fnshrmasters' 1992 Starflite [Archive] - Checkmate Community Forums

Z06

01-08-2003, 04:54 PM

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gifSure was a good buy ND http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif When did you get the boat? Do you want a new or used Pulsare. I have been in a 2100 Pulsare, maybe a 97-99 I think, and it was an absolute dream. It rides nice and handling was good too. It had a 225 Opti-Max and he told me that he got 77.8 MPH. He put a 225 Pro-Max and got a slower result. Pretty weird. What boat did you say look good with the metal flake?

Checkmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!

Z06

01-08-2003, 04:56 PM

What motor do you have on it now? Whats your top speed? http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

Checkmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!

ndmate

01-08-2003, 05:52 PM

I have a 200 xri 2.5 on it and probably am in the high sixties with my cmc jackplate and a 23 tempest plus prop. i can spin it about 6200 plus so i could maybe go up to a 24 or 25 pitch prop.

i though about metal flaking my boat then clearing it but that is a lot of work. I bought it in 99 from a guy in michigan. i have updated to hydraulic steering and stuck a few other items on it, but overall it is the best boat on our lakes.

Ideally i would like to sell this one and find a newer pulsare 2100 br with a 250plus hp outboard. All the guys around our lakes claim they get 77 or 78 mph on their speedos but i have yet to see that on a gps with the 225 optimax. I think the reason the optimax may be faster is because it is heavier and acts as a counter balance similar to more setback?? do you agree?

Bill

01-08-2003, 06:23 PM

ND,
I just sent the message again with Checkmate as the subject http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

Z06

01-08-2003, 06:37 PM

In most cases, The Pro-Max (225 Mercury Racing) should be faster than the Opti-Max. I was really surprised when I heard this. But, what you say could be true. It weights more which will counter-act with the rest of the boat. It had a hydralic Jack Plate and Trim so that helped it get the speeds it did. Plus the driver has had many speed boats over the years. His latest boat is an '87 Hydrostream Venus XT that has gotten 95.3 MPH with a lightning ET. None of the other Venus's have even seen speeds like that before, that is how much he knows...

Checkmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!

Bill

01-08-2003, 08:23 PM

ND,
The message just came back to me, it would not go through, I do not know why it never came back before. Anyway... From what I can see from these pics, I would not clear it, very labor intensive to do it right. If you want to add flake, which I think would look great, it would be well worth the effort, only if you are going to keep it for a few more years. Otherwise you will not get out of her the cost to clear it. To give you an idea on price relative to my neck of the woods, someone I boat with, a fellow Checkmate owner was quoted 2 grand to do the deck only, that did not include disassembly, that person was going to mask, which I do not recommend. Just my opinion.
Bill

ndmate

01-09-2003, 03:50 PM

thanks bill, I may reconsider now. But if the opportunity arises, i will sell and look for a pulsare bowrider!!!

Bill

01-09-2003, 04:56 PM

The pulsare is my most favorite model Checkmate has ever made!

Z06

01-09-2003, 05:16 PM

Same Here. Its one awesome boat man. You should really get one... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

Checkmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!

Bill

01-09-2003, 05:52 PM

ND
One last thing I forgot, If you have your boat rebuffed to get rid of the oxidation, make sure you polish it with a quality marine polish. If you do it , you know it has been done. If automotive polish gets absorbed by the raw gelcoat and accelerates the fading and raw gelcoat will fade quickly. Something that many people forget also, most carwash soap will strip wax so only use boat soap. Fading is not because of dark pigmant, it is just using the wrong products or nothing at all. And a reminder for everyone, raw gelcoat fades rapidly (white or colored). Useing things such as acetone, degreaser, and many carwash soaps will strip the protection off the boat. Using automotive wax will accelerate the fading process. This is not my opinion, it is fact. Do not be afraid to buy that darker colored boat, it only requires the same amount of care as the white boat.

01-09-2003, 07:13 PM

Pulsare bow rider? Hmmm...I wonder who has one of those http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Anyone ever come to SW Michigan, you're welcome to drive mine! Especially Bill, you have to bring your new one along for me to drive!!

1995 2100BR/1995 225 Promax/23" Tempest

Bill

01-09-2003, 07:22 PM

I would love that JW, you are more than welcome to take a stab at the new girl, although it will probably be a little seren for you. I was told by Kip and Bill C. that I should expect 65 on the gps. I will work on that when the warranty expires!

01-09-2003, 07:45 PM

Are you getting the 496 HO and the switchable exhaust??

1995 2100BR/1995 225 Promax/23" Tempest

Bill

01-09-2003, 08:03 PM

I am getting the switchable exhaust, but only the 6.2. Kip and Bill said I would be much happier with that motor. Apparently the hull does not really like the weight too much. They said to save the 8-9 grand, put the 6.2 in, then after the warranty runs out, spend 5 grand and put a pro charger on. My gaines SHOULD be more with the pro charger for almost half the money than going with the 496 MAG HO. I hope so, I have always preached, get the biggest you can get. Actually this whole boat is almost an unknown to me. I have never seen a completed 240 in person and I am going with a color combo that I have never seen and because two of the colors have a special mix of different amount of silver flake in it, Kip can't garuntee how it will turn out. When I went to the factory in Nov, they had a partial completed 240 that gave me an idea and I was able to get samples of what the colors might look like, so we will have to wait and see. I was told it is going into production very shortly (in the next week or so) but have not been given an exact date yet. I have faith in Kip and the guy who mixes the gel, so all should be alright

01-09-2003, 08:36 PM

That sounds like the way to go. I've read a few reports recently about the advantages of the small block. With a Procharger or Whipple with low boost and the less weight, you can get greater speeds than the 496 by itself.
Does the 6.2 have forged rods and crank to handle the stress of a blower, or will you need to beef the internals?
The guys at Checkmate make some beautifull gell, probably the best in the business. I agree, you can probably trust them to make it look great!

1995 2100BR/1995 225 Promax/23" Tempest

Bill

01-09-2003, 09:49 PM

To the best of my knowledge, I will not do anything to make the internals stronger, but I am not positive on that. For some reason, there are very FEW mods available on the market for the 6.2. Everywhere you look, you can find stuff for the 350's, 454's, 502's, and the 496's, but hardly anything for the 6.2. I have been searching long and hard just for a hi-perf flame arrestor with no luck. I am hoping C-mate can get me one through Eddie Marine. We are putiing on some other anodized aluminum sh** from them and it would be simple to get everything from one place. Teague does not even have anything. I can't even find engine dress-up kits for this motor yet. There is a guy from around here who is running twin 6.2 w/ prochargers in a 30 footer and it out runs any big block combo within its size range. He did not do anything to his motors but slap on the chargers and so far has one HARD trouble free summer on them. I will miss the "experimenting" by going with a stern drive vs. the outboard. The X dimension is raised by 2 inches already and there is not too much to do with props. I am going to carry a 3 blade mirage and a 4 blade bravo to switch around depending on what I will do that day. I will really enjoy the deep v and weight to get through and over the barge, houseboat, and big cruiser wakes that we have on the river. That is the reason we decided to get rid of the Diplomat, it was just too damn rough out there unless you went out during the week.

fnshrmaster

06-10-2004, 07:39 AM

This mate is in new hands and will be cared for the way it should have been.Aaron,I wouldnt buy a weed whip from you in the future.Does the word preventive maintenance mean anything to you?The hull was neglected along with the motor and every other piece I touch seems to be have assed or jerry rigged.Folks,ND mate must have been related to Macgyver. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/jpshakehead.gif

Chris

06-10-2004, 07:53 AM

Are you the new owner fnshmaster?

JUPITER PULSARE

06-10-2004, 12:15 PM

HEY FNSHRMSTER, DID YOU BUY THE NDMATE. IN THE PICTURES IT LOOKS LIKE A CLEAN BOAT BUT THEY MAY HAVE BEEN TAKEN BEFORE THE PREVIOUS OWNER NEGLECTED THE BOAT. IF SO, CONGRATS ON THE NEW TOY AND I'M SURE YOU'LL BRING IT BACK TO LIKE NEW CONDITION. BY THE WAY, MY PULSARE IS BLACK AND HAS SILVER FLAKE IN IT!!! LOOKS OUTSTANDING ALL SHINED UP BUT IS HOT ON THE @$$!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

fnshrmaster

06-16-2004, 07:28 AM

Yes I am the new owner.The previous owner from ND must have used the boat while it leaked badly around the rub rail,but neglected to fix the problem.We all know water INSIDE the boat is not good.I am fixing that along with having the deck regelled this coming winter by Checkmate and doing the interior while Im at it.The boat is in good overall shape,it just wasnt cared for the way it should have been.So far I have installed a rockin Alpine system,new trailer tires and lots of race glaze to keep whats left of the deck shiny.The hull shines like new.I also got another prop,awaiting first run for a new top speed,right after I fix the transom lift which had a burned out switch.Dont get me wrong,Aaron was a nice guy and all,he just wasnt a Checkmate Fanatic. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/jpshakehead.gif

Chris

06-16-2004, 07:50 AM

fnshr,

The people who make RaceGlaze apparantly told the guy at Speedwake that they don't really recommend RaceGlaze as the best product for boats.

jgreen

06-16-2004, 04:25 PM

fnhsrmaster: I agree with you, Aaron probobly told you that he had someone local interested in it at the same time you were looking at it, that was me. I looked at it and passed, there were some things I saw that weren't taken care of the way most checkmates are. He told me he had a guy from michigan looking at it. any way I passed on it and found my 94 pulse 185 b/r down in southern Mn. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

fnshrmaster

06-16-2004, 09:05 PM

What polish is recomended Chris?

Z06

06-16-2004, 09:43 PM

24 oz Bottle - $18.99
http://www3.sympatico.ca/christine.ellard/ChrisStuff/polishwax.jpg

Chris

06-16-2004, 10:27 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by fnshrmaster:
What polish is recomended Chris? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>The same people that make race glaze make the long haul stuff that Z06 just posted the pic of. As to what to use.....it's so subjective. Everybody has a different answer on that one it seems.

Personally, I just use Starbright with Teflon. But I'm not a wax guy. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Z06

06-16-2004, 10:34 PM

It used Acrylic Resin & Polyethylene Copolymers. It holds up against weathering better then Race Glaze. It is new and improved. I'm sure I could strike a deal if people on this board wanted it. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

fnshrmaster

06-17-2004, 06:50 AM

Why thank you Z06,I appreciate the info.Thanks to Chris also.So many products to choose from!I want the one that keeps the ghosting away on a black boat.(do you think they make a wax or polish that makes pink completely disappear?) http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifThanks again guys,this forum is great,and kudos to Chris,this site is well run!

Z06

06-17-2004, 08:09 AM

There are various other products I have seen. One is called Waxing Frenzy

It has a great reputation among the other forums on the internet, just like the Race Glaze Long Haul, but I am not sure if you can find it in stores, might have to order over the internet. I am here to help.
http://www3.sympatico.ca/christine.ellard/CheckmateBoats/WaxingFrenzy.jpg

Z06

06-17-2004, 08:10 AM

My friend (who quite coincidently owns the Hydrostream) uses a product made by 3M, I can't remember its name, but it works great as well. I can't speak first hand about these other 2 products, but trust me when this boat is waxed, she is a beauty (the paint, opinions on the boat may vary http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif)

fnshrmaster

06-21-2004, 07:41 AM

Ordered a bottle of long haul.Thanks again Z06!

Z06

06-21-2004, 08:11 AM

No problem http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Let me know how you make out with it. How did you order it? Off Speedwake?

fnshrmaster

06-25-2004, 06:57 AM

Ordered off Speedwake.Fast service!Got the product in 2 days.I havent had a chance to try it out yet.Been pouring concrete like a madman,hope to use the boat this weekend and try out the polish Sunday if I get time.Thanks again!By the way,I got to drive a new Zo6 a few weeks back in Florida.WOW!It belongs to my Dad.What a ride.I wouldnt want to by rubber for that thing but talk about acceleration.I thought my Impala SS was fast.

Z06

06-25-2004, 11:45 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by fnshrmaster:
Ordered off Speedwake.Fast service!Got the product in 2 days.I havent had a chance to try it out yet.Been pouring concrete like a madman,hope to use the boat this weekend and try out the polish Sunday if I get time.Thanks again!By the way,I got to drive a new Zo6 a few weeks back in Florida.WOW!It belongs to my Dad.What a ride.I wouldnt want to by rubber for that thing but talk about acceleration.I thought my Impala SS was fast. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm jealous

fnshrmaster

06-30-2004, 07:45 AM

The polish is great!Not only did I use it on the mate but hit my car with it to and it has a deep wet look.Great product and not a real ball buster to apply and remove,I love it!Thank You!

cooperider

06-30-2004, 10:04 AM

Fnshrmaster. That Starflite is a Special Edition tape off. As far as I know there were only a couple of them made. Colors are Hot Pink, Jazz Pink, and Black. I was awfully proud of that one when I did it. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

tbacha

06-30-2004, 11:17 AM

Hey, cooperider, you must of done mine as well...I have a '92 black starflite with red/yellow stripes...it's under tbacha's starflite in the picture area...how many of those do you think were done like that?

Z06

06-30-2004, 12:49 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by fnshrmaster:
The polish is great!Not only did I use it on the mate but hit my car with it to and it has a deep wet look.Great product and not a real ball buster to apply and remove,I love it!Thank You! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

So HA I am able to help people here http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Just playin, send me some more pictures I'd love to see!!!!!!

fnshrmaster

07-02-2004, 07:34 AM

As soon as I get a digital camera Ill send some.Hope to buy one for the wife soon,to keep her happy.The Starflight was supposed to be a new 5th wheel.What would you rather have,an older 5th wheel and a nice mate,or a new 5th wheel and NO,NONE,NOTTA,ZIP,ZILCHO Checkmate?Easy answer to that question,but women dont see things in the same light. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/devil.gif

fnshrmaster

07-02-2004, 07:41 AM

Cooperider,I love my mate and the pink is growing on me more and more.I hope to have the deck redone at the factory this winter if funds are there.I considered a different interior color but i think I will stick with the pink.It must be a good color,on the way home from the lake last week some young gals showed us there boobys on the expressway,to bad Im married!Keep building us those awesome boats!I too would be proud. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

montiboats24

07-09-2004, 05:10 AM

for serious.......

fnshrmaster

07-10-2004, 06:08 PM

Yes,Boobys for serious! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/bounce.gif

montiboats24

07-12-2004, 02:35 AM

hey i was just wondering if that pad that is in the front of your boat came with it and if you bought it seperatly how much did it cost?

fnshrmaster

07-12-2004, 07:18 AM

Came with the boat,it is actually two pads.The"Playpen".

montiboats24

07-13-2004, 02:48 AM

jsut as i suspected the dumbass that owned my boat before me riped all the wireing out and prolly riped those pads out too... some people should never work on boats, cars, or anything else you can mess up

krf1

09-15-2004, 10:02 PM

that is a great looking mate - we just sold our exciter for a starflight, with 200 merc. what props have you tried? any work real good, or not as good? any modifications that helped with top end? not just pink - hot pink! thanks -

fnshrmaster

09-16-2004, 06:52 AM

It runs 66.6 with a Tempest plus 25,4 big guys.I am running 5.5 inches of setback with prop 2 to 2.5 inches below the pad.[our boats dont really have a pad]I can hit 70 solo in right conditions.I run a 19 Vengence for tubing and skiing and it works great.Massive holeshot!Get a water pressure gauge if you plan on changing motor heights at all.Have fun with your new Starflight krf1 !

ndmate

09-16-2004, 02:17 PM

Thanks for tearing me down in front of the board. I feel that the boat was fairly represented to you and you accepted that. If you didnt like it why did you buy it? Besides we in MN dont boat in 6 foot waves to run water through the bumper rail.

You are probably right, i am not an extreme checkmate fanatic. That was my first boat and i learned many new lessons. I still prefer checkmates to other boats because i believe they are truely quality built boats that are solid performers. If for any reason you thought the boat i sold you was not, why didnt you call me and we could discuss it.

I am a man of my word and wished you would have brought any issues to my attention immediately.

Thank you

fnshrmaster

09-16-2004, 08:11 PM

Where should I begin "Man of my word".You told me trailer tires were good.I got to Wisconsin after driving 600 +miles to find the tires are so wasted I wouldnt want to take it across town let alone back to Michigan.Lucky we made it,I still cant believe it.I thought I looked the boat over good enough and had a feeling you were upfront so I took it.Then after our trip home on bologna skin tires and getting the boat out and trying to use it I realized the lift switch was burnt out.No big deal.Then I get it on the water and realize how the skipper from Gilligans Island felt,talk about a leaker.I bet you had NO idea about that either MR man of my word.Oh,did I mention the water pump was bad too.So as you see thing were not as they seemed when I was told of its condition and problems.Now that it is mine and I have sunk my time and money into it its a good boat.Would I have bought it knowing the whole story upfront?Well.......NO!So go back to neglecting whatever it was you were neglecting and sell some more of your junk to another hard working dude!Thanks again Aroon http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/zx11pissed.gif Kurt

fnshrmaster

09-16-2004, 09:57 PM

By the way,the boat has been on the big lake once and it leaked the first time I used it on a local lake.It would leak if you sprayed it with a garden hose,you knew that when you sold it.It leaked every time you used it and if you didnt notice your much dumber than you look.I guess it was my fault for not running it on the water but as I recall it was about 33 degrees at the time and you didnt divulge anything was wrong with the boat.I can thank you for one thing,I sure wont buy another boat without a water run first.

cooperider

09-16-2004, 10:41 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by tbacha:
Hey, cooperider, you must of done mine as well...I have a '92 black starflite with red/yellow stripes...it's under tbacha's starflite in the picture area...how many of those do you think were done like that? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Yep I did. and they didn't do very many. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

ndmate

09-17-2004, 08:34 AM

Well I guess i didnt have those problems, yes the tires were worn on the inside a bit and they were that way when i purchased the boat 5 years ago.

Chris, please take my registration off the board. I am no longer interested in your "site".

Z06

09-17-2004, 08:46 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Chris, please take my registration off the board. I am no longer interested in your "site". <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Why?

jgreen

09-17-2004, 02:28 PM

Dont let a bad experience between a buyer & seller sour you on this website and these boats.
They are both #1 in my book! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

fnshrmaster

09-17-2004, 10:34 PM

Well Aaron if your feeling bad bring the greenbacks and you can have the boat.I too love this site and apologize if I offended anyone other than the seller.

JUPITER PULSARE

09-18-2004, 02:25 PM

GUYS, GUYS, GUYS, NOT EVERYONE MAINTAINS THEIR TOYS THE SAME WAY. SOME OF US ARE MORE EXTREME THAN OTHERS AND MANY OTHERS ARE JUST THE "AVERAGE" BOATER WHO HAPPENS TO OWN A CHECKMATE. BEAR IN MIND THAT I AM NOT TAKING SIDES HERE SO TO NDMATE; DON'T SOUR ON THE SITE, YOU MAY ONE DAY OWN ANOTHER CHECKMATE AND THIS SITE HAS BEEN A GOOD SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR YOU. TO FNSHRMASTER; I CAN UNDERSTAND YOUR FRUSTRATION WITH YOUR PURCHASE UNDER THE PRETENSES OF BUYING A TURN KEY BOAT. HOWEVER, YOU SEEM TO BE MORE KNOWLEDGABLE THAN THE "AVERAGE" BOATER AND ARE ABLE TO REPAIR WHAT SOUND LIKE MINOR BUT ANNOYING PROBLEMS. IN THE BOATING WORLD OF SALES I HAVE SEEN HORROR STORIES FAR IN EXCESS OF WHAT YOU HAVE WITH YOUR STARFLITE. TO NDMATE, HOPEFULLY YOU'LL USE YOUR GREENBACKS TO HUNT DOWN ANOTHER MATE AND TO FNSHRMASTER, HOPEFULLY YOU'LL GET YOUR MATE (AND TRAILER) INTO TOP CONDITION AND BE PROUD OF WHAT YOU PURCHASED. IT IS ONE GREAT LOOKING STARFLITE WITH THAT COLOR COMBO!! NOW, CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG???

fnshrmaster

09-18-2004, 10:15 PM

The boat is fixed of all problems.I am more pissed about not him being more upfront than anything.I sold my last boat when I got mine.It had a soft floor.Did I tell the seller?Of course.Anything that was wrong or had gone wrong and been replaced was disclosed. Honesty is a good piece of mind.When I sell this boat if it has a problem you can bet I let any prospective buyer know.If you take care of your stuff you should have nothing to worry about or hide like a sneaky democrat! Kurt

boatn70

09-18-2004, 10:27 PM

well said Jupiter!! things like this can be common, i cant believe what some people said were boats in "mint" condition when i was looking, i just had to weed them out!!

good luck guys!!

boatn70

09-18-2004, 11:20 PM

ndmate, that wasnt implying that you did anything wrong, just that i found that one persons "mint" is not the same as anothers!!
sorry if anyone misunderstood my last post!

fnshrmaster

09-19-2004, 08:06 AM

Should have bought your Enchanter Kevin! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/brickwall.gif

Chris E

09-19-2004, 04:06 PM

Hey Guys:

This should be a good lesson to all of us. "Let the buyer beware!!" It appears that the problems that this boat had were reletivly minor, at least you didn't drop a gearcase.

You know something folks, I've been looking at trade in's for years - in sales and service after the sales department takes them in. Every last owner has told me their boat was mint, perfect, brand new, hardly used, etc. etc. etc. Every last boat has had problems of some sort, gimbel rings, bellows, rotten floors, osmosis, you name it I've seen it in these "perfect boats". Bottom line - people don't sell or trade in boats because there in good shape. They sell them because they are in bad shape. Why would you sell something that was working perfectly?

Not only do consumers get rooked, the dealers get caught to, especially if they are trying to move product quickly. Just before I left my last job, we took a 4 winns on trade. Customer said it ran perfect. Salesman ran it into the marina - said it idled was not good - probably needed a tune up. Did the deal and brought the boat into the shop a week later and found the head was so badly warped that they had to weld material on it to bring it back to spec. Our cost for that was 450 plus the mechanics time to re and re it. Customer laughed all the way to the bank.

Kurt, you bought a USED boat off the street - honestly, what did you expect? There was going to be a few problems but you got them fixed and the boat works well now.

My next door neighbour at the cottage bought a used J-craft owned it a month and blew the motor when an oil line broke. Cost him more for the engine rebuild then the boat cost. I've seen it all.

A suggestion for anyone who is not really experianced with boats - buy one from an excellent dealer - new or used - they will stand buy what they sell cuz they want you to buy something else from them. And approach anyone off the street with extreme caution - they probably tried to trade the boat in and found out it was @#\$ed.

If you do find something on the street and it looks ok - take it to your mechanic to look at it - it's worth $100 to get an objective opinion especially if he finds something.

fnshrmaster

09-19-2004, 07:29 PM

What did I expect?Honesty http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/irked.gifI dont have a problem with fixing,I rather enjoy it.If it had been brought to my attention like an honest christian does I would have negotiated more or walked away.Live and learn!Lets bury this post and let it die.No use beating a dead horse. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/zx11pissed.gif

jkeiper

09-19-2004, 09:25 PM

http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/Eyecrazy.gif Holly smokes!! This thread has had a lot of views for what is in it.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Bottom line - people don't sell or trade in boats because there in good shape. They sell them because they are in bad shape. Why would you sell something that was working perfectly?
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Chris E.

I STRONGLY disagree. While that is true in some cases, there are many more cases where people either out grew the boat or just wanted a change. I myself have sold 3 boats to people I know and not one of them did I sell cause there was something wrong that I wanted to dump it. I just wanted a different boat. I loved my bass boat with the XR4, however my wife hated it and with 4 kids it wasn't a boat that we could spend the day in. The Chrestliner just wasn't fast enough. Both of them I sold to friends and they are still talking to me. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif People trade in used cars all the time that there is nothing wrong with. They just got sick of the color or wanted a new car cause the ashtray was full.

Granted, there are some boats that are sold due to problems, I'm just saying that there are other reasons people sell.

Jim

Chris E

09-19-2004, 10:55 PM

Hey Jim and Kurt:

I should clarify one thing folks, I lived up until one month ago on the other side of the service counter. After re reading my post and everyone elses for that matter, I realize how jaded i've become. I've sold them and serviced them - i've seen both sides. Now maybe we were just lucky this summer - but every trade that came through the shop had something majorly wrong with it - EVERY one. Off the top of my head: bellows, rotten floor, poor compression, warped cylinder head, worn motor mounts, seized steering, shift cable - I could go on. Anyway after seeing this time and time again you start to wonder what's up with people and for that matter if anyone knows how to tell the truth.

Even I have been on the recieving end of the shaft. I helped my father buy a boat last August. I looked at it and new it was a project - bought it anyway and spent a good part of the summer making it right (she was a sinker - fun with electrical!!) and none of the work that was billed by the mechanic to the former owner was actually done (speaking of liars).

Anyway, Kurt not trying to antagonize you (i'm pretty sure you've had enough of that) but, keep in mind one thing - at least you are out running a checkmate (and good lookin one at that), now compare that to an 86 Sea Ray with a crappy old 3.0 litre in it - your 65 mph to my 25 mph - at least that should bring a smile to your face!!!!!

Jim - you're right (to a point!!) some people are selling good boats for honest reasons - I'd like to meet one cuz it's been a while. But that shouldn't put the potential buyer at any ease - Even if the buyer is honest you should always check out anything you are buying throughly (and if you're not a mechanic - pay one). At least you'll no what you are getting into. Because even if the guy is honest he may not know the boat has a problem - ignorance is bliss!

jkeiper

09-19-2004, 11:50 PM

Yeah, I've been burned before and I thought I looked things over good. And you are right, some people just turn the key and go and either don't know anythings wrong or just don't take the time to fix it, then when they sell they just forget about or are just dishonest. I was just saying that not all sales or trades are cause of problems. Lets just all go boating!!
http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif
Jim

boatn70

09-19-2004, 11:59 PM

kurt, funny thing just happened to me...i just found out the enchanter is back on the market!!
the guy told me he absolutely loves the boat but he has had nothing but troubles since he bought it!! i told him i would help out(even though its been4-5 months), he turned me down and said "it was a used boat and a good deal, i dont hold it against you, its not your problem."
i guess he had things like trim selinoids fail, he cleand and reinstalled, all good. he has had trouble getting it to idle, and stay running. dont know what the problem was but he wants more for it now than what he paid me for it!!!! ps-doesnt really sound like "nothing but problems" but every boat owner is different and maybe the problems always seemed to crop up at the worst times for him.

just an FYI, i thought, and still think it was in great shape, but it was an 87 so theres bound to be some issues sooner or later!!

kevin