outboard or sterndrive

[dlcss396]

I am contemplating buying a new or used checkmate boat-- being fairly new to boating i have some questions regarding checkmate boats, from reading some posts you guys are the guys to ask.. so -- first is the design of checkmates proper for lake erie/ lake ontario boating?--considering a 21' or smaller boat. next outboard or sterndrive- all opinions welcome--i am considering both options, however i am seeking an economical solution- i would love to go 70+ mph, however i am expecting 45-50 is what i can afford, what are my best alternatives. i look forward to your help and advice-thank you DON

[dlcss396]

I am contemplating buying a new or used checkmate boat-- being fairly new to boating i have some questions regarding checkmate boats, from reading some posts you guys are the guys to ask.. so -- first is the design of checkmates proper for lake erie/ lake ontario boating?--considering a 21' or smaller boat. next outboard or sterndrive- all opinions welcome--i am considering both options, however i am seeking an economical solution- i would love to go 70+ mph, however i am expecting 45-50 is what i can afford, what are my best alternatives. i look forward to your help and advice-thank you DON

[Eriktheviking]

In big lakes I like a deep "V" with a V8 sterndrive. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

[175checkmate]

Welcome to the board.
Deep V is the way to go for the great lakes.
I/O and O/B are both great boats from checkmate.
I would try to stay in the 18-21 foot range.
Good luck in the search.

[dlcss396]

i appreciate the response- would checkmate qualify as deep v?? what model/s should be considered-- what is the advantage of sterndrive??-

[fnshrmaster]

I have a 21 Starflight that would NOT be good for what you would use it for.You should look into an i\o model that is at least 21ft unless you want to be pounded.A persuader or vision should work,bigger the better! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

[JUPITER PULSARE]

FNSHRMASTER IS CORRECT. YOU NEED TO LOOK FOR SOMETHING IN THE 22' TO 24' RANGE WITH A 24 DEGREE DEADRISE AND PROBABLY STERNDRIVE FOR THE ADDITIONAL WEIGHT. THIS WILL GIVE YOU A BETTER RIDE IN THE ROUGH THAN BEING "POPPED" ABOUT IN A LIGHTER OUTBOARD MODEL.

[Eriktheviking]

At least a 23-24'Enforcer or persuader but really a 25'Convincor or larger is made for those types of conditions.Now is the time to buy.

[dlcss396]

Thank you for the info--anyone got $45,000 they dont need?? or a lot better job than the one i have???--oh--with plenty of time off to enjoy my checkmate!!!!
Seriously though- i dont go out in the really rough water, mostly lake ontario on nice days, or the niagara river, and 30% of my boating will be done on canadarago lake in central NY, so i will need to trailer the boat also.
No one really answered my question regarding outboard vs sterndrive for performance-- directly- how would a 350 compare to a 150 ob??

[mkhammer]

This topic has been brought up before a OB will give you more bang for the buck on a smaller boat start getting into deep V and bigger boat you may need big twin OB witch can run into alot of money an v8 IO will deliver more torque so you can run a single engine it all depends what your planing to do. If you just want a family lake boat around 17 or 18 ft.a 150 Ob would be more efficient sounds like for you.

[dlcss396]

Thank you again for the information- I guess i will start looking for a 18-21 footer--open bow prefered- know of any between buffalo and cleveland??

[jgreen]

Too bad your not closeer to the Dakotas, there are a couple nice 18-21' open bow, pulse 185's {mine included} 2100 pulsare's.

Check with Fargo Checkmate he is willing to deliver just about anywhere.

Dave's web site is www.checkmateboatsfargo.com (http://www.checkmateboatsfargo.com) he is a great guy to deal with. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[dlcss396]

seems like i should be closer to everywhere but here!! thanks for the reply