Installed on a 2023 18' Maverick HPX-V with Bobs' 6" jack plate and Yamaha 115SHO that runs the Gulf Coast of FL from North of Anclote to West of Key West with frequent trips to Boca Grande and Flamingo. I have never reviewed a product to this depth but this one has improved the performance and safety of my boat to the extent that I feel compelled to share my experience with others.
The purchase and delivery of my Hybrid plate could not have gone more smoothly. Despite Hunter's busy schedule he kept me up to date and got me my custom plate in just a few weeks. DIY installation was a breeze thanks to manufacturer's inclusion of the needed materials. So easy, in fact, that it was done in less than an hour without taking her off the boat lift.
After running the boat my only regret is that I did not reach out sooner. The bow's response to engine trim is a night and day difference. Normal hole shot is improved with the lack of cavitation but being able to "jump" with the engine trimmed 2" higher than before with no water pressure disturbance makes this feel like a different boat.
Running characteristics at speed are greatly improved due to needing less trim tab to keep the bow level which, ironically, gave me additional MPH at WOT. Admittedly the boat is not propped for speed but not having to fret about my trim tab and jack plate settings has empowered me to use the high range of this engines RPM in a much more controlled manner. Efficiency is up by a minor amount at cruising speed due to keeping the engine a little higher and using less trim tab. Unfortunately, fuel use is also up due to wanting to hang it high and let it fly!
The biggest improvement has been low speed planing during navigation. The stern stays higher in the water at low speeds and does not "fall off" the way it used to. This has greatly increased my confidence in shallow navigation. I no longer need to keep the boat over 30mph to keep the bow level and "send it" as I can now calmly piece my way through the bars around 15mph. Unexpectedly, I can now use the full 6" of lift to idle on and off the flats while causing much less noise and bottom disturbance leading to at least one additional shot on my first day running the Hybrid plate.
I have no doubts this boat will run shallower than she did previously and now I will be able to do so more efficiently, for longer runs, with less sea grass damage, and at safer speeds. All of that plus a few additional shots at cruising fish leads me to the conclusion that this should be equipped on any serious shallow water boat!
