:20 PM 12/18/2009 Reply  Edit

Thanks alot, I think I am going to go ahead and pull the triger on it. Thanks again
swamptoad
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Coral Springs Fl
 Re: Jack Plate on 17 Astro (Bassn) »1:01 PM 12/19/2009 Reply  Edit

I added a CMC manual jackplate to my 1984 17" fish and ski powered by a 2.0 Merc 150 HP engine. I did not see an increase in speed compared to non jack plate. I did notice that the back of the boat sat lower in the water because of the additional weight of the jack plate and it moving the center of gravity further back. The procraft hull is just to front heavy to see any real gains. The boat did 50 (22P) -54 (24P) MPH either way. I recently bought a 1987 Ranger 373V 18' hull and trailer and mounted the same motor to that hull. Right out of the gate the hull ran 59.8 MPH with the 22P prop. The procraft hull runs smooth in the chop, but because it is extremely well made and very strong, it is a lot slower. I have mixed feeling about switching to the ranger boat. the procraft has served me well over the years, but I wanted a little bit larger boat with a more conventional bass boat layout. The ranger was available at a cheap price so I jumped on it. The ranger needs a lot of polish and carpet, but I will get it shaped up. Good luck with your procraft. My 1750V fish/ski is for sale for best offer. No motor- rigged for a Merc.
 


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