Answering the common search for an outboard kick up plate, this guide highlights five solid choices across hydraulic, adjustable, and reinforcement options. Each pick suits a distinct buyer: from casual weekend anglers to skippers who routinely navigate shallow or obstacle-filled waters. The table below compares the selected products at a glance to help you decide quickly.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bob’s Machine Kick-Back Jac Plate | Budget-friendly small to mid-range outboards | Delrin rollers and bearings for smooth operation |
| Winibo 6″ Electric Hydraulic Jack Plate | Shallow-water navigation with up to 200HP | Hydraulic lift with kick-back and set-back features |
| Winibo 8″ Adjustable Jack Plate | Long shaft motors on short transoms | Full 4-inch vertical range for precise height control |
| Outboard Transom Reinforcement Backing Plate | Heavy-duty reinforcement for larger motors | Durable 0.2″ aluminum backing for universal fit |
| RUIANOMG MJ-1-DP 4″ Setback | Small boats needing long shaft compatibility | Wide setback with corrosion-resistant cast aluminum |
Bob’s Machine Kick-Back Jac Plate
Product: Bob’s Machine Kick-Back Jac Plate. Brand: Bob’s Machine Shop. Features: Rated for outboards up to 115 HP, Delrin rollers and bearings for smooth operation, Motor tether attachment point for safety.
Best for: Owners of smaller to mid-range outboards who want a reliable, simple-to-use kick-up plate without overbuilding. This plate emphasizes smooth action and a safety tether, making it suitable for casual coastal fishing or lakeside boating. Why selected: It provides essential lift and safety features at a accessible price point.
Caution: The unit is rated for up to 115 HP, so avoid using it on higher-powered engines unless a higher-capacity model is required.
Winibo 6″ Electric Hydraulic Jack Plate
Product: Winibo 6″ Electric Hydraulic Jack Plate with Kick-Back. Brand: Winibo. Features: The 6.69-inch vertical hydraulic stroke, 30° tilt kick-back mechanism, locking pins for secure operation, grease fittings at pivot points for maintenance.
Best for: Anglers and boaters navigating shallow water who need adjustable height with reliable kick-back protection for up to 200HP. Why selected: Combines hydraulic lift with a tilt mechanism to protect the prop and lower unit in tight channels.
Caution: Hydraulic systems require proper maintenance; ensure seals and fittings are kept clean to avoid leakage over time.
Winibo 8″ Adjustable Jack Plate
Product: Winibo 8″ Adjustable Outboard Motor Jack Plate. Brand: Winibo. Features: Made of 6061 aerospace aluminum with T6 heat treatment, full 4-inch vertical range, corrosion resistance for harsh marine environments.
Best for: Boats with short transoms needing a long-shaft motor upgrade or height adjustment for steering control. Why selected: Strong construction and wide adjustment range offer flexible motor mounting options.
Caution: High-stress adjustments should be performed with care to avoid over-tightening adjustment bolts.
Outboard Transom Reinforcement Backing Plate
Product: Outboard Transom Reinforcement Backing Plate. Brand: Generic. Features: 0.2″ thick aluminum, robust construction, universal compatibility, full-pattern design.
Best for: Boats requiring solid structural reinforcement to support larger outboard motors. Why selected: The backing plate provides durable reinforcement and broad compatibility across motors.
Caution: Reinforcement plates add weight to the transom; ensure overall weight balance is suitable for the hull.
RUIANOMG MJ-1-DP 4″ Setback Jack Plate
Product: RUIANOMG MJ-1-DP 4inch Setback Jack Plate. Brand: RUIANOMG. Features: Suitable for clamp mounting up to 35HP, 4″ setback, cast aluminum, corrosion-resistant, improves engine distance from transom for better hull clearance.
Best for: Small boats and dinghies using long-shaft engines on short transoms. Why selected: Provides a practical 4-inch setback with durable construction for modest engines.
Caution: Limited to engines up to 35HP; not suitable for higher horsepower setups.
MJ-1-DP 4″ Setback Jack Plate with Wooden Block
Product: MJ-1-DP 4″ Setback Jack Plate. Brand: QNCKJZV. Features: 4-inch setback, manual lift, wooden mounting block included, designed for small boats and long-to-short shaft transitions.
Best for: Builders who want an included mounting block for easier installation on small craft. Why selected: The wooden block simplifies secure mounting and helps achieve reliable alignment.
Caution: Manual lift requires effort and steadiness during setup to ensure accurate positioning.
3/16″ Outboard Transom Reinforcement Plate
Product: 3/16″ Outboard Transom Reinforcement Plate. Brand: telfair. Features: Heavy-duty 3/16″ iron plate, universal compatibility for 4-stroke and 2-stroke engines, durable construction.
Best for: Larger outboard setups where extra transom reinforcement is needed. Why selected: Offers thick, robust backing to support high-stress mounting.
Caution: Iron plates are heavier; verify weight limits on your transom structure.
Rockwood Kick Plate, Stainless Steel
Product: Rockwood 085845 4 x 35.32D Rectangular Kick Plate. Brand: Rockwood. Features: Stainless steel, corrosion resistance, mounting fasteners included.
Best for: Boats requiring a durable kick plate with corrosion resistance for longer service life. Why selected: Stainless steel construction offers strong impact resistance and lasting performance.
Caution: Stainless steel may require occasional maintenance to prevent corrosion in marine environments with high salinity or aggressive water conditions.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for Outboard Kick Up Plates
What type of mechanism do I need?
Hydraulic plates offer easy, controlled height adjustments, while manual plates rely on mechanical lift and can be more affordable. Consider how often you adjust engine height and the typical water conditions you encounter.
What motor power and transom size matter?
Choose plates rated for your engine horsepower. A plate with a higher HP rating provides more stability for larger motors. Check transom thickness and mounting compatibility as well.
Should I prioritize setback or height range?
Setback increases distance between the motor and transom, which can improve trim and clearance for long shafts. Height range determines how high you can raise the engine for shallow-water navigation.
Material and corrosion considerations
Aluminum plates are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, while stainless steel or iron options are more robust but heavier. For saltwater use, prioritize corrosion resistance and proper coatings.
Installation and maintenance considerations
Look for included mounting hardware, ease of installation, and maintenance features like grease fittings. Regular inspection of pivot points and seals helps prevent leaks and wear.
Compatibility and universal fit
Some plates are designed for universal compatibility across brands, while others target specific motor types. Verify fit with your engine model and shaft length before purchase.
What about safety and towing considerations?
Kick-back plates with tether attachments improve safety during operation and towing. Ensure any tether points and safety features are properly installed and tested.
FAQ
- What is a kick up plate? A device mounted to the transom that helps raise the outboard motor for shallow water or obstacle avoidance.
- Can I install a kick up plate on any boat? Most plates are designed for common transoms, but confirm mounting compatibility with your hull and engine.
- Do hydraulic kick up plates require maintenance? Yes, periodic maintenance of seals, fittings, and pivot points is recommended.
- Is setback more important than height range? It depends on your use case; setback improves clearance for long shaft engines, while height range affects shallow-water capability.
- Are there weight considerations? Yes, heavier plates add transom load; ensure your boat can support the additional weight.
- What should I avoid when choosing? Avoid plates that exceed your engine’s HP rating or don’t fit your transom type.