Checkmate

**Merc 2.5** · 03-28-2018, 07:39 PM

I have a chance to get a 16 1/2 ft checkmate late 70s closed bow type boat. It is very light ,and I'm sure I'll have to redo floor and transom.. would this be a good candidate for a good speed boat? I'll try find a pic to post in mean time. Thanks

**billybob** · 03-29-2018, 07:23 AM

I have had many checkmates, over the years. the older checkmates don,t really want to run much over 70 mph. The keel is too narrow. The bottom would need to be modified for sustained, high speed running.

**FUJIMO** · 03-29-2018, 07:53 AM

Its all in how you rig them & they're intended use. Older CheckMates can be quite stable at 80 plus. Have done it.

**mach351** · 03-29-2018, 02:48 PM

Buddy of mine has an old 16.....has been 96mph with a 200.

**71V153** · 03-29-2018, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by mach351

Buddy of mine has an old 16.....has been 96mph with a 200.

Yikes!

My Baja 15SS runs upper 60s with a 140 crossflow.

**Merc 2.5** · 03-29-2018, 04:14 PM

Now that's music to my ears! It will have at least 2.4 200 or 2.5. I do remember it being lite in bow with tower power 140 on it

**Merc 2.5** · 03-29-2018, 04:42 PM

I'm guessing it will b a driver's boat? Meaning gonna have to learn it and drive it past 70s or 80s?

**mach351** · 03-29-2018, 07:00 PM

They’ve got a little tiny pad, so yeah, you gotta know what you’re doing

**olboatman** · 03-29-2018, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by mach351

They’ve got a little tiny pad, so yeah, you gotta know what you’re doing

You aren't kiddin there.....the Checkmate MX-13 I just aquired has a 3" "Pad" that runs almost the whole length!!! I have a 75 15" OMC with a nitro LU and I'm thinkin I will need to widen the "pad" or "thick keel". lol
Gary

**71V153** · 03-29-2018, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by olboatman

You aren't kiddin there.....the Checkmate MX-13 I just aquired has a 3" "Pad" that runs almost the whole length!!! I have a 75 15" OMC with a nitro LU and I'm thinkin I will need to widen the "pad" or "thick keel". lol
Gary

Ya the Baja's 'pad' is all of 2 7/8" ...

**71V153** · 03-29-2018, 07:41 PM

Fwiw they ain't particularly light. Comparatively speaking. But ya can still make em run purty good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwnHfbCHx-I

(1st ten seconds is the best ...)

**FUJIMO** · 03-29-2018, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by olboatman

You aren't kiddin there.....the Checkmate MX-13 I just aquired has a 3" "Pad" that runs almost the whole length!!! I have a 75 15" OMC with a nitro LU and I'm thinkin I will need to widen the "pad" or "thick keel". lol
Gary

Believe it or not, it will work just fine the way it is. Its all in the setup. The MX-13 is a proven performer.

**olboatman** · 03-29-2018, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by FUJIMO

Believe it or not, it will work just fine the way it is. Its all in the setup. The MX-13 is a proven performer.

Thanks for the info Fujimo as I will keep that in mind and do some testing before moddin the hull.
Gary

**Merc 2.5** · 04-01-2018, 09:37 AM

So this boat is a 16 1/2 checkmate predictor. Will need top split for new transom and floor,, I have replaced floors before but thus will be my 1st transom ,,any advice b4 I try tackle this? Thanks

**nitro_rat** · 04-01-2018, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by Merclover

So this boat is a 16 1/2 checkmate predictor. Will need top split for new transom and floor,, I have replaced floors before but thus will be my 1st transom ,,any advice b4 I try tackle this? Thanks

Read, read, read. There are several checkmate rebuild threads on here with pics. Search is your friend!