Hi everyone, great site!!! 8-) I have a 17' Ranger R73 with a 115 Merc and a 22" pitch Lazer II prop I get around 45 mph at about 5100 RPM I'm just wondering if I should put a jack plate on for a little more speed. If I do get one anyone have any idea as to what size I need 4",6" and anything I should look for before buying one. :oThanks in advance.

from what ive read on the 115   that speed should be about right     not sure what would happen if you went down in prop size

I don't have one yet but after all my research I've come to the conclusion that I will get mine from Bob's Machine. He has an excellent reputation amongst the inshore/ flats fishermen around here.

http://bobsmachine.com/

http://bobsmachine.com/Products/jackplate_hydraulic.cfm

Look into what a jack plate will do for the boat.

It will improve your overall handeling, hole shot and it may or may not improve your top end speed. But with only a 115 it sounds like you are getting max. performance/top end anyway. I have a 521 with a Bob's 6" hydraulic jack plate and a Yamaha 250HPDI. I love the hydraulic jack plate for taking off in real shallow water.