10 Best Bob’s Machine Jack Plates for 2026: Top Setbacks, Lift Options, and 300 HP Picks

Bob’s Machine jack plates are a popular choice for boaters who want better prop bite, improved holeshot, and a cleaner match between engine height and hull setup.

This roundup focuses on the most useful options for different setback needs, horsepower ratings, and mounting styles so you can narrow down the right fit faster.

Best 10 Bob's Machine Jack Plates Picks for 2026

Shallow-Water Safety Pick – Bob's Machine Kick-Back Jac Plate

Bob’s Machine jack plates like this kick-back model are built for smaller outboards that still need protection in shallow water. This manual plate is rated for motors up to 115 HP and adds a practical kick-back design that helps reduce lower-unit damage when you run into submerged objects.

Best For: Owners of 115 HP-and-under outboards who want a manual, safety-focused jack plate for shallow-water use.

Pros:

• Rated for outboards up to 115 HP
• Delrin rollers and bearings support smooth operation
• Motor tether attachment point adds a safety backup
• Locking pins help prevent unwanted kick-out in reverse or trailering

Cons:

• Manual operation may not suit buyers wanting hydraulic adjustment
• Designed for lower horsepower setups, not larger outboards

This is a straightforward pick if you want a tough, salt-water-ready jack plate with simple mechanical features and built-in protection. It focuses on control and safety rather than maximum lift or high-horsepower compatibility.

Heavy-Duty Hydraulic Pick – Bob's Machine 100-106000 6" Setback

If you’re comparing Bob’s Machine jack plates for a larger rig, this hydraulic model is built for serious outboard setups. It handles engines up to 300 HP and 625 lbs, and its 7.5 inches of lift gives you room to fine-tune engine height without getting into a more specialized setup.

Best For: Boat owners who need a hydraulic jack plate for up to 300 HP outboards and want easy height adjustment.

Pros:

• Supports engines up to 300 HP and 625 lbs
• Provides 7.5 inches of lift
• Includes pump, wiring harness, hoses, control switch, and oil
• Remote mount pump stays dry and secured in an internal location

Cons:

• Heavier at 70 pounds
• More complex than a manual jack plate

This is the most capable adjustment-focused option in the group, especially if you want hydraulic convenience and broad outboard compatibility. The included installation parts also make it easier to plan a full setup from the start.

Budget Kick-Back Hydraulic Pick – Bob's Machine 100-105100 Action Series

Among Bob’s Machine jack plates, this Action Series kick-back model blends hydraulic lift with shallow-water protection. It uses a 6-inch hydraulic stroke plus 1.5 inches of built-in structure lift for a total of 7.5 inches, while the kick-back design helps guard the lower unit when you hit submerged obstacles.

Best For: Anglers running up to 115 HP motors who want hydraulic lift and kick-back protection in one plate.

Pros:

• 6-inch hydraulic stroke plus 1.5-inch structure lift equals 7.5 inches total
• Rated up to 115 HP motors
• Delrin rollers and bearings help keep operation smooth
• Motor tether attachment point and locking pins add safety

Cons:

• Not intended for higher-horsepower outboards
• Hydraulic system adds complexity compared with manual plates

This model makes sense if you want the protective kick-back style but still want hydraulic lift for setup changes. It keeps the horsepower limit modest, so it is best viewed as a compact, practical solution rather than a heavy-duty upgrade.

Lifetime Structure Value Pick – Bob's Machine Shop Action Series Jack Plate

If you’re shopping Bob’s Machine jack plates for a simple 6-inch setback setup, this Action Series model keeps the focus on structure and durability. It uses aluminum construction, lists a lifetime warranty on the structure to the original owner, and weighs 42.7 pounds, which may appeal to buyers who want a more basic plate than a hydraulic system.

Best For: Buyers who want a straightforward 6-inch setback jack plate with an aluminum build and lifetime structural warranty.

Pros:

• 6-inch setback configuration
• Aluminum construction
• Lifetime warranty on the structure to the original owner
• Lighter than some hydraulic options at 42.7 pounds

Cons:

• Product notes do not list hydraulic adjustment features
• Load capacity is shown as 5E+1 pounds in the supplied details

This is the simplest option in the roundup and suits shoppers who value a basic setback plate with a strong warranty. It is less about advanced adjustment and more about getting a solid, conventional mount.

Heavy-Duty Lift for Big Outboards – Bob's Machine 100-108001 Action Series Jack Plate

If you’re comparing Bob’s Machine jack plates for a boat that needs dependable setback and lift, this Action Series model is built for serious power. It offers 8 inches of setback, 7.5 inches of lift, and a large motor designed to lift heavy outboards under full power in about six seconds.

Best For: Boat owners running up to 300 HP who want a sturdy 8-inch setback plate with fast hydraulic lift.

Pros:

• Provides 7.5 inches of lift for dialing in engine height
• Lifts heavy outboards under full power in six seconds
• One-piece design with internally mounted pump
• Includes wiring harness, control switch, grease fittings, and adjustable tension rods

Cons:

• Rated for 300 HP max, so it is not for higher-output setups
• At 56 lbs., it adds noticeable weight to the rig

This is a solid choice if you want a straightforward, high-capacity jack plate with the key hardware included. Its combination of fast lift, 8-inch setback, and heavy-duty construction makes it a practical fit for many performance-minded boats.

Compact Black-Coated Option – Bob's Machine 100-104101P 4" Setback Action Series Jack Plate

Among Bob’s Machine jack plates, this black-coated Action Series model stands out for a smaller 4-inch setback and a built-in pump layout. It delivers 1.5 inches of lift built into the structure plus 6 inches of adjustable travel for 7.5 inches total lift, while still using a large motor to move heavy outboards under full power.

Best For: Boaters who want a lower-setback jack plate with black-coated finish and flexible pump placement.

Pros:

• 4-inch setback for a more compact setup
• 7.5 inches total lift from built-in lift plus adjustable travel
• Pump inside the jack plate from the factory
• Can be converted to have the pump inside the boat

Cons:

• Heavier than the 8-inch model at 65 pounds
• Material listing is stainless steel, but the overall build is still a sizable component

This model makes sense if you want the Action Series performance in a shorter setback package. The built-in pump and conversion option add flexibility for owners who want to tailor the installation later.

Longer Setback Performance Pick – Bob's Machine 100-111000 Action Series Jac Plate

If you’re shopping Bob’s Machine jack plates for a boat that needs more setback, this 10-inch Action Series unit gives you the same 7.5 inches of lift in a longer package. It uses a one-piece design with an internally mounted pump and includes the wiring harness, control switch, grease fittings, and adjustable tension rods for installation.

Best For: Boat owners who want a 10-inch setback jack plate with fast lift and included installation hardware.

Pros:

• 10-inch setback for more transom spacing
• 7.5 inches of lift with a motor that lifts under full power in six seconds
• One-piece design with internally mounted pump
• Includes wiring harness, control switch, grease fittings, and adjustable tension rods

Cons:

• Rated for 300 HP max, so it suits a specific engine range
• At 61 lbs., it is heavier than the 8-inch version

This is the right fit when you want the Action Series formula but need more setback than the shorter model provides. It keeps the same fast hydraulic lift and hardware package while stretching to a 10-inch layout.

Compact Lift Pick – Bob's Machine 100-106010P Jack Plate Action Series 6"

If you want Bob’s Machine jack plates with a compact 6-inch setback and built-in hydraulic lift, this Action Series model is designed for practical height adjustment without a lot of extra bulk. It combines 5 inches of lift built into the structure with 6 inches of adjustable travel for up to 7.5 inches total lift, making it a strong fit for setups that need useful adjustability in a relatively compact package.

Best For: Boat owners who want a compact hydraulic jack plate with substantial lift and a 300 HP-class outboard.

Pros:

• 5 inches of lift built into the structure plus 6 inches of adjustable travel
• Up to 7.5 inches total lift for tuning engine height
• Large motor is rated to lift heavy outboards under full power
• Made in the USA in Tampa, Florida

Cons:

• Rated for 300 HP and up to 625 lbs, so heavier motors should move to the Extreme series
• 6-inch setback may be less flexible than longer plates for some rigs
• Bulky 70-pound unit may be more involved to handle during installation

This is a solid choice if your priority is strong hydraulic lift in a shorter setback design. It gives you meaningful adjustment and a heavy-duty motor while staying within the brand’s stated limits.

Balanced Setback Choice – Bob's Machine 100-112112 Action Series Jac Plate

Among Bob’s Machine jack plates, this 12-inch Action Series model is a straightforward option if you want a middle-ground setback with proven hydraulic performance. It offers 7.5 inches of lift, a one-piece design with an internally mounted pump, and the included wiring harness and control switch make it easier to understand as a complete package.

Best For: Buyers who want a 12-inch setback jack plate with included controls and a 300 HP max rating.

Pros:

• 12-inch setback for a balanced setup
• Provides 7.5 inches of lift
• One-piece design with internally mounted pump
• Includes wiring harness, control switch, grease fittings, and adjustable tension rods

Cons:

• Limited to 300 HP max
• At 66-67 pounds, it is still a substantial component to install
• Not the longest setback in the lineup if you need more spacing

This model is a practical pick for boaters who want a complete, mid-length hydraulic plate without stepping up to a larger setback. The included hardware and internally mounted pump make it a sensible all-around choice.

Longer Setback Option – Bob's Machine 100-114001 Action Series Jac Plate

If you’re comparing Bob’s Machine jack plates and want more setback, this 14-inch Action Series model gives you the longest reach in this group. It still uses the same basic Action Series formula of a one-piece design with an internally mounted pump and 7.5 inches of lift, but the extra setback may suit rigs that benefit from more spacing.

Best For: Boat owners who want a 14-inch setback jack plate with hydraulic lift and a lifetime structure warranty.

Pros:

• 14-inch setback for added spacing
• Provides 7.5 inches of lift
• One-piece design with internally mounted pump
• Lifetime structure warranty to the original owner

Cons:

• Rated for 300 HP max, so it is not for heavier applications
• 82-pound plate is the heaviest of the three listed models
• Longer setback may not be ideal for every boat setup

This is the best fit when your setup calls for more setback rather than a compact plate. The longer design, included hardware, and lifetime structural coverage make it a noteworthy option in the Action Series lineup.

How We Picked These Bob's Machine Jack Plates

We focused on practical boat-owner priorities: setback range, hydraulic versus fixed-height design, stated horsepower limits, finish options, and whether the plate suits everyday fishing or performance use. The goal is to help you compare Bob’s Machine Jack Plates by real-world fit rather than spec sheets alone.

Quick Comparison

In simple terms, shorter setback options are easier to manage and often work well for general use, while larger setback models can help with engine placement, top-end trim, and certain hull setups. Hydraulic models add on-the-water adjustability, while standard action series plates are usually simpler and more straightforward.

Key Buying Factors for Bob's Machine Jack Plates

Setback

Setback affects how far the engine sits behind the transom. More setback can improve leverage and performance, but too much may change handling or require more careful setup. Match setback to your hull design, engine weight, and the kind of water you run.

Hydraulic Vs. Fixed

Hydraulic jack plates let you adjust engine height on the fly, which is useful when conditions change or you want to fine-tune speed and handling. Fixed or manual-style action plates are simpler, lighter, and often a better value if you already know the setup you want.

Horsepower Rating

Always check the plate’s stated horsepower maximum and make sure it aligns with your outboard. If your engine is near the upper end of the rating, leave room for safe operation and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

Finish and Corrosion Resistance

Powder-coated and coated finishes are worth considering if your boat sees saltwater or frequent wet storage. A durable finish helps protect appearance and long-term value.

Who Should Buy Which Bob's Machine Jack Plates?

If you want adjustability and the most tuning flexibility, a hydraulic option is the best starting point. If you prefer a simpler setup for everyday boating, an Action Series plate with the setback you need may be the smarter choice. Anglers and performance-minded boaters who are still dialing in prop height should look closely at mid-range setback models first, since they often offer the best balance of control and versatility among Bob’s Machine Jack Plates.

For larger engines or more specialized hull setups, pay extra attention to the manufacturer’s max horsepower and recommended setback range. That final match matters more than chasing the biggest number on the spec sheet.