Checkmate Rebuild

[Rocketsled]

I'm taking my MX15 to Checkmate in OH for OEM refurb-floor, stringers, transom, add knees, etc. I'm all in now, but I wanted to see if anyone out there had experience with this.

-Dave

[Pogo]

How much to do all that?

[Rocketsled]

Surprisingly, $1,500 for structural, $2,500 for interior. I would have thought the other way around (more for structural).

-Dave

[Pogo]

That not all that bad. How is the sparkle finish?

[Baja170]

WOW that is a good deal. I would have figured it would cost anyone that much to do the hull themselves and add about 1K at least to get an interior shop to do the interior. My local shop wanted 450 to do a single seat for my Mirage. I sold the boat and still have the seat shell in my garage because the buyer did not want it.

Great deal. The boat should be SWEET like new!!!! Good for you.

[JUPITER PULSARE]

The guys at the Checkmate factory do a great job. They have a few restorations in process right now. You can always call Kip Combs or Dean Reynolds at the factory for questions. You can also get alot of info at checkmate-boats.com.

[starviper10]

I'm currently restoring a 1970 Checkmate MX-14. I bought it as a $100 rotten hull. I've had a lot of help on the checkmate-boats.com restoration thread. There are some very well done restorations that I've looked at for help/inspiration. There's also some galleries of what these boats looked like new, and several race pictures of Action Marine's Checkmates. I'm trying to go for an age correct performance checkmate, so these pictures have been a lot help.

http://checkmate-boats.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19452
This is a great V-mate restoration. If I remember correctly a v-mate has the same hull as your MX-15, just a different deck design.

[Rocketsled]

The finish is a little dull. I decided to go all in and at least have the deck gel coated. I am stoked.

[Rocketsled]

Yes, I've gotten to know Kip and Dean somewhat. Dean's as excited about it as I am.

[Rocketsled]

Thanks gang for the replies... I haven't checked in for a while.

I guess I started this thread before I left. It was a great experience there.
They have started going to town already.
Additional reinforcements will be knees and the base for a bench seat in the back, all tied in with the traditional but replaced structural pieces.
They say the hull should be good for pushing 70mph.
My first choice would be to replace the 1250 inline with an '87 or '88 inline 115 because I like the motors. I was thinking about a Bridgeport, but that would be nuts.
Since top speed starts with the hull, I want a matched and balanced combination.

What hp/prop pitch/wot rpm should I be looking at?

Any suggestions for Merc power plants?

-Dave

[Bodhi]

If not concerned with gas bills.....do a nice promax on the back. However if fuel economy is the thing.....hang an xs. But for the love of God. ...don't put a four banger on..haha

[pkstv]

A Bridgeport would push it to 95 or so ! I had a 1975 15 ft v mate with a 115 and it had a jack plate set back 8 inches with a 22 chopper it did around 58 . I then put on an inline 150 and went to a 28 cleaver and it ran around 70 or so . Don't buy a 115 . It's a teaser motor . You'll only want more hp because the hull can handle it . But without trim on the wheel and a foot throttle and solid mounts , and hydraulic steering it will be a Beast to drive it ! Good luck and be safe !

[Rocketsled]

No worries... No fourbangers.

[Rocketsled]

Yep. I don't want to make it a death trap. Shouldn't a crank rated 150 and a prop rated 115 be about the same? It will have a jack plate-been talking five inches set back.

[Instigator]

No worries... No fourbangers.
Yrs back I restored a '69 16' and put a 140 V-4 on it and it was an absolute blast to drive.
Did everything well. I put a ski pylon in it and slalomed behind it.

Be aware that if you hang a 6 in that lil boat it will totally change its balance. It will be a rocket but suffer every where else. Not that that's bad, just know what ur getting into.

Im a big Checkmate fan. I have a 21' Starliner in my stable.
They build a hell of a boat.

[Instigator]

I would add:

That boat w/an in-line 6 or a V-4 would be period correct and IMO would attract way more attention than a V-6.
Set up proper, both motors would push it 70 and a 15' vee bottom at 70 is HUGE fun.

[pkstv]

Depends on what year motor you end up with . I'm not a fan of the 115 . Trust me you will want more once you experience getting up on the pad and flying her ! If you want to go fast go 150 . Even an XR v6 150 would be awesome with a set back and a bobs coned lower unit and a 26 chopper 11 , that thing would run a quick 75 or better and still cruise and ski very nice ! Life is too short not to have what you want , you are doing the boat right so don't under power it . In line motors are old and hard to get good parts . Up date it you'll appreciate the newer stuff down the road .

[madtunnel]

Depends on what year motor you end up with . I'm not a fan of the 115 . Trust me you will want more once you experience getting up on the pad and flying her ! If you want to go fast go 150 . Even an XR v6 150 would be awesome with a set back and a bobs coned lower unit and a 26 chopper 11 , that thing would run a quick 75 or better and still cruise and ski very nice ! Life is too short not to have what you want , you are doing the boat right so don't under power it . In line motors are old and hard to get good parts . Up date it you'll appreciate the newer stuff down the road .

What he said:iagree:

[71V153]

I have a close cousin of your MX. Regardless of what ya hang on it I wouldn't plan on goin much past 65, and retaining control ...

Fyi a prop rated 90'll push it 55 with a light load.

[Bodhi]

I would add:

That boat w/an in-line 6 or a V-4 would be period correct and IMO would attract way more attention than a V-6.
Set up proper, both motors would push it 70 and a 15' vee bottom at 70 is HUGE fun.

I got so excited thinkin about promax's that I forgot the period correct tower o power for this boat.....that would be sweet!!! Good idea

[Rocketsled]

Thanks for all the posts. I didn't realize there was a page 2 of 2 at first.

There is a lot to think about. I will definitely consider the advice so far.

It seems even finding a power plant that will be a good fit will be the hardest part.

-Dave