Bob'S Machine Jack Plates

Bob's Machine Shop: The Original Hydraulic Jack Plate

Bob's Machine Shop (BMS) has one distinction that no competitor can claim: they are the original hydraulic jack plate manufacturer, with a lineage that traces back to 1978. For boaters browsing the jack plate category, that kind of heritage matters — it means decades of real-world refinement, patented engineering, and a singular focus on a product that defines the brand. As BMS themselves put it, jack plates are not just another line item; they are the main line.

A Full Lineup for Every Boater

What sets Bob's Machine Shop apart is the breadth and depth of their jack plate offerings. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, BMS has engineered distinct series to match different engine sizes, boat types, and boater preferences:

• Standard Series Hydraulic Jack Plates — The flagship line that has been on the market since 1978. Designed for engines up to 300 hp, the Standard Series is widely regarded as the lightest-weight hydraulic jack plate available. BMS achieves this by keeping the pump mounted inside the boat rather than on the transom, reducing weight where it matters most. All standard series plates carry a lifetime structural warranty to the original end user and a 5-year warranty on the hydraulic pump motor.
• Action Series Jack Plates™ — BMS's next-generation hydraulic line integrates the pump directly inside the jack plate structure itself, eliminating the need to run plumbing into the boat. This self-contained design streamlines rigging and is a popular choice for OEM installations. The internal pump motor delivers strong lifting speed and force for heavy outboards, and the series retains all of BMS's signature patented features — automotive-style grease nipples in the side rails and precision tension rods.
• Versa Jac (Standard & Extreme Gen 3) — A uniquely upgradeable manual jack plate rated for engines from 35 hp up to 300 hp (and beyond with the Extreme Gen 3 for 350+ hp applications including V8s). When a boater is ready to go fully hydraulic, the manual screw assembly can be swapped out for a hydraulic cylinder kit using basic hand tools — no new plate required. The Extreme Gen 3 Versa Series is engineered for wide-mounting, high-horsepower outboards that exceed a standard 14.5" mounting width.
• Mini Jac Series — Purpose-built for smaller vessels, skiffs, and micro-transoms, Mini Jacs handle engines from 40–50 hp and come in BIA bolt-pattern and clamp-on configurations. The lightest models weigh as little as 18 pounds while still delivering meaningful hydraulic lift, making them ideal for Gheenoe-style and shallow-water fishing platforms.

What Makes BMS Jack Plates Different

Across every series, Bob's Machine Shop builds in several engineering hallmarks that distinguish their plates from the competition. All models feature a one-piece design that eliminates the need for setback spacers — a common workaround required by competing plates. Available in 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", and 14" setbacks, each plate is manufactured as a single unit for the chosen setback. BMS also uses hi-tech bearings that will not absorb water and automobile-style grease fittings for straightforward maintenance. All plates come pre-drilled for dual side-mount Power Pole shallow-water anchor brackets, and select models include a factory-installed holeshot plate on 8"+ setback configurations.

Whether you're a tournament angler chasing holeshot performance, a flats fisherman navigating inches of water, or an OEM rigger looking for a clean, reliable installation, Bob's Machine Shop has a jack plate engineered to the task — backed by the longest pump warranty in the industry and a lifetime structural guarantee.