CMC Jack Plates

CMC Jack Plates: The Original Self-Contained Hydraulic Design

When it comes to jack plates, few names carry the weight of CMC Marine. Since 1956, CMC has been engineering products for the marine and hydraulics markets, and for more than 30 years the brand has led with its patented Power-Lift™ jack plate system — earning a reputation as the originator and pioneer of the self-contained hydraulic jack plate. For anglers, tournament bass fishermen, and shallow-water boaters alike, that heritage translates directly into products they can trust cast after cast and season after season.

Why CMC Stands Apart in the Jack Plate Category

What sets CMC apart is vertical integration and quality control. All major components are engineered and manufactured in-house, with precision computerized machinery used throughout the production process. Every unit must pass testing procedures before it is packaged for shipment, ensuring the performance and durability anglers depend on in demanding freshwater and saltwater environments. All hydraulic units are driven by CMC's own patented hydraulic actuator — a self-contained design that eliminates external pumps and simplifies installation.

CMC Jack Plate Product Lines

CMC offers three primary styles of jack plates to cover a range of outboard setups and budgets:

• Hydraulic Power-Lift (PL-65) Jack Plates — CMC's flagship hydraulic transom jacks are available in 5½" and 10" setbacks and are rated for outboards up to 350 HP. Built from 6061 T6 alloy aluminum extrusions, these units are engineered for both fresh and saltwater use. Most models can be configured with or without a gauge and in high-speed or standard operation — giving boaters the flexibility to dial in exactly the performance they need.
• Manual Power-Lift (ML-65) Jack Plates — For boaters seeking a reliable, non-hydraulic solution, CMC's manual jack plates are constructed from 6061 T6 extruded aluminum with stainless steel fasteners for maximum corrosion resistance. One-piece models are available in 5½" and 10" setbacks, while the two-piece design delivers 5" of slot adjustment at the motor bracket plus an additional 1½" at the transom for finely tuned engine positioning. All manual models fit the standard B.I.A. bolt pattern, making them compatible with a wide range of outboard configurations.
• Static Setback Plates — When a boater simply needs to optimize prop height without motorized adjustment, CMC's static setback brackets offer fixed setbacks ranging from 2½" through 9". These can also be paired with CMC's manual or hydraulic units to fine-tune total setback for a custom fit.

Performance Benefits of a CMC Jack Plate

Jack plates do more than just mount your outboard to the transom. By allowing precise vertical positioning of the motor, they help reduce prop slippage, improve out-of-the-hole acceleration, increase top-end speed, and provide critical prop clearance in skinny water. For tournament anglers chasing fish in shallow backwaters or flats boaters navigating low tides, the ability to raise or lower the motor on the fly — or set an optimal static height — can make the difference between reaching a productive spot and turning back. CMC's hydraulic models put that control at your fingertips with a simple switch at the helm.

CMC Marine is now part of the T-H Marine family, which together with CMC represents the world's largest manufacturer of jack plates. That scale means robust parts availability, broad compatibility with most outboard brands, and a long track record of field-proven durability trusted by recreational boaters and serious competitors alike.