Checkmate Trimate

[Whistled03]

I have just purchased a 1979 16 foot Checkmate Tri Mate boat. Im installing a mercruiser 2.3 liter in it just trying to find out any info on this boat. Like popular problems and so on or any additions to help it perform or ride nice.

[175checkmate]

Welcome to the board and the checkmate club.
Does the boat look like this?
http://checkmate-boats.com/images/showroom/1978/1978-1.jpg
With any older boat you need to check the condition of the wood. Rot is not a good thing. Transom, floor, stringer, core all have to be in good shape.
I would do a bunch of looking before you install the engine and drive.
The trimate is a great performing shallow "V" boat. Good top speed and take off, corners like its on rails. Tends to get a bit upset when the waves get to big.
Post some details of you finding on the wood and we will help if we can. Good luck on the project.

[Whistled03]

Its the tri-mate IV and i did some checkin on the wood not a lot yet i just got it yesterday. i had an galaxy before this that is what the motor is coming out of after i had done some work i found the transum was bad in it so im goign to do a real fine check for rot so i dont bust my but for nothing but ill get pics tonight and post them on monday to let yall see. i appreciate the pics.