Bob's Machine

Bob’s Machine Shop, founded in 1978 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida, is a leading U.S. manufacturer of jack plates for outboard engines. Known for innovation and durability, Bob’s Machine was the first company to produce a jack plate rated for 300 horsepower. Today, they offer a full lineup of hydraulic and manual jack plates, custom-fabricated in-house using CNC machining, marine-grade aluminum, and proprietary finishes.

Every Bob’s Machine jack plate is 100% Made in the USA, with engineering, machining, welding, assembly, powder coating, and final inspection all conducted at their Tampa facility. This domestic vertical integration allows for tighter quality control, shorter lead times, and consistent product performance across all models.

Their flagship Action Series™ hydraulic jack plates feature a fully integrated pump built into the plate housing itself, saving valuable interior space inside the boat. These units support outboards up to 625 pounds and 300 horsepower, with 6 inches of vertical lift and setback options ranging from 4 to 14 inches. The one-piece design eliminates the need for additional setback spacers, reducing weight and complexity.

Key features across Bob’s jack plate lineup include:

Automotive-style grease fittings for easy maintenance

Tension rods that reduce side play and vibration under heavy load

Optional factory-installed hole shot plates to improve lift and acceleration

Marine-grade anodized or powder-coated finishes for corrosion resistance

Hydraulic units with stainless hardware and weatherproof electrical connections

For small boats and clamp-on engines, Bob’s offers Mini Jack Plates for engines up to 50 horsepower. These compact hydraulic models weigh as little as 18 to 28 pounds, yet provide up to 6 inches of lift with a 5.5-inch setback—making them ideal for skiffs, jon boats, and technical flats boats.

Bob’s jack plates are widely used in bass fishing, inshore saltwater, offshore racing, duck hunting boats, and by boat manufacturers (OEMs). They’re also popular among government agencies and rescue craft builders due to their structural strength and long-term service reliability.

All Bob’s Machine jack plates come with a lifetime structural warranty and a 3- or 5-year warranty on hydraulic pumps, depending on the series. Their dedication to American-made quality and unmatched support has made them one of the most respected names in marine performance components.

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