Jackplate installation

[fish2wn]

I have an o4 nitro with a 90hp merc and was thinking about installing a jackplate. I was wondering if this would add to top end speed and how easy/hard they are to install?

[cr]

You should get 2 or 3 mph and its not that hard , if you have a cherry-picker or chain fall and somewhere to hang it . Of course a hydraulic jack plate requires running the wires up to the console , most are self-contained units . The main thing is to watch the water pressure as you raise the motor up . Although for the cost ,$450 for a manual to $1200 for a hydrualic , or so , the money might be better spent on a Humminbird SI unit or something else . Just my opinion ...CR

[Bender]

I installed a 6" plate on mine by myself, it wasn't too hard. You just need something to hold the motor up while you put it on. Make sure to seal the bolts too.
I think that it helped everything. Holeshot, handling, top end. Mine is just a manual but I spent a few hours on the water setting up the height and it works well and lets you tune in your setup.
Edit: Look around boat sites like bassboatcentral.com and you can find them used for relatively cheap, I paid $200 for mine I think.