Taylor's Checkmate [Archive] - Checkmate Community Forums

TaySikes

12-14-2002, 10:36 AM

I love my Checkmate!!! I picked this boat up for 1500 dollars four years ago. I am in the process of restoring it for a second time. This time I am replacing the 150 Johnson with a 225 Johnson. I sent the 225 to Danny Agnew to get it tweaked for every ounce of power it is worth. It was running about 60 with the 150. I am replacing the tan and blue with the updated oyster white and blue, so it will match my new factory interior. This boat is kind of heavy, but it performs oputstanding in the ocean. I also have a 16' 1973 Cee Bee Avenger that I put my 150 on. It is running 73 right now. This boat has to satisfy my while the checkmate is down.

1989 17' Checkmate 300 Johnson
1973 16' Avenger 150 Johnson

Chris

12-14-2002, 10:46 AM

Kewl!

Welcome to the board Tay!! :)

175checkmate

12-14-2002, 10:47 AM

225hp, very cool, should run good on a 17' boat. Have you thought about putting a jackplate on the boat. Getting the engine up will help alot.
Also be sure the transom is up to the task of supporting the 225.

TaySikes

12-15-2002, 11:38 PM

I have absolutly no doubts about putting the 225 on my 17. In its 13 years, it has never gotten a stress crack!! I will take some pics of the inside of the transom to show you how Checkmate braced it. Checkmate said that a 300 is not a problem either. The USCG regs are the only reason it(id plate) would not say that. I sent the engine off to get fingerported, blueprinted, balanced, powdercoated, and a tuner installed. I want this to be a showboat and go fast! Yes about the jackplate. I will definatly put one on. I was going to start with 6 or 8 in setback and try different heights. But there is still a lot of work before I will see that day!!! :D

175checkmate

12-16-2002, 12:50 AM

Sound great Tay, keep us posted. Would like to see the pictures of the inside of the transom and the supports. I am rebuilding mine.

Noodle

12-16-2002, 07:56 AM

Tay, nice to see someone with the same boat, mine is an 89 as well, with a 150merc XR2, 5 blade prop, no jack plate, just bolted right to the transom. These boats are stable as hell. I don't have one stress crack on my transom either. I'd love to dump a 200merc on the back, hmmmm, we'll see what Santa brings! Keep us posted. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif
Noodle

Bill

12-16-2002, 07:51 PM

A word of caution about overpowering your boat, you might want to block ut your registration numbers that appear in pics on web sites, you are asking for trouble. I know someone who was involved in a boating accident and a passenger was killed. The family sued the owner of the boat because the boat was overpowered and the owner of the boat lost everything. Where I live, it is illegal to have a registered boat that is uninsured, you can't insure an overpowered boat and around here, you would lose your boat if you were caughtwhich unfortunately where I live, it is inevitable that you will get pulled ouver at least once a summer. We even have check points at the boat ramps when you are hauling out after a day on the water.

Chris

12-17-2002, 12:46 AM

Bill...you're scaring me. Stop it! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

TaySikes

12-17-2002, 04:56 PM

The only problem that the North Carolina Wildlife officers really care about is drinking on the water while driving. I get pulled over regularly and have never had a wildlife or USCG ask about the engine. Only if I had been drinking that day. I take that back, I was pulled by the Coast Gaurd in my 16 Avenger with the 150 that is on the Checkmate in the pictures. All they wanted though was to follow them so they could get an estimate on speed. They loved my boat and talked with me for 30 mins or so. I guess it all depends on where you live. And I don't think they worry to much about the 60- 80 mph boats, when they get passed by a Douglas Skater going 130-140 mph!!!!! :D

Bill

12-17-2002, 06:35 PM

Sorry Chris, I do not mean to scvar anybody or seem like I am lecturing because I am one of those who LOVES to have fun... We ALL just need to be responsible and have a boat that you can insure. The person I know had insurance bacause the insurance company did not know about the overpowering of the boat, they sure did after someone was killed. If an old lady can get millions from spilling hot coffee on her lap in a car, just think what a surviving family member would get from your neglegence. Bottom line is would you drive your car without car insurance. Also, the athrities may not be strct now, but unfortunately, it is coming. Trust me, I have a need for speed more than most people after racing many classes of hydroplanes at speeds up to 160 in the fastest class, and the most important thing I have learned is to do it correctly. Would I put a 800 horse power, blown big block in a twelve foot hydro? HELL NO, but I would do it all day in the 20 foot hydro with a canopy. Those 130mph Skaters were also designed to do it

Chris

12-17-2002, 08:39 PM

I'm just kidding Bill. I myself wouldn't over power a boat. But, it's sure nice to think about it!! :p

Bill

12-17-2002, 08:59 PM

I am right there with you Chris, I would have loved to throw a 2.5 litre on the back of my diplomat

Chris

02-11-2003, 12:02 AM

Tay sent me some pics showing the progress he's making. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/webspace/MemberBoats/sikes.jpg

Chris

02-11-2003, 12:02 AM

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/webspace/MemberBoats/sikes2.jpg

Chris

02-11-2003, 12:03 AM

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/webspace/MemberBoats/sikes3.jpg

Chris

02-11-2003, 12:04 AM

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/webspace/MemberBoats/sikes4.jpg

Chris

02-11-2003, 12:04 AM

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/webspace/MemberBoats/sikes5.jpg

175checkmate

02-11-2003, 12:52 AM

Thanks for the picture of the inside of the transom, I am getting input from alot of sources, taking the best of all transoms and incorporationg in them into my tri-mate

Z06

02-11-2003, 07:28 AM

It's starting to look good again. Good luck with the rest of the project...

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

Bill

02-11-2003, 11:00 PM

Looking good Tay! Looking forward to see her fly with that Monster on the back :thumb:

175checkmate

02-12-2003, 08:47 AM

Originally posted by Bill:
Looking good Tay! Looking forward to see her fly with that Monster on the back :thumb:

Please tell, what monster????

Bill

02-12-2003, 10:44 PM

I just remember Tay saying he was having a big HP motor built to hang off of the back to make the Mate scream. That is all my memory will bring up at this time.

Z06

02-13-2003, 07:15 AM

I read back a few posts and it said he was putting on a 225 Johnson... Wow... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

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

TaySikes

02-26-2003, 11:33 PM

Thatsssss righttttt!!!! If I can ever get it back from Country Marine, I can put it on and try it out. The boat is almost complete now except for some wiring. I want a new set of Gaffrig gauges, but just can't seem to find 700-800 dollars laying around. Someday!!! I have managed, however, to get a 8" jackplate for my 5". I think that will help a lot too. I will try to update as soon as I get it all together.

Z06

02-27-2003, 06:33 AM

Here is my question? What about Checkmate decals and stuff? I see that gove covered and you cannot see them? It has to say Checkmate somewhere man, its gotta for all due respect... LOL :thumb:

TaySikes

02-27-2003, 07:00 PM

Oh for sure!! I will gladly display my Checkmate decals! The picture was taken as soon as it rolled out of the garage after painting. I was looking at the checkmate book at all the different syle letters on the boats. I am not sure if I want to put the new graphics with the flags or the old style like mine OR design me some cool new ones. Any suggestions to the ULTIMATE DECAL? I would love to hear any ideas!!

Z06

02-27-2003, 07:40 PM

I have one here. Thanks for using someones Avator... It looks kinda like this.

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/avatars/bdavatar.jpg

I also am getting a custom made Checkmate logo that my buddy made. He twisted up the design to make it badgirlish. SWEET. He yet still has to send me a copy... As for the Checkmate name itself, give Checkmate a call, or Rick, they could help you out...

Chris

03-23-2003, 04:45 PM

Taylor just sent me these updated photos.

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/webspace/MemberBoats/Tay/taylor10.JPG

Chris

03-23-2003, 04:46 PM

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/webspace/MemberBoats/Tay/taylor11.JPG

Chris

03-23-2003, 04:46 PM

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/webspace/MemberBoats/Tay/taylor12.JPG

Chris

03-23-2003, 04:47 PM

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/webspace/MemberBoats/Tay/taylor8.JPG

Chris

03-23-2003, 04:48 PM

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/webspace/MemberBoats/Tay/taylor9.JPG

TaySikes

03-24-2003, 08:06 PM

Thanks for posting my pictures Chris. Seems I emailed them to everybody but the right person. All that left to do is install the powerhead and put in some Gaffrig gauges. I am accepting all donations!!!! LOL.

Z06

03-24-2003, 08:46 PM

At least they got up :thumb: Very nice. Even though I'm a diehard Merc, I love that design of the Cowl for that motor. SWEET http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

TaySikes

06-29-2003, 09:03 PM

I finally got my boat in the water a week or so ago, and started to break it in. The engine seemd VERY strong. I was very impressed with the way it ran, although I never got it past 5100 rpm. My speedo was showing 65. I could tell the prop was to little. I was running a 26 raker, but have a 28 that I wanted to try. The only problem, is a seemed to have BLOWN UP the powerhead already. My number 3 cylinder exploded into a handful of pieces. My mechanic said it was definatly pre-detonation or double firing. My timing was set stock, so I guess my 200 dollar powerpack cost me my block. I am picking up my new powerhead tomorrow, and starting all over again.

Wish me luck!!!!!!!!

Chris

07-15-2003, 10:38 PM

Hey Tay!

I was wondering how you made out with this bad boy?

175checkmate

07-15-2003, 11:45 PM

Sorry to hear about the powerhead. Major bummer. Boat looks sharp, you did a great job.

TaySikes

07-21-2003, 08:17 PM

PRAISE THE ALMIGHTY!!!!! I finally got it running again, this time right!!!! I took it out this weekend and today, and it runs GREAT. I still need to adjust my jackplate and tighten up a few bolts but everything seems fine. I opened it up four or five times and can get pretty close to seventy. I feel sure once I get everything dialed in, I can get seventy. I am starting to get the other powerhead fixed so I can get the FULL available power. I could not tell you how big my grin was when I got to open it up. Hopefully I can get some more pics up. How about it Chris?

07-21-2003, 09:33 PM

Wow! Looking good!

1995 Pulsare 2100BR/1995 Mercury Promax 225 2.5 EFI/ 1.87:1 Torquemaster/ RapidJack Heavy-Duty manual 10.5" setback/ 23" Tempest worked for ski duty

Chris

07-21-2003, 11:00 PM

Well send them over Mate.

You should get better than 70 I would think though. JW got 70 out of his old Pulse with an XR6, when it was set up properly.

Bill

07-21-2003, 11:48 PM

Great to hear Tay, Keep us posted on your progress!

Z06

07-22-2003, 05:37 PM

Ya could always send them over to me. E-mails at the bottom of the post here.... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

TaySikes

07-22-2003, 10:23 PM

I went out again this afternoon and really started to get on it. I managed to get an amazing 71 with two people in the boat. I think I should lower my jackplate some more because it does not seem to "hook up" like all my other rakers have. I also am not getting to right RPM's. I would like to see at least 6000 nd it is only around 5600-5700. I have only gotten more with extra help from tailwind. I am having problems tring to send pictures, something with my browser. Will keep trying!!

Z06

07-23-2003, 09:01 PM

Here are Tays latest pictures... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Very nice...
http://www3.sympatico.ca/kellard/tay.jpg

Z06

07-23-2003, 09:02 PM

http://www3.sympatico.ca/kellard/tay2.jpg

Z06

07-23-2003, 09:02 PM

http://www3.sympatico.ca/kellard/tay3.jpg

Bill

07-23-2003, 09:29 PM

Looks awesome Tay!! :thumb: I am envious of the white sand and clear water!

Chris

07-23-2003, 10:03 PM

I would think this boat set up would have to run in excess of 80 MPH. Just a guess....but it seems reasonable. SCT's Pulsare ran over 80 with a 300 so a 17' boat with the same motor, you would think would at least be similar if not more. Keeping it in a straight line however......is another challenge altogether. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

TaySikes

08-28-2003, 09:57 PM

Me and my buddy made a nice jackplate with 10 inches of setback and 6.5 inches of height. I used parts off of the old jackplate and put them on new aluminum angle. This addition has really improved the boats performance. Going from no jackplate, to 5.5" setback/5" height, then to the 10"; I could really see an improvement. My speedo is now showing 74 occasionally 75 (with the right wind)! I still haven't used a 24 yet, nor got the "good" powerhead on yet. It really takes a good run with no wakes to get it up to speed. It blows out (rooster tail 10' tall) until right at full throttle and trimmed up completely. Then it doesn't really throw up any water at all. All other Rakers I have run have hooked up alot easier. I still have almost 30 pounds of water pressure, so I was thinking that maybe it could be moved some more. Any suggestions? Just about everyboat I have raced, I have won. Of course, I don't go against anything out of my league. Everyone always say their boat runs a good low 70's, but I pass them with ease. They say mine is faster than what I say! Who knows. I can't wait to go to the outlaw's rally in SC to get a radar reading.

Bill

08-28-2003, 10:05 PM

Tay,
I ran into that problem when I had a Raker on my Diplomat. I actually had the prop higher than it liked, I brough it down an eighth of an inch and picked up speed and acceleration with much better prop bite.

Chris

08-30-2003, 09:19 AM

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/images/memberpics/Taysikes.jpg

Chris

08-30-2003, 09:20 AM

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/images/memberpics/Taysikes2.jpg

JUPITER PULSARE

02-11-2004, 12:45 PM

HEY TAYLOR, I,VE GOT THE SAME BOAT!! MINE IS A 1989 SPECTRE 170/MERC 150XR2. WITH A MERC HI-5 PROP-25 PITCH I RUN ABOUT 58MPH@5700. I AM ALSO THINKING ABOUT A JACK PLATE WITH 5-6 INCHES OF SET BACK. ANYBODY OUT THERE WITH SOME GOOD ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

Festis

11-26-2004, 06:03 PM

Get on it. COOL stuff

http://www3.sympatico.ca/varley/

Vodie

12-27-2004, 09:04 PM

that checkmate look fast!!nice ride http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

TaySikes

05-06-2005, 02:42 PM

Right now the boat is in storage in NC. It does not have a powerhead on it as of now. I now live in st thomas USVI and want it down here. I am going back home for a few weeks soon; so I am going to build another and break it in. That way as soon as it arrives here, it's ready to kick some A**!!! It has absolutly killed me not have my baby!!!