Good family fast boat.

[2.5racer]

Since I sold my CC I am trying to find a nice fast outboard for a family of 3 and was wondering what opinions you all have and why. Thanks for the input.

[spearhunter7]

My Euro huals my family of 3 around with room to spare. Fairly quick too.

[2.5racer]

I was looking into a T4 quarter shot

[Corona Mike]

I was looking into a T4 quarter shot


Allison Grand Sport, Euro Or A T-4 Are All Good Choices...

[whipper]

My GS has been great for my family of 4. id go 250xs on an Allison GS then you have the torque to pull everyone up quick and easy. Ski ,pleasure,race water ever ya want with lots of room for 4, seats 5 no problem with all your gear. 100+ with a 250xs or 260+.

[afr]

see wildman he can hook u up

[2Fast2Pass]

http://i42.tinypic.com/33armol.jpg

[wired247]

See signature. Open bow checkmate enticer. Mines an '81 but anything can be rebuilt from the ground up.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/7830/fpvt.jpg

[afr]

http://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?270191-Just-got-a-couple-new-2014-21-Liberator-cats&highlight=

[Ron V]

Not to knock anybody's ride, but you said you're looking for something for the family. Every Checkmate I've been in had a severe lack of interior space relative to its size compared to other boats. The open bow models make up for that a bit, but at the end of the day there is still not much room in the back if you have multiple passengers and skiers getting in and out. I'd go for something with the steering closer to the front and more room between the front and rear seats.

[mach1magnum]

22 velocity with cabin great all around boat

[Captain Nick]

Not to knock anybody's ride, but you said you're looking for something for the family. Every Checkmate I've been in had a severe lack of interior space relative to its size compared to other boats. The open bow models make up for that a bit, but at the end of the day there is still not much room in the back if you have multiple passengers and skiers getting in and out. I'd go for something with the steering closer to the front and more room between the front and rear seats.

Actually my Dad has a 96 Checkmate Pulse 185 open bow. Their's actually a decent amount of space. The rear seat has storage underneath it. The bow has storage under those seats. In the very front of the boat a storage door to put items in. It's not the fastest boat does 60 mph. However it's a really well built boat. On the rear bench seat you can seat 3 people comfortably. The boat is not for sale.

[ActivatedSludge]

http://i42.tinypic.com/33armol.jpg
I would like to see where you mounted the tripod ski pole. I would like to have one on my 03. If you get a chance could you post one or shoot me one via PM? Thanks! Kurt

[wired247]

Not to knock anybody's ride, but you said you're looking for something for the family. Every Checkmate I've been in had a severe lack of interior space relative to its size compared to other boats. The open bow models make up for that a bit, but at the end of the day there is still not much room in the back if you have multiple passengers and skiers getting in and out. I'd go for something with the steering closer to the front and more room between the front and rear seats.


The thing you discover about open bow boats is no one wants to ride in the back.

[Forkin' Crazy]

Not to knock anybody's ride, but you said you're looking for something for the family. Every Checkmate I've been in had a severe lack of interior space relative to its size compared to other boats. The open bow models make up for that a bit, but at the end of the day there is still not much room in the back if you have multiple passengers and skiers getting in and out. I'd go for something with the steering closer to the front and more room between the front and rear seats.

I have a mid '80s Diplomat. And your right it's short changed in room. It does have compartments under the seats in the bow, but you won't store much under them... a PFD and a couple bow lines and it's full. Not much place to stick a 48 Qt ice chest either. If you do it will be covering up the ski locker in the floor. It is wide though. For three or four it may be OK, but anymore than that, no.

As said, T4, Euro, or Grand Sport. I will say this, the Grand Sport will give the smoothest ride of the three if it gets a bit rough. A long keel and higher dead rise than most smaller Vs makes a huge difference.

[Ron V]

The thing you discover about open bow boats is no one wants to ride in the back.

Which is why I don't own one...the passengers take great joy in riding up there and killing the performance and efficiency of the boat, which is torture to a purist like myself. :smiletest:

[LaveyT]

Which is why I don't own one...the passengers take great joy in riding up there and killing the performance and efficiency of the boat, which is torture to a purist like myself. :smiletest:

My old YT Bow-rider rode so rough I was always looking for volunteers to take the beating:) If I wanted to go fast I snapped a bow cover on and went by myself.

[wired247]

I had this cover made the other day. Havent had it out yet.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/27/0fme.jpg

[merctech5591]

I've owned my 21 liberator for over 10 years.. Great boat for a family of 4 even 5, space for coolers, towels bag all the gear so do e would have In the boat for a day at the beach.. Tons of walking space and will take a good amount of lake chop or bay chop.. Deffinetly not as fast as a euro or t4 with equal power but will have a much better ride..

[Ziemer]

One thing you need when boating with a family is storage and I hate having things shoved in the gunnel or not put away when underway. The GS is one of the best boats in the 20' range when it comes to storage. The rear sun pads cover 3 huge storage bins which house a full size cooler, life jackets, fenders, anchor and some misc tools and nick knack items. We love ours and its been a great family boat for the last 11+ years

[Ing]

Not sure of your wallet. Richie Sutphen Jr can build an awesome 21 Bowrider. Another poster mentioned Wildman. See what he has. The newer Check 24 Bowrider with a inner liner has more usable space then any other boat mentioned. The 20 & 21 Checks can be rather tight. Good luck

[LaveyT]

I had this cover made the other day. Havent had it out yet.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/27/0fme.jpg

You will pick up speed and require less trim:cool: Post your numbers

[rkmirage]

Of the boats that make your list, the Allison GS is hard to beat. plus its arguably the best looking boat ever built.

[foxtrot722]

If you happen to run up on a Triad V21, they are worth a look. Too bad they aren't in production anymore.
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