The slidemaster has a “J” shape as you look at it. When some one says the jackplate is mounted flush with the inner plate, they are referring to the inner and outer plates as level, closest to the transom. That means, the motor, sitting on the higher end of the “J”. That is a normal starting point when adjusting jackplates for a slidemaster. The lowest part of the “J” is where you make marks when adjusting.96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner