Long time lurker finally joining. I need the power of the people how are on this site. I am looking at buying a new triton aluminum bass boat 18 tx I want evinrude 115 etec a cmc jack plate and a talon with mount. You all have helped in my decision for all those so thank you. My true question is that's 500 pounds on the back of boat(well 485ish) is that to much? Im concerned and need guidance thank you and tight lines. 

check the warranty. some will not let you add a jack plate, but I doubt it will have much affect except for maybe a little speed.

Agree with @3dees Performance gains from the jackplate may be minimal at best, especially if the boat doesn't have a pad hull(I don't know if it does or doesn't) The Talon and mount(s) is only adding maybe 40lbs to a transom that is designed to hang a motor from. So, I would look at it like you are adding 40lbs, not 500.

your fine. the boat is made to accommodate the weight of the motor. the added weight from the talon is not that much. matter of fact, I would put another talon on it and not lose sleep over it.

Welcome aboard!

If its the same as the Ranger RT188 (almost the same boat) it is allowed a 4in jack plate, the Talon would void warranty if they could show the Talon caused the hull issue.

 

They are not pad hulls.

 

With the Evinrude the oil reservoir is put into one of the storage boxes in the back so you lose some storage area. The Mercury 115hp 2 stroke has it on the front of the motor.

Being that your're choosing 2 stroke over 4 stroke you're loosing some weight right there. Probably more than what the rest of the stuff you're hanging on it weighs. Performance gains with a jack plate may or may not be worth it, but having one is nice in skinny water. Even just idling around you can jack your motor up enough that and obstructions will hit the bottom of the boat before the prop normally. 

3 hours ago, WIGuide said:

Being that your're choosing 2 stroke over 4 stroke you're loosing some weight right there. Probably more than what the rest of the stuff you're hanging on it weighs. Performance gains with a jack plate may or may not be worth it, but having one is nice in skinny water. Even just idling around you can jack your motor up enough that and obstructions will hit the bottom of the boat before the prop normally. 

 

I can't say for sure that I'd actually prefer hull damage over a dinged prop. 

Neither will make my day.

A-Jay