Answering the common buyer question: which kick and jack plate options balance safety, durability, and cost for boats and doors? This guide highlights five top products, clarifying who each item is best for. It covers marine kick-back jacks and general kick plates, plus practical cautions to help you choose confidently. The selections include two hydraulic-action marine pieces and three durable, corrosion-resistant steel or brass plates for doors or protected outdoor use. A quick comparison table at the start helps narrow choices fast.
| Product | Brand | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bob’s Machine 100-105100 Hydraulic Action Series Kick-Back Jac | Bob’s Machine | Shallow water navigation and submerged hazard avoidance | 6″ hydraulic stroke with 1.5″ lift, Delrin rollers |
| Bob’s Machine Kick-Back Jac Plate | Bob’s Machine Shop | All-around outboard protection for portable lifting | Delrin rollers, safety tether point |
| Rockwood 085845 Kick Plate, Stainless Finish | Rockwood | Door or equipment protection in damp/mild environments | Includes mounting fasteners, stainless steel |
| Rockwood 10 X 34.32D K1050 | Rockwood | Door protection on wide doors | Stainless steel, satin finish, robust thickness |
| Prime-Line J 4693 Kick Plate | PRIME-LINE | Aluminum door protection with bronze finish | Stamped aluminum, corrosion resistant |
Bob’s Machine 100-105100 Hydraulic Action Series Kick-Back Jac
The Bob’s Machine 100-105100 is a hydraulic action kick-back jack designed to lift and protect the lower unit in shallow waters and around submerged objects. Best for boaters who navigate in shallows or encounter hidden debris, this unit provides a 6″ hydraulic stroke plus a 1.5″ built-in lift, totaling 7.5″ of lift. Delrin rollers and bearings support smooth operation, and a motor tether attachment point adds safety. Use this when you need reliable lifting to prevent costly underwater damage.
- Best for: boaters needing extra clearance in shallow water and around submerged hazards.
- Why selected: hydraulic lift offers greater control and travel compared to fixed plates.
- Caution: mechanism adds moving parts that require proper maintenance to ensure consistent performance.
Bob’s Machine Kick-Back Jac Plate
The Bob’s Machine Kick-Back Jac Plate is rated for outboard use up to 115 HP. It emphasizes smooth operation with Delrin rollers and a motor tether attachment point for safety. This plate is well-suited for small-to-midsize boats that require reliable protection without heavy hydraulic systems.
- Best for: small to mid-sized outboard boats seeking robust plate protection.
- Why selected: combines durable rollers with practical safety tether features.
- Caution: not designed for very high-horsepower engines beyond 115 HP.
Rockwood 085845 4 x 35.32D Rectangular Kick Plate
The Rockwood 085845 Kick Plate offers stainless steel construction with a durable finish. It includes mounting fasteners and comes in a rectangular 4″ width by 35″ length format, designed for long, linear protection along door or equipment edges. Best for environments where corrosion resistance and structural durability are priorities.
- Best for: doors or panels needing long, continuous protection with stainless steel.
- Why selected: corrosion resistance and included mounting hardware simplify installation.
- Caution: profile may be more than needed for very narrow openings.
Rockwood – 10 X 34.32D K1050 Kick Plate
This Rockwood K1050 kick plate features stainless steel with a satin finish, sized at 34″ width by 10″ height, with a slim 3/64″ thickness. It is recommended for wide doors on the push side (or pull side, depending on door width), offering strong protection against scuffs and damage in typical indoor or sheltered outdoor environments.
- Best for: wide doors needing durable edge protection.
- Why selected: balanced stainless steel durability with a satin, unobtrusive finish.
- Caution: may be excessive for narrow doors or tight mounting spaces.
Prime-Line J 4693 Kick Plate
The Prime-Line J 4693 Kick Plate offers a 10″ x 34″ footprint, constructed from stamped aluminum with a bronze finish. It’s designed for use with aluminum screen frames and other door applications. Best for users who want a lightweight, corrosion-resistant plate with a metal-brushed appearance.
- Best for: aluminum frame doors and lightweight protective needs.
- Why selected: aluminum construction and bronze finish suit certain design requirements.
- Caution: may be less durable than thicker steel options in high-traffic or outdoor environments.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when choosing a kick or jack plate include environment, material, size, and installation. Below are practical questions to help you decide.
- What is the primary environment? Marine installations demand corrosion-resistant materials (stainless steel) and protective hardware; indoor/outdoor doors may be fine with aluminum or bronze finishes.
- What is the right material? Stainless steel offers durability and corrosion resistance; aluminum is lighter and corrosion-prone in harsh outdoor areas; bronze provides a distinct finish and reasonable durability for design-conscious applications.
- What size matters? Measure door or panel widths and the required protection length. Longer plates cover more edge area, while narrower plates fit tighter spaces.
- Do you need a hydraulic action? For boats, hydraulic kick-back jacks add lift and protection in shallow waters; for doors, a simple rigid plate may suffice.
- Are mounting and hardware included? Prefab kits with mounting fasteners simplify installation and ensure proper alignment.
- Is safety a priority? Look for tether points or secure fasteners when using marine components to prevent loss or misalignment.
FAQ
- What is a kick plate used for on boats? It protects lower units and hardware from damage when navigating shallow waters or encountering submerged objects.
- What is a jack plate? A jack plate raises or lowers the engine or lift system to clear obstacles and improve draft for specific conditions.
- Are stainless steel kick plates better than aluminum? Stainless steel offers greater corrosion resistance and durability, particularly in marine or outdoor use; aluminum is lighter but can corrode in harsh conditions.
- Should I choose a fixed or hydraulic option? Fixed plates are simple and reliable; hydraulic options provide adjustable lift, which is beneficial in fluctuating water depths.
- Can kick plates be used indoors? Yes, many kick plates are designed for doors and walls; choose finishes and thickness that match aesthetics and expected wear.
- Do I need installation hardware? Yes, many products include mounting fasteners; if not, ensure you have appropriate screws and tools for your surface.