Just picked up a pair of Keikauffer (sp?) 380 plates only; for Monsoon. I know the plates, pumps, hardware, cylinders, and cylinder mounting location are the same for the 280 that I currently have on the boat.

My question: Did you mount my 280s any differently that you would have mounted Rich's 380s or any other 380s upon install, meaning longer or bigger bolts, etc. I'd like to just remove the 280 plates and slide in the 380 plates.

Am I cool to do this with no risk?

If they are older plates, you are cool loke Fonzi. If the are newer plates like in the last 6 months, there may be an issue.

This is what I have in my living room as a temporary coffee table:



They were listed as 'old stock' when I picked them up from eBay, so I don't believe they are brand spanking new.

The boat is having the computers reprogrammed at the moment, and I will give them a dry fit later this week when I get back to the boat.

They will probably work then. The big difference is the size of the pivot rods on the new planes are bigger hence, so are the holes.

Pop the small rod where the indicator cable attaches and make sure it is the same diameter. Should take about 10 minutes to change after that.

What is the advantage of longer planes? I thought they were mainly used w/ extension boxes or 40+ foot boats.

I put them on this weekend. They went on fairly simple. I got a good deal on them BGIII, so I went with them since a few other ATs have them on and seem to work well. I did not run in any big water, but plan to in 2 weeks so I will post my thoughts.

Thanks Pat. I got the locks in the mail today too.

The longer tabs work better at higher speeds where the water is really running almost straight back off the transom because you don't need to bury them to adjust the attitude. Of course burying them is like putting the brakes on.

What do you think?

I definately like having the bigger tabs on the boat. I ran 200 miles in the Chesapeake Bay this past weekend, and 180 miles down the James River to the Bay, and back up a few weeks ago. I like how they work.