Checkmate Predictor

[Merc 2.5]

The deck on the 2 Checkmates (early 70's 15' and a 16') I restored came off and went back on pretty easy. Mentioning this because if your replacing the core and floor, the transom is a good idea to do now vs later. Adding a set back lift bracket will add some stress to the transom, and if it's old and wood, it could need doing even if you don't see cracks...yet....

Lifting the deck opens up the boat and makes all repairs easier to do. Doing the transom now with composites and literally tying the transom to the deck and floor/stringers makes it a very strong, never rotting repair. Once and done, and "If" you ever want to repower with more...NO worries, it will be ready for whatever you hang on it.

Document all your work and "If" you ever sell it, this will help sell it for sure.
jmo..

Thanks for gud info. After hrs of reading and examining mine, I know mine needs it all and I have decided to lift deck off, will have roughly 8in set back and modded 2.5 200,

[Merc 2.5]

Boat suppose weigh 700lbs. With mod 2.5 say 240ish hp. Is low 90s far fetched?

[Ohiohydro]

James H:
Pulling the deck is still an option. Thinking recoring center section now adds rigidity to hull for added strength when deck comes off. Starboard flotation box and bolster area wet; so they came out.Attachment 423985

[W2F a V-King]

Boat suppose weigh 700lbs. With mod 2.5 say 240ish hp. Is low 90s far fetched?

I'm not familiar with the predictor and it's hull design. Rigging, prop choice and set up is key to get the most out of any rig. Attention to detail always pays off. My 16' ran mid 80's with a 7 pedal 2.4 almost 30 years ago.

Picture is a bit fuzzy...old picture from actual film days... It took that much set back to get to air out...and it did!

[nitro_rat]

Rigging, prop choice and set up is key to get the most out of any rig. Attention to detail always pays off.

[Ohiohydro]

Stringers and frames fitted. 1/2" Bluewater 20 (Coosa). Need to bind the pieces together to give me one inch stringers. Should I use 1708?

[XstreamVking]

You could, but 1.5 oz mat is all that is needed.

[Ohiohydro]

Any worries with epoxy?

[Gorilla0178]

1.5 oz mat usually isn't used with epoxy. It will soak in but doesn't break up the binder, so it doesnt like to roll out. But for inbetween 2 layers of coosa should be good.

[XstreamVking]

Really won't matter what you use with epoxy. Just some epoxy putty will do fine. They do make mat that is epoxy compatible.

[Merc 2.5]

How did this build go? Updates pics

[Ohiohydro]

How did this build go? Updates pics

Funny you should ask. Just looked at it again tonight. Plan to epoxy frames and stringers starting tomorrow night. Set it aside for another Checkmate which was seaworthy and had a motor. Last time out got 57 mph at 5400 rpm, and still have about three more inches I can raise the motor. Not time wasted, and back to work!

[Merc 2.5]

I've got my predictor bout grinded down and have transom and knees cut , once get stringer and floor cut I'll start glassin mine in , but I still have a paint job to do , new steering and gyages. So hopefully spring for me ,,

[Ohiohydro]

Getting ready to tab in frames and stringers. What should I use for cloth? 1708? Will be using West epoxy.

[Merc 2.5]

U got a pic of work. Curious? Mine only had 1 stringer and the floor. was mine a (light layup of sort?) That's the way I got mine ready to go back but would like to c what u have done