Plate or Extension?

[tailchaser]

I have an interesting problem, my father bought a low end unit to place on our 115 Merc. Optimax and sizing up the unit would have the prop unit running to shallow on the back of the boat. Basically, we need to make up around 6 inches. So the options are, a jackplate (self explanitory), or do we go with a conversion making the long shaft into an XLong shaft by adding a spacer and new rod?

Specs on the boat are a 20' NR Scout, 115 Merc. Opti in a long shaft version. I don't have exact dimensions yet on distance, just seeing if anyone has had the same issue in the past and how they resolved it.

tc

[Flatfish]

Dunno if they make a Bay Kit for the 115 engines.

[Coastalfisherman]

Go with a jack plate. I have one on my 20' Fishrite. It allows me to run a prop into some pretty shallow water(at slow speed), plus it gives you about 6-10" of offset to get the prop into cleaner water.

[Flatfish]

Before you spend the money, make sure you will be able to operate things. If I were to drop my big engine 4", the tiller arm hit's the top lip of the transom

[kidkodger]

The Bay extension kit would be the easiest and probably the least expensive option. They provide good and straight forward service. This is a more common fix than a jack plate, but a good jack plate will provide performance enhancements for both the pump and prop.