{"id":24981,"date":"2026-02-16T10:02:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T10:02:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=24981"},"modified":"2026-02-16T10:02:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T10:02:14","slug":"how-to-install-a-jack-plate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=24981","title":{"rendered":"How to Install a Jack Plate"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>    How to Install a Jack Plate<br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><br \/>\n    <!-- no image --><br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><\/p>\n<div>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-1-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image disable-lazyload\" alt=\"Installing a jack plate for an outboard\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-1.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Jack plates for outboard motors improve performance and enable shallow-water operation.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<p><iframe id=\"wxuzj5efbz\" src=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.dragonforms.com\/wxuzj5efbz\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"width:100%;height:165px;border:none;overflow:hidden;\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Jack plates that adjust on the fly offer a unique set of benefits on a variety of outboard-powered boat types, from bass and bay boats to performance craft. Installed between the transom and the outboard motor, jack plates from brands such as Bob\u2019s Machine Shop, Dometic, Panther, and T-H Marine can elevate and lower a motor at the push of a button.<\/p>\n<p>Elevating the motor allows boaters to operate an outboard in shallows such as tidal flats or backwaters while fishing. In addition, the ability to raise the lower unit can enhance speed by reducing drag while under way. Finally, a jack plate offers inherent \u201csetback\u201d\u2014ranging up to 20 inches abaft the transom\u2014to get the outboard propeller in cleaner water for more efficient thrust.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>For this retrofit project, we chose a Dometic SeaStar Xtreme hydraulic jack- plate model JP5040X to install on a restored 1977 17-foot Witchcraft powered by a Suzuki long-shaft (20-inch) 115 hp four-stroke outboard. The boat was on a trailer. This particular model of\u00a0 jack plate has a 4-inch setback and is rated for outboard motor up to 300 hp. For more powerful outboards, Dometic offers its Mega Jackplate series, rated for up to 600 hp.\u00a0 The hydraulic system is built into the jack plate itself, which simplifies the installation, as there is no need to install hoses or pumps. Read through the installation manual before\u00a0 you get started.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Skill Level:<\/strong> 3.5 of 5<\/p>\n<p><strong>Finish Time:<\/strong> Approx. 3-4 hours<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tools and Supplies<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dometic Xtreme jack-plate model X5040JP ($2,087.99; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westmarine.com\/?utm_source=jackplateinstall&amp;utm_medium=westmarine_textlink&amp;utm_id=BTG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">westmarine.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Manufacturer-approved outboard mounting hardware<\/li>\n<li>Blue Sea System 0.44-inch cable gland to seal relay harness at the transom ($35.99;<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.defender.com\/?utm_source=jackplateinstall&amp;utm_medium=defender_textlink&amp;utm_id=BTG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">defender.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01k0sbs138wahwszkms4d51ev3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Marine sealant<\/a> suitable for below the waterline<\/li>\n<li>Socket and <a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01kh6nnxg3m89cyvxqyq3x6xwv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">box\/open end<\/a> wrench sets<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01kh6npxs7vamdww4dx498v0x8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Torque wrench<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01jaaka9a5c4p0ecj8gmk3q8hg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Crimping tool<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/outclick.co\/l\/01jngserad5a4v0ma1vrmrq817\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Power drill<\/a> and bits<\/li>\n<li>Phillips screwdriver<\/li>\n<li>Small stainless-steel self-tapping screws<\/li>\n<li>Zip ties and zip-tie mounts (to secure cabling)<\/li>\n<li>Shop rags (to wipe away excess sealant)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-2-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Removing the outboard for jack plate install\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-2.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">A lifting device is needed to deinstall the outboard.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remove the Outboard<\/h2>\n<p>The first step is to deinstall the outboard. You need a lifting device such as a hydraulic floor crane ($269 for a one-ton capacity model at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harborfreight.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">harborfreight.com<\/a>; or $46 per day at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sunbeltrentals.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sunbeltrentals.com<\/a>). Remove the outboard hood and tilt the engine to the vertical position. Secure a heavy-duty hook and chain from the outboard\u2019s lifting eye to the hook on the crane\u2019s boom. Take up the slack before disconnecting the outboard\u2019s mounting bolts. Once the bolts are removed, roll the crane\/outboard away from the transom.\u00a0<\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-3-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Bolting up new jack plate\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-3.jpg 1369w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Secure the jack plate with the proper hardware.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bolt It Up<\/h2>\n<p>Xtreme models align with standard outboard bolt patterns. Prior to mounting the jack plate, insert the engine mounting bolts through the engine side of the plate with threads are aft. Insert approved bolts from inside the transom, then pass them through the jack plate mounting holes. Use fender washers or backing plates under the bolt heads. Bed with marine sealant. Use thick 1\/2-inch stainless-steel washers under brass locknuts on the bolts to secure the jack plate. Torque to specifications. Tightening may require two people.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jack Plate Clearance:<\/strong> Check for jack plate clearance after installation and before use. Starting with the jack plate at its lower position, verify full steering range. Then, with the outboard centered, carefully tilt the engine up to verify that no interference occurs between the jack plate and steering cylinder, hoses, tiebars or other components.<\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-4-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Running wiring for jack plate\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-4-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-4-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-4.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Find a dry place to mount the relay wire harness.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Run Relay Harness<\/h2>\n<p>Find a dry place to mount the relay wire harness. Use the mounting holes in the relay brackets to the boat. Attach the ring terminal from the red cable with a circuit breaker to the positive post on the starting battery. Attached the black-cable terminal to the negative post. Route the cable with actuator plug through the transom and plug it in to the jack-plate pigtail. Run the cable with the switch leads, as well as the fused wired from the positive battery harness, to the backside of the dash. Make sure the wires are supported.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read Next:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/boats\/benefits-of-dometic-mega-jackplates\/\">The Benefits of Dometic Mega Jackplates<\/a><\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-5-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Installing switch for jack plate\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-5-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-5-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-5.jpg 1284w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">Confirm the jack plate operates correctly before seating the switch.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Install the Switch<\/h2>\n<p>Xtreme jack plates come with a momentary two-way rocker switch. Cut an appropriate rectangular opening in the dash for the switch. Pull the two switch leads and the fused wire from the positive battery harness from behind the dash through the hole and crimp on the supplied spade connectors. Connect the spade connectors to the rocker switch control as outlined in the manual. Before seating the rocker switch, confirm the jack plate movements are consistent with the directions on the switch. Then seat the switch.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dometic Pro-Trim:<\/strong> Pro-Trim turn-signal-style controls replace the rocker switch, offering fingertip control while keeping both hands on the wheel. Pro-Trim fits behind the wheels of SeaStar hydraulic and cable steering helms and is available in single- and dual-function systems ($115.99 and $193.99, respectively; marinepartssource.com).<\/p>\n<section class=\"hydra-container\">\n<div class=\"hydra-canvas\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-6-1024x768.jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1\" class=\"hydra-image\" alt=\"Bolting outboard onto jack plate\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-6-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-6-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-6-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-6-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTG226-WWK-Jackplate-6.jpg 2000w\">                <\/div><figcaption class=\"caption margin_top_xs full border_1 hydra-figcaption\">\n                <span class=\"hydra-image-caption\">After reinstalling the engine test the operation of the jack plate and check for clearance.<\/span><br \/>\n                <span class=\"article_image_credit italic margin_right_xs\">Jim Hatch<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reinstall the Motor<\/h2>\n<p>Slide the crane against the bolts on the engine side of the jack plate and insert them through the mounting holes on the outboard. We used the second holes down (as when the outboard was mounted to the transom). You might need to wiggle the engine or raise\/lower the crane to get all of the bolts aligned. Use thick 1\/2-inch stainless-steel washers under brass locknuts on the bolts to secure the jack plate and torque to specifications. Test the operation of the jack plate and check for clearance, as outlined above.<\/p>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/how-to\/installing-a-jack-plate\/\">How to Install a Jack Plate<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/\">Boating Mag<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> \t<BR><br \/>\n <BR><\/BR><br \/>\n    Jim Hendricks<br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n<BR><\/BR><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/boatingmag.com\/how-to\/installing-a-jack-plate\/\">Go to boatingmag<\/a><br \/>\n \t<BR><br \/>\n <BR><\/BR><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Install a Jack Plate Jack plates for outboard motors improve performance and enable shallow-water operation. Jim Hatch Jack plates that adjust on the fly offer a unique set of benefits on a variety of outboard-powered boat types, from bass and bay boats to performance craft. Installed between the transom and the outboard motor, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[126,179,175,7947,181],"tags":[127],"class_list":["post-24981","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-boatingmag","category-diy-projects","category-how-to","category-march-2026","category-weekend-workbook","tag-boatingmag"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24981"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=24981"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24981\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=24981"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=24981"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=24981"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}