15' Checkmate Prop

**Rocketsled** · 07-12-2016, 05:22 PM

Would anyone have any suggestions on what pitch prop to start with? 15' Checkmate with a narrow pad and 5" jack plate. Maybe 1,500 lbs total package. To be pushed by a later 115 Merc Inline Six. I anticipate being able to break into the 60s.

I'm considering jumping on a 22p Laser on the local Craigslist.

Thanks!

-Dave the novice.

**checkmate45** · 07-12-2016, 06:24 PM

My cousin runs a 24 laser on a 15 vmate hull with a 115 hp yamaha pro v v4 and a buddy has my old 13 checkmate with a 115hp inline 6 like yours with a 26 laser. The lasers work very well, the 22 wouldnt be a bad place to start but id look for a 24 if you can find one

**Rocketsled** · 07-12-2016, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by checkmate45

My cousin runs a 24 laser on a 15 vmate hull with a 115 hp yamaha pro v v4 and a buddy has my old 13 checkmate with a 115hp inline 6 like yours with a 26 laser. The lasers work very well, the 22 wouldnt be a bad place to start but id look for a 24 if you can find one

Great to know; thanks!!

**bearclaw** · 07-12-2016, 07:03 PM

I had a V-Mate I (MX15, basically) back in the day. A Chopper can be a good choice. If your 115 is an '82 or previous and is raised up somewhat (3-4"), the 24 is a good pitch.
If your 115 is post-'82, its hp is taken at the prop and is more like a 140. It would probably like a 26. Depending on which engine you have, you'll be running from the low 60's to pushing 70.

**David** · 07-12-2016, 07:09 PM

I think he would need an inline ie small ear chopper. I have run these with good results on a 16 Baja. The big ear ie normal chopper won't fit.

**checkmate45** · 07-12-2016, 08:14 PM

Funny enough we have tried a 24 inline chopper and it was 1.5 or so mph slower then the 24 laser. The 15 check runs around 65 mph with the 24, hoping he can turn a 26 after the motor is rebuilt

**Rocketsled** · 07-13-2016, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by bearclaw

I had a V-Mate I (MX15, basically) back in the day. A Chopper can be a good choice. If your 115 is an '82 or previous and is raised up somewhat (3-4"), the 24 is a good pitch.
If your 115 is post-'82, its hp is taken at the prop and is more like a 140. It would probably like a 26. Depending on which engine you have, you'll be running from the low 60's to pushing 70.

It is a prop shaft rated 115. I was running a 1250 before.

**bearclaw** · 07-16-2016, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by checkmate45

Funny enough we have tried a 24 inline chopper and it was 1.5 or so mph slower then the 24 laser. The 15 check runs around 65 mph with the 24, hoping he can turn a 26 after the motor is rebuilt

It's quite possible, they didn't have nearly the array of props to choose from back when I had mine. But the Chopper had tons of bow lift and he needs a good dose of that. Choppers have great potential to be worked to change their characteristics, too. But the Laser may be a better choice overall. Just have to try 'em!

**Rocketsled** · 08-10-2016, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by bearclaw

It's quite possible, they didn't have nearly the array of props to choose from back when I had mine. But the Chopper had tons of bow lift and he needs a good dose of that. Choppers have great potential to be worked to change their characteristics, too. But the Laser may be a better choice overall. Just have to try 'em!

So I was wondering, why a good dose of bow lift? To get up on the pad? That's where I want to be although this rig on paper already scares me-small hull, small pad. I'm going to have to learn how to drive this boat all over again. With more bow lift, is there a greater chance of blow over?

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

-Dave

**checkmate45** · 08-10-2016, 09:28 PM

Shouldnt be, we have run choppers on the newer vmate 15' and they work nicely. The bow flies just right, close to neutral trim angle at WOT. It was a touch slower then a laser though, roughly 1-2 mph tops. I find the checkmate hulls handle great, they do not compare to a allison or hudrostream style pad.

**largecar91** · 08-11-2016, 07:27 AM

I agree on the chopper. I have had several Checkmates and I always set them for top speed. Motor up as high as it will still pump and ran 28 and 30 inline choppers. They worked great.

**W2F a V-King** · 08-11-2016, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by Rocketsled

So I was wondering, why a good dose of bow lift? To get up on the pad? That's where I want to be although this rig on paper already scares me-small hull, small pad. I'm going to have to learn how to drive this boat all over again. With more bow lift, is there a greater chance of blow over?

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

-Dave

It depends a lot on where your center of gravity is.

I had two Checkmates a long time ago (late 70's then early 90's), and both had the fuel tanks mounted in the bow...Bad placing in my opinion for two reasons.

One, it moves the center of gravity forward, thus requiring bow lift to get it on the pad..thus the chopper props.
Two, unless the fuel tank is baffled, there is fuel slosh from side to side effecting high speed stability.

My boats were both mid 70's 15 and 16 ft. Gutted and as light as I could rebuild them. Had various Merc V6 motors on them from 175 to 225. I didn't realize this back then.

I figured if the factory put the fuel cell in the bow, that is where it must go. But then again the 15' was rated for 100 HP. And my first motor on it was 77 175 Merc.

Not sure you will get enough air under it to ride solely on the pad. But proper weight distribution will be better for boat attitude regardless how much power you hang on it.

I enjoyed both Checkmates for many years.

Don't think you will have blow over issues, but anything is possible given the correct circumstances!!

Hope this helps some,

James

**largecar91** · 08-11-2016, 11:23 AM

Depending on the year the HP rating changed. My 1970 MX-14 was rated for a 155 hp. I think my 73 MX-16 was only rated for 140 or 150.

**Rocketsled** · 08-11-2016, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by W2F a V-King

It depends a lot on where your center of gravity is.

I had two Checkmates a long time ago (late 70's then early 90's), and both had the fuel tanks mounted in the bow...Bad placing in my opinion for two reasons.

One, it moves the center of gravity forward, thus requiring bow lift to get it on the pad..thus the chopper props.
Two, unless the fuel tank is baffled, there is fuel slosh from side to side effecting high speed stability.

My boats were both mid 70's 15 and 16 ft. Gutted and as light as I could rebuild them. Had various Merc V6 motors on them from 175 to 225. I didn't realize this back then.

I figured if the factory put the fuel cell in the bow, that is where it must go. But then again the 15' was rated for 100 HP. And my first motor on it was 77 175 Merc.

Not sure you will get enough air under it to ride solely on the pad. But proper weight distribution will be better for boat attitude regardless how much power you hang on it.

I enjoyed both Checkmates for many years.

Don't think you will have blow over issues, but anything is possible given the correct circumstances!!

Hope this helps some,

James

The tank is back in the bow as part of the restoration. Crap. At least it is sitting a little lower than it was before.

-Dave

**Rocketsled** · 08-11-2016, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by largecar91

Depending on the year the HP rating changed. My 1970 MX-14 was rated for a 155 hp. I think my 73 MX-16 was only rated for 140 or 150.

Interesting. My MX-15 plate says 1972 and 135 hp. 1972 saw the Merc 1350 surpassed by the 1500. I just wonder if it was stamped before the 1500, as if they were rated for the biggest hp available at the time.

-Dave