Playmate Question

[Chris]

Hey everyone,

I've got a question for you.

It seems like the Checkmate Playmate is a model that gets talked about a lot around here. As you know, Checkmate is looking at designing a new Deckboat and is soliciting your input. So this thought came to my mind and I'd like to get your feedback.

IF, Checkmate built a new updated 13'-14' Playmate model based off of the current Pulsare hull would you seriously consider buying one in say....the next three years?

Here would be the "theoretical details".

-You could order this boat similar to what you can now, that is semi-custom. You pick your colors, flake (upgrade) or non flake etc.

-It would have a maximum HP rating of 50 and would run 45 MPH +

-Seats two.

-$4,995 Base Model Price-but like all Mates well equipped. (No Motor)

I ask this question because I wonder if there would really be a market for this boat. Or is this a model that we all think is neat and that's as far as our interest goes.

Is it totally impractical and just kewl to dream about owning in a perfect world?

Or is it the perfect alternative to owning a jetski and a viable option considering gas isn't getting any cheaper? And we all know how much we all spend on gas!

I'd like to hear your candid thoughts.

[175checkmate]

I think they are a great boat. But for me it would not be practical at all. I have more than 2 people and one of those thinks the trimate is to small.

[Chris]

Gus,

My thoughts are this. IF you own waterfront property like JW and I do. You usually have more than one toy. So a Playmate would be a fun toy to have tied to the dock.

However, if you're the type of boater that trailers your toy to your local lake, or perhaps from lake to lake, the Playmate would probably not be on your buying list.

Because I own a cottage, I'd personally love to own a Pulsare inspired Playmate. So I'd most likely buy one.

Heck, if I could find a decent used one in good shape at the right price, I'd most likely buy it. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

[Chris E]

if you could somehow make it into a 3 seater and make it work safely with 40hp then i think it would be a fun toy for the cottage - for my kids. but it has to seat 3 or the wars would never justify the purchase. of cousre this is a few years down the road my oldest is five, and has been driving boats since he was 18 months old, the twins have been driving since they were 21 months old.

and more importantly, they don't get a checkmate until i get one first - i don't make the rules - i live by them!

[boatman4021]

Aside from the fact that I would love to have one to play with, they would also make good rental units at the local marina. Not every one wants to putt around on a pontoon boat all day. For me, a nice red one styled after the Pulsare would be great but I would have to cheat on the HP a little bit. 45 MPH just isn't enough. But yes, I would probably buy one! boatman

[JW]

I'd love to have one, but the problem is a new one on a trailer with a 50 horse motor is gonna run you $12,000 out the door.

A 3-4 seat jet ski will run you thousands less, will have more power for pulling tubes/skis, and more top end (60mph).

So as cool as they are, they just won't sell because of cost. It's too bad, because I'd REALLY like to have a new Playmate!

[Chris]

I wonder if they could squeeze a seat or two up in the bow? Make a long deck and one with a small bench up front.

Personally, given the choice between a jetski at 10K and a Playmate at 10K.....I'd take the Playmate.

[Blizz]

They could put the extra seating but it would only be good for small to medium sized people, The old style voodoo had dual seating the new version doesn't. It has a good following in canada but i'm not sure if the market is worth all the r&d work.

[Mark]

Does the Playmate have a seaworthy ride? All the little boats I have seen that are similar bounce along even in light chop and can't venture out at all in medium chop. Thou not a big fan, PWC's have excellent hull design and a mid engine which make them fast, manauverable and very seaworthy. I duuno, an open bow Playmate jet like the the old Seadoo Sportster, maybe? A 2 seater outboard, never.

[Craig]

I'd buy one...but would not settle for a 50hp on it.

It would have to be similar to the original design, or based off a Pulsare like what was mentioned. Nice, sleek, sporty little Checkmate. Cockpit room is not a concern for me...on any model Checkmate for that matter. The tighter the cockpit, the sportier they look, for me anyways.

-Craig

[illMATTic]

i think you would want lake front property to run one. it would not be practical for me right now. if i was on a lake i would like to have one.

[Adam L.]

I think it would be a great 2nd boat or a boat for the kids. Would not be practicle as a primary boat. However, I do have a lake house and another boat, so would I buy one? Yes if I had the extra dough laying around, but I dont.

[BoatsR4Me]

There are many small boat designs to choose from, most of which are no longer in production. They all share the same appeal: speed, economy of sale and operation, fun, and most importantly, the jealous stares from others. However, quality, enduring gelcoat, and hull integrity are difficult to find in many manufacturers. Having two Playmates in the family for many years has proven to our family that Checkmate HAD the winning combination. Too bad Checkmate sold the line off. With fuel prices up, new speed limits imposed, and new max HP limits on waterways, used Playmates have new appeal. But this is appeal to a buyer, not the appeal to a Playmate owner. When we fly the Playmates down the lake in formation with our Ranger, FourWinns, and Stingray, everyone stops to stare. Take away the Playmates, and no one notices. The Playmates always take center stage at the beach. Put the Playmates around a group of muscle boats and the Playmates get all the attention. The attention says it all, and I think that is the bottom line.

[cooperider]

Originally posted by BoatsR4Me:
There are many small boat designs to choose from, most of which are no longer in production. They all share the same appeal: speed, economy of sale and operation, fun, and most importantly, the jealous stares from others. However, quality, enduring gelcoat, and hull integrity are difficult to find in many manufacturers. Having two Playmates in the family for many years has proven to our family that Checkmate HAD the winning combination. Too bad Checkmate sold the line off. With fuel prices up, new speed limits imposed, and new max HP limits on waterways, used Playmates have new appeal. But this is appeal to a buyer, not the appeal to a Playmate owner. When we fly the Playmates down the lake in formation with our Ranger, FourWinns, and Stingray, everyone stops to stare. Take away the Playmates, and no one notices. The Playmates always take center stage at the beach. Put the Playmates around a group of muscle boats and the Playmates get all the attention. The attention says it all, and I think that is the bottom line. I'd love to see a picture of this formation.

[chkmte]

Originally posted by Craig:
I'd buy one...but would not settle for a 50hp on it.

It would have to be similar to the original design, or based off a Pulsare like what was mentioned. Nice, sleek, sporty little Checkmate. Cockpit room is not a concern for me...on any model Checkmate for that matter. The tighter the cockpit, the sportier they look, for me anyways.

-Craig http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/chkmte/DSC00579.jpg
something like this?

[Redboat]

I'd buy one in a heartbeat !!!
Redboat

[cooperider]

I'd buy one in a heartbeat !!!
RedboatMaybe with a matching paintjob to the Senator?:thumb:

[Redboat]

Absolutely , just what I was thinking of . Red with white and black trim , and a Merc on the back !! A little brother for my Senator . I just finished a toy storage building ( pole barn ) and have room for it .
Redboat

[cooperider]

I like your thinking. A lil' Redboat.:thumb:

[Redboat]

Well ? I've got my credit card ready .

[cooperider]

Someone actually buying one right now would definately speed this project along.
:surf:

[shadowwlkr1]

I have an 80 Playmate,and its a cool little boat.I live at Lake of the Ozarks and it dose good on rough water(as long as you have it wide open) flys right along.I would trade it for 3 wheelers.

[janet]

if i had the money i would buy a playmate. it`s a nice little boat for two. i would hold on to it. collecters item!

[cooperider]

Here are a couple of pics of the hull plug. Its almost ready for primer.

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures/GTXHull002.jpg

[cooperider]

Still have a couple of holes to fill.

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures/GTXhullplug001.jpg

[SCT]

Looks good, Berry! Did you change the bottom at all? Sharpen the strakes? How much hook is in the bottom?

Good luck-

[cooperider]

There are some wedge like hooks right at the rear of the strakes. Were these on your old Playmate?

[cooperider]

Progress continues, now that I have heat, the filler dries faster. Now I'm making some progress.

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures/GTXhullplugtransom.jpg

[JW]

WIDER pad and sharper strakes please :drool:

[cooperider]

WIDER pad and sharper strakes please :drool: I would like to get it done SOON, JW.


'Cause I got the motor yesterday. Kaiasmate and I went and picked it up. We stopped and visited onthehammer on the way back. Premier Motorsports is a nice place. Jeff seems like an OK guy to deal with.


Here is the motah.

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures/Merc80a.jpg

[JW]

I'm pissed you guys didn't call me :pissed:
I would have met you up there, plus I want to look at his Sportfire! I would have rearranged plans for Friday :mad:

[cooperider]

Sorry, we were talking about you though, I didn't have your number with me. We weren't planning on coming back that way, I was looking for the intersection where your street was. We might be coming up again, after I repack the bearings on this empty trailer I have.

[JW]

OK, I feel bette then :surf:

Make sure you at least PM me a couple days before you come this way again. Is that 80 horse going on your first GTX?

[cooperider]

Almost ready for the primer. Its looking good.

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures002/GTXdeckandhullplug001.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures002/GTXdeckandhullplug002.jpg

[cooperider]

This looks cool with the motor behind it.

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures002/GTXdeckplug001.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures002/GTXhullplug001.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures002/GTXhullplug002.jpg

[cooperider]

The primer goes on this weekend!!!! After that its just sand, buff, wax it a bunch then build the mold.



I have everything I need for the mold. I'm ordering the materiels for mine this week. I'd like to order just a little bit more materiels, to qualify for free shipping. So here is the deal, if you are wanting one of these, NOW is the time to act. This is a Christmas special if you will. I will cut you a major deal on one, if you order by 3:30pm December 6th. Send me a PM if you are interested.

Watch for more picture updates over the weekend.

Thank you.

Coop

[cooperider]

Almost!!! I almost made it to primer, just a few more spots to fix. :bounce:

[cooperider]

One more hole to fill on the nose, but I need an extra set of hands to fill this one.

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures002/GTXdeckplug010.jpg

[cooperider]

The biggest thing I need to finish on the deck is filling in the hatch area. To make it easier to laminate.

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures002/GTXdeckplug011.jpg

[cooperider]

Its looking good though. The wife made me stop working last night, it seems its the most she's seen me work in a while.

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures002/GTXdeckplug012.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures002/GTXdeckplug013.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures002/GTXdeckplug014.jpg

[cooperider]

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures002/GTXdeckplug015.jpg

[cooperider]

I tried out a powdered guide coat last night. This will help see where I have already sanded. I'll start a thread in Overhauling about this soon.

http://www.realityboatco.com/pictures002/GTXhullplug010.jpg

[cooperider]

What color should I paint the first one? :surf:

[JW]

White/black/red of course :banana:

[cooperider]

How about red, with a black stripe, and white trim?

Or should we just start a poll?

[F150GT]

White/Black/Red Its such a Clasic COOL look. I love mine.

[cooperider]

Actually, with those colors I may just have enough to do one white/black/red AND one red/white/black. That is if I don't goof up somewhere and have to start again.