TO Boat Show

[Black Pulse]

Hey all,

I hope Chris doesn't mind me using this forum to offer a couple free tickets. Looks like I just might have two free tickets to the TO boat Show (Jan. 15-23). If anyone is interested and lives in or around TO send me a private message and I will mail them to ya (I don't care about paying for the 1 stamp!!)...I figure the tix should get put to use and by someone who generally loves boats and will likely attend the show...Also, there will be Checkmates there as people have mentioned on the site, so even more incentive to show!! Maybe I will see ya there.

Black Pulse

[Black Pulse]

Hey all,

I hope Chris doesn't mind me using this forum to offer a couple free tickets. Looks like I just might have two free tickets to the TO boat Show (Jan. 15-23). If anyone is interested and lives in or around TO send me a private message and I will mail them to ya (I don't care about paying for the 1 stamp!!)...I figure the tix should get put to use and by someone who generally loves boats and will likely attend the show...Also, there will be Checkmates there as people have mentioned on the site, so even more incentive to show!! Maybe I will see ya there.

Black Pulse

[jrumon]

If you still have them, I'll take them! My son & I will be going on the 22-23 if they are good on the weekend, so plently of mailing time... Thanks!!! Jim (jrumon)

[Black Pulse]

Hey JRUMON,

Yup, I still have the free passes (2) to the T.O. Boat Show for whomever would like them. Please send your current mailing address to me at dave_donofrio@hotmail.com . Now, jrumon, if you live in Michigan, which I think you may, I doubt I have a US stamp on me. Please let me know where you live, either here or by personal message.

Black Pulse

[jrumon]

Thanks Black Pulse...
It would REALLY appreciate some FREE passes...AND...I get to see some more new CHECKMATES too! Plus, it makes it that much easier to sell the wife on letting me go!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/xxrotflmao.gif
Thanks, Jim. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Mailing address is:
James Rumon
16693 Bell Creek Lane
Livonia, Mi. 48154
USA

[Black Pulse]

Hey jrumon,

Ok I am mailing the tickets to you either tonight (Friday) or tomorrow....sorry I couldnt get them out earlier, I really hope the letter reaches you by Friday...postage has just gone up a cent here and I have to see what the postage is now for a US stamp...I am sure you will receive the tix later next week in time before the last weekend of the show. Enjoy!!

Black Pulse

[jrumon]

THANKS BLACK PULSE..I OWE YOU ONE!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

I'm sure a week is plenty of time to get here... I'm excited about checking out that Toronto Boat Show for the first time!

Out of curiosity, what other attractions are good for winter time in Toronto becides the CN tower that my 10 year old might enjoy???

Anyone know of what hotels are near by the boat show or anything west of the city to stay or can recommend (in a good area & reasonable rates), in case we want to stay overnight???

Thanks, Jim.

[Bruce]

Hi Jim, typically the Hotels downtown are a little pricey.I'll check out some that are nearby, as suggested on the West side of town.

I'll do some poking around tonight and will post the names and rates. I think I saw a link on the Toronto Boat Show web site about hotels etc as well.

Check back later tonight or tomorrow about the hotels etc. With respect to other things, if your son is interested in Hockey, the Hockey Hall of Fame is not too far away, about a 10 minute drive from the show, lot's of interactive things to do and neat things to look at. After the Hockey Hall of Fame you could walk over to the Old Spaghetti Factory which is very reasonably priced for spaghetti, chicken fingers etc, good value for the dollar.

Bruce

[Bruce]

Hi Jim, here's some information about hotels in and around Toronto. Forget about downtown, some of them did offer some "boat show" specials but there are all gobbled up quite some time ago. Anything downtown seems to be going for $200.00 + a night , which is criminal.

Coming from the West as you are, you'll pass the airport which obviousily has plenty, I checked a couple and it looks like around the $120.00 mark.

One suggestion is a Holiday Inn located in Mississauga which you will pass on your way in, it's about a 30 min drive to the downtown area. I have copied a link to that particular one below, it's situated just 1 block from the 401 so it would be an easy route back home. It's going for around $98.00 a night plus taxes etc.

You will pass some more on the way in when you get to the Milton / Mississauga area.Holiday Inns seem to be reasonable if my memory serves me correctly. Your probably around the $100.00 mark for anything outside the city. As I say the Mississauga one below may be an ideal solution if your thinking about staying over and had that kind of cost in mind.

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hd/yyzto?irs=null


Perhaps someone from the West end of Toronto will come up with some other suggestions, I'm more familiar with the East end and the North, mind you I suspect that the price tag would be the same on either side, that is $100.00 a night.

[Chris]

Bruce,

What does it cost to stay out at The Parkway which is near you? The one that's at 404 & 7. They have the tower and also the motel part. They are usually pretty economical, especially if you don't need a place with all the bells and whistles.

[Black Pulse]

Hey all,

Just got back from the Boat Show moments ago...it was amazing, so much to see....New Ark Marina has three Checkmates on display, a red 1850 Pulse with 200 XS Merc, a white, black and red 2100 Pulsare with 225 Merc and a beauty ZT 230 in blue....I got some digital pics (only about two) before the batteries in my camera decided to die at the worst possible time!!

Anyways, the show is great and I hope all of you get a chance to get there....JRUMON your tickets will arrive def. by Friday.....for anyone else, I have another two (2) free passes left and would be happy to mail them to someone in TO or around TO....let me know ASAP so I can get them in the mail by Monday so they can reach you this week in time for the last weekend of the show....I think I will go back next weekend to see some more boats as well...

Black Pulse

[Bruce]

Hi there, Black Pulse beat me to the punch, I too just came back from the show. As mentioned earlier, New Ark has the 3 on display. That Pulsare 2100 BR is unbelievable in person, what a boat, no wonder there is such a demand for that particular model.

I wandered over and introduced my self to Chris E, things were going well at his booth as well.

I took quite a few pictures of the CheckMates so I'll send a few to Chris to post.


Bruce

[jrumon]

Thanks Black Pulse & Bruce!!!

I just spent 9am-9pm today at the Detroit International auto show... was COOL, but NOT the same... people probably wondered why I was over "sniffing" the new 500HP ZO6 Corvette!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/jpshakehead.gif

I think I'm going to have a lot more fun at the Toro' Boat Show... http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/biggthumpup.gif I need a FIBERGLASS fix! Jim.

[Bruce]

Hi Jim, I checked out a couple of places as suggested by Chris in the suburbs sort of speak, such as Comfort Inns and Best Westerns and the Parkway. They are all around the $99.00 mark with perhaps a reduced rate of around $83.00 or so if you have AAA membership etc.

[Chris]

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Bruce was good enough to drop a CD of T.O. boat show pics off to me at work. There are lots of great ones, so here ya go.

Thanks Bruce! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/events/Bruce1.jpg

[Chris]

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[Bruce]

Thanks Chris for posting the pictures !!

[Chris]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bruce:
Thanks Chris for posting the pictures !! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Thanks for taking the time to take the pics, rip 'em on to CD and drop them off! They're great pics. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[jrumon]

Thanks again all you guys for the info on hotels and the show tickets... Looks like a good time! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Jim.

[Black Pulse]

Nice shots of the boats, I have a good shot of the white, black, and red Mate I should send to Chris to post...interesting, the red 1850 Pulse has a 200 XS on it, when it is only rated for a 175 motor, hmm....also, love that blue ZT, great colour scheme...

Black Pulse

[jrumon]

Black Pulse...
I noticed the same thing on that 200XS install. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

My first thought is SWEET!!! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

My second thought is can canadian boats ignore the BIA certification issues??? http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/irked.gif

Anyone out there know why a dealer would display a boat powered beyond it's rating....HOW COOL!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Checkm8fan]

To Jrumon: I did some looking around for lodgings in the west of Toronto area.I am very familiar with the Mississauga area.
There is a Motel 6 just off highway 401 at the Winston Churchill Blvd. exit.The motel is south one traffic light at a road called Argentia.You would go left at this light (east).You can see the motel from the light.They advertise rooms from $69.00.
If you were to continue east on Argentia about a half a mile you will come to Derry rd. at the corner you will see a Holiday Inn Select,and across the intersection is a Ramada and past this is another one I can't recall the name of.
At the Highway 10 or Hurontario st. exit there are a couple of hotels to the north. There are some motels at the Dixie rd. exit as well, to the north is a Best Western, and there are a couple to the south.I don't know the rates for these, sorry.
If you need restaurants, south on Dixie rd is a Montanas and a few fast food places.If you take the Mavis rd. exit to the south a couple of blocks, ther is an East Side Marios, A&W, Outback, and an Applebees. I would avoid the Mother Tuckers at this location though.North on Hurontario st. ther is a Dennys and a Boston Pizza.
One thing to be watchful of is when you are travelling east on the 401 passing by the airport keep to the collector lanes going to highway 427 South,as if you get caught in the express lanes you will continue on the 401 eastbound around the north side of Toronto.

[jrumon]

Thanks checkm8fan for the info...
I haven't decided if I'm going for the day (4+hours EACH way)... to just the show or sticking around for a night and spending an extra day to take the kid around Toronto (I like SUMMER much better)! Jim.

P.S. I just got the show tickets today... Thanks again Black Pulse!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[TCAT]

Hey JRUMON
Do me a big favor. If you go to the show please take a picture of the pad on the Pulsare in New Arks booth and post it for me in the discussion I have listed on the Pulsare 2100 hull. I will be taking a picture of mine tomorrow at my office and posting it.

[TCAT]

HI Jrumon

Forget about taking the pictures for me I was so curious I went back to the show again and took my own. I was right the hulls are different.

[Bruce]

Hi Guys, for what it's worth, the red checkmate in the pictures is a Pulsare 1850 BR according to the sign they have posted. To me, it does look more like a Pulsare and not the Pulse as previousily mentioned, (sorry about that BlackPulse, if I'm wrong though, feel free to "get" me back). By the way, it had a sold sign on it.

I too was down for another look around tonight, the last trip, my son and I went, once he got his wakeboard I promised him, he had had enough.

I was poking around looking at what type of bolts and nuts they were using on the jackplate and the sales guy came "screaming" over, Can I help you with something he say's, I say nope , just snooping around. Sounds like we have kept these guys on their toes, wait until Jim get's a hold of them !!

Just Kidding, nothing wrong with a little bit of investigative work !!, Knowledge is golden !!

Take Care

Bruce

[Black Pulse]

Hey Bruce et al,

I sent Chris a couple of other pics of the Mates I took at the show...I went back a couple days ago to get another look at them and talked a while to the owner of New Ark...the red Mate is sold and is just like my boat, a Pulse 185 BR...but much newer than mine of course!...the red, white and black Mate is the 2100 Pulsare BR...they also have a beauty ZT, 230 I do believe, and looks beautiful in blue and white....they have the red beauty rigged with a 200 XS Optimax which the owner said is way better than the 200 3.0L EFI I just rigged to my boat!!! The owner said top speed for that boat is about 70, too bad the Pulse is a heavier boat than the Pulsare... He said the XS is lighter and the 3.0L would make my boat slower than the 2.5 I had, especially when planing....I am not sure I agree with this as the heavier 3.0L has better displacement and overall speed should be improved...also, I know from my friends at my local marina that MERC has had huge issues with the Optimax technology and that those engines are blowing out way faster than the EFI's, not too mention the XS takes premium gas not offered on my lake (Lake Rosseau)...I hope I made the right decision with going from my 175 EFI to the 200 EFI 3.0L....I think I need someone to just reassure me, pleASE!! lol! Anyways, here's a tidbit of info...if anyone is interested in a 200 XS Optimax the owner is prepared to make a deal...he has two left and wants to get rid of them badly...they are $18 000 Canadian and he is willing to "make a deal" as I was told....

Black Pulse

[Black Pulse]

Hey Bruce,

I think I will defer to you and I do believe it may be a Pulsare 1850 (the red one that is)...I stand corrected...either way, it's a beauty...Looks good with a 200 on the back...I am amazed at how little it has changed since I got mine (a 1996)...My only worry is that I love my boat and its looks to death but should I have rigged a new 2004 motor to a 1996 hull??? I know for resale, when ever that time comes, a new engine will depreciate much quicker when put on an older hull....oh well,i guess its too late now...for anyone's interest, the 2100 BR is up for about $42,500 and the red boat for approx. $35 000...

Black Pulse

[Bruce]

Sorry Guys, I hit the enter key twice

[Bruce]

Hi Black Pulse, as you said, either way it's a good looking boat. The Pulse's just look a little more "chunky" towards the Bow area when you look at them from the side. I have the Pulse 170 and that red one just looked a little sleeker. I'll go out on another limb and suggest that the Pulsare 1850 was new for 2004, I believe I saw that on an older post ??

Bruce

[Chris]

Here are the pics BP sent me.

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/events/TOshow1.jpg

[Chris]

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/events/TOshow2.jpg

[Black Pulse]

Thanks for posting them Chris...as soon as I get a couple photos of my own Pulse I will send them to you to post...there is something about that red Pulsare, man I love that colour!! As long as you cqan keep it shiny and not have it dull, I think red may be my fav. colour for that boat, even though I like my black one!

Thanks again Chris

B.P.

[JW]

Somebody knew what they were doing when they set up that red 1850. 200 horse motor with torquemaster and what looks like 10" of setback. Nice!

[jgreen]

http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/bounce.gif http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/xxrotflmao.gifDrool drool slobber slobber, red would be my choice for a new mate, I love the look and set up of that 1850 looks like it has red interrior also maybe too much red.

[jrumon]

Well guys, I was the victium of MOTHER NATURE!!! Woke up at 6am Sat ready to go... opened the garage door to see about 12" of fresh snow and blizzard conditions. Being the BOATERHEAD I am, I figured, what the heck, I have an F-350 Superduty, and I'll go anyway. Well, I got on the road and nothing was plowed... cars and trucks were stuck everywhere! It was like driving an obstickle course. I made it as far as downtown Detroit and entered the simi-truck parking lot on the freeway waiting to cross over into Canada. After sitting for over an hour...and moving NO-WHERE, I made my own exit off the freeway and decided to head home figuring I'd head out later.

By noon, we had another several more inches of snow and was still coming down!... so I waited... http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/jpshakehead.gif

By 5pm, I figured I'd leave again, catch a hotel, and see the show on Sunday. So I fueled up again (my V-10 pig)... and hit the X-way towards canada. Roads were still 6-8" of sloppy mush. I again made it to the traffic back-up waiting to head into Canada. I waited an hour and crossed the bridge....FINALLY, I was in the land of good beer! Roads there weren't any better. About 15 minutes into the promissed land, a guy in front of me spun out causing a chain of people to spin off the road (including me). Amazingly, no accidents, just a bunch of stuck vehicles. I was able to get my truck out, but I finally caved in and decided that enough was enough and headed home. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/zx11pissed.gif

So... after stressing all day Sat... I thought, what the heck, I'll just go Sunday! I got up sunday am, left the house, and hit the road to find all ICE under the 6+inches of mush they still dadn't plowed. At that point, I realized that this was just not ment to be! Mother @$^%!% Nature kicked my a$$ and headed home...BUMMED OUT!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/brickwall.gif

Well, there's always NEXT year... Maybe we can get some CHECKMATES to the DETROIT BOAT SHOW???

P.S. Black Pulse... If you have a paypal account, can I send you some money for your postage on the tickets I wasn't able to use?... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Jim.

[Bruce]

Hi Jim, glad to hear that you made it back home without incident. Too bad the snow had started down your way early in the morning. It really didn't start coming down here in the Toronto area until Noon time on Saturday. I was thinking to myself, Jim just may have made it here if he had left early enough which you did, but, as you said, the foot of snow that had already fallen got in the way.

Again, glad to hear your safe, more snow is coming !!! as I type this.


Bruce

[Chris]

It seems like an appropriate time to post this one.....

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/misc/Winter.jpg

[Bruce]

Hey Chris, that's a for sure

Master Card Priceless Candidate


Love It !!!!

[Chris E]

Greetings all:

First full night back from the show. Got home last night in time to put number one son to bed.

It was nice to meet Bruce face to face - sorry i couldn't talk longer, i was closing a deal on a 187 caravelle. Sold 3 of them at the show - and a 192 interceptor. Our marina did 9 deals in total at the show - not bad for our first time with caravelle at the show. Had to laugh though, our fearless leader the super salesman was the only one who didn't ink a contract at the show - he was working the Svafara ski boat booth.

Got talking to another guy at my booth, and found out he was a member here from the London area (never got his name) but he has a pulse 186.

Too bad you didn't make it Jim, a guy kitty corner to me had a bullet bass boat with a 300x on it - pretty cool engine.

The Checkmates looked good, i was over for a good look twice, one of the reps told me they had sold three 17's and that was all. Loved the 230 - nice boat - looked smaller then i expected. Jgreen was right about the 1850 - that boat needs a different interior - a little to red for my liking, but i thought the pricing was pretty good.

According to the boat show people, over 500 people bought boats at the show. Even though attendance was down - that snowstorm on Saturday didn't help.

[Black Pulse]

Hey guys,

I completely agree with jgreen and Chris about the red 1850...beautiful on the outside but just way too much red with the interior...Personally, I think a white interior with red accents (red stripes on seats front and rear) would have been perfect with the all-red exterior...The 2100 was a beauty inside and out...Glad to hear they sold a few 17's, how much do they retail for???

That is great that 500 boats sold in total, but far less than expected... I talked to the people I know at a couple marinas in Muskoka and they said there were lots of window shopping but not many cheque books were opening up...A marina I know did sell a few Chris Craft's which I think are great looking (got some excellent photos of the 20' Speedster on my comp.)

JRUMON, I do have a paypal account but don't worry about reimbursing me for the tix...I sent them hoping you would be able to make the show, not demanding or expecting you too!! I am just glad you didn't get stuck on the highway in that blizzard...I am glad to hear that you exerted caution...

Black Pulse

[Chris]

Chris....

Question for ya.....

I have a '87 Merc 60, with power trim, mounted on an old 1970's 140 Grew SS. The motor is great, but the boat is on it's last legs. I have a brand new Shorelander trailer for the package.

What I've been thinking about, is trying to find a 14' or 15' boat to throw the motor on to. I would probably like a bowrider and full roof.

Any ideas as to what it would approximately cost for a new boat to fit the bill? I don't need anything fancy, just adequate.

[Chris E]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chris:
Chris....

Question for ya.....

I have a '87 Merc 60, with power trim, mounted on an old 1970's 140 Grew SS. The motor is great, but the boat is on it's last legs. I have a brand new Shorelander trailer for the package.

What I've been thinking about, is trying to find a 14' or 15' boat to throw the motor on to. I would probably like a bowrider and full roof.

Any ideas as to what it would approximately cost for a new boat to fit the bill? I don't need anything fancy, just adequate. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ever heard of Cutter? They're the canadian made bayliner, we are a dealer for them, they are what they are, but sounds like it might work for you. We might have a rental or non current kicking around that your motor might fit on. Let me do some digging for you and i'll get back to you.

[Chris E]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Black Pulse:
Hey guys,

I completely agree with jgreen and Chris about the red 1850...beautiful on the outside but just way too much red with the interior...Personally, I think a white interior with red accents (red stripes on seats front and rear) would have been perfect with the all-red exterior...The 2100 was a beauty inside and out...Glad to hear they sold a few 17's, how much do they retail for???

That is great that 500 boats sold in total, but far less than expected... I talked to the people I know at a couple marinas in Muskoka and they said there were lots of window shopping but not many cheque books were opening up...A marina I know did sell a few Chris Craft's which I think are great looking (got some excellent photos of the 20' Speedster on my comp.)

JRUMON, I do have a paypal account but don't worry about reimbursing me for the tix...I sent them hoping you would be able to make the show, not demanding or expecting you too!! I am just glad you didn't get stuck on the highway in that blizzard...I am glad to hear that you exerted caution...

Black Pulse <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah, the chequebooks were hard to dig out of the pockets, we had a ton of window shoppers or worse yet the "aisle walkers" the ones that look at the boats but never enter the booth - its almost like a glass wall separtes the booth from the aisle.

The new Chris crafts are very cool looking. The triton bass boats were also pretty slick. The Svfara line we picked up are also pretty slick (no bias cuz i don't wakeboard). They did do a pretty good job of putting them together.

[Chris]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chris E:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chris:
Chris....

Question for ya.....

I have a '87 Merc 60, with power trim, mounted on an old 1970's 140 Grew SS. The motor is great, but the boat is on it's last legs. I have a brand new Shorelander trailer for the package.

What I've been thinking about, is trying to find a 14' or 15' boat to throw the motor on to. I would probably like a bowrider and full roof.

Any ideas as to what it would approximately cost for a new boat to fit the bill? I don't need anything fancy, just adequate. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ever heard of Cutter? They're the canadian made bayliner, we are a dealer for them, they are what they are, but sounds like it might work for you. We might have a rental or non current kicking around that your motor might fit on. Let me do some digging for you and i'll get back to you. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Yeah I know Cutter. I just want OK and cheap. Cutter would fit the bill.

If I ever find the right used Playmate, you know where the Merc 60 is going. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[jrumon]

Man...
I'm still bummed that I missed the show! Only an IDIOT like myself would have tried that many times... http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/Eyecrazy.gif I should have just kept driving!!! NEXT YEAR... I'll plan on leaving on a Friday, and stay the weekend at the show!

While we're on the SHOW subject, and you mentioned selling boats... I'm curious what it COST for the Toronto display space for the week...any idea??? I live a half mile away from the Michigan Boating Association headquarters who "lease" the spaces at the big Detroit Boat Show... I'm going to stop by and ask questions! Seems like even a small display (2 boats) would be a BIG BOOST to Checkmate sales! I don't think any Checkmate dealers will be there that I know of... http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/jpshakehead.gif

While I'm typing... I love the look of that 1850 Pulsare...BUT...I will second the "ALL RED" as being too much (and too HOT)! Are the new 1850's rated for a 200hp motor??? Who ever rigged that one know's there stuff...SWEET!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Bruce]

Chris E, thanks for taking the time to talk with me, it's always nice to put a face to a "name' in this case. Glad to hear things went so well for you and the Dealer during the show.

Bruce

[Chris E]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chris:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chris E:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chris:
Chris....

Question for ya.....

I have a '87 Merc 60, with power trim, mounted on an old 1970's 140 Grew SS. The motor is great, but the boat is on it's last legs. I have a brand new Shorelander trailer for the package.

What I've been thinking about, is trying to find a 14' or 15' boat to throw the motor on to. I would probably like a bowrider and full roof.

Any ideas as to what it would approximately cost for a new boat to fit the bill? I don't need anything fancy, just adequate. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ever heard of Cutter? They're the canadian made bayliner, we are a dealer for them, they are what they are, but sounds like it might work for you. We might have a rental or non current kicking around that your motor might fit on. Let me do some digging for you and i'll get back to you. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Yeah I know Cutter. I just want OK and cheap. Cutter would fit the bill.

If I ever find the right used Playmate, you know where the Merc 60 is going. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


might have something for you - give me a couple of days to see what i can do - taking tomorrow off to babysit - i mean parent so it'll be friday before i can find out anything. http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

[Chris E]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jrumon:
Man...
I'm still bummed that I missed the show! Only an IDIOT like myself would have tried that many times... http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/Eyecrazy.gif I should have just kept driving!!! NEXT YEAR... I'll plan on leaving on a Friday, and stay the weekend at the show!

While we're on the SHOW subject, and you mentioned selling boats... I'm curious what it COST for the Toronto display space for the week...any idea??? I live a half mile away from the Michigan Boating Association headquarters who "lease" the spaces at the big Detroit Boat Show... I'm going to stop by and ask questions! Seems like even a small display (2 boats) would be a BIG BOOST to Checkmate sales! I don't think any Checkmate dealers will be there that I know of... http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/jpshakehead.gif

While I'm typing... I love the look of that 1850 Pulsare...BUT...I will second the "ALL RED" as being too much (and too HOT)! Are the new 1850's rated for a 200hp motor??? Who ever rigged that one know's there stuff...SWEET!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/biggthumpup.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

We had 2000 square feet which cost us 15000.00 add all the other costs associated with the show and i'm guessing at around 30000.00. Our hotel bill for three rooms was over 4000.00. I am going to get all the bills together over the next month or so and see what the real cost is - i'll let you know what the grand total is. 2000 square feet is enough to hold 6 boats reasonably.

[Chris]

Don't work too hard on it Chris. It's a long way 'til spring.

I had a few offers last year to sell the boat/motor/trailer. One guy nagged that crap out of me, but wanted it for 2800 bucks and I said I wasn't interested. He seemed to think if he kept asking I'd change my mind for some reason. I told the guy the motor had just been rebuilt and the trailer was three years old and had never really been used, and therefore I wasn't interested in selling a trailer I bought for 1350 and a motor for 2750 plus the boat for 2800 bucks. He told me it was the best offer I was going to get......which was kind of funny given I wasn't actively trying to sell it.

Anyhoo.....I figured if I could find a nice little boat that was new, or fairly new, I would plop my motor on it and have a nice little package. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[jrumon]

Thanks Chris E...

I'm just curious how the show expenses compare to the profit (or loss) potential... I figure with any manufactures incentives, any rebates, etc. some place you have a break even point...so are the shows worth it??? When they get that big...My guess is YES or they wouldn't exist!

After visiting with Bill & Kip at the factory, I know they're not set up for any large number production, but they they were slow when I visited. The closest Checkmate dealer? near me I think is called Mill Creek Sports Center in Dexter, Mi... They probably only sell a boat or two a year! So the likelyhood of seeing a new Checkmate at the big Detroit show is about ZERO for the last 10 years... http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/jpshakehead.gif

Last year really FLAMED http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/zx11pissed.gif me after talking to the Baja sales guy who said they sold 30+ of those 20 Outlaws and Islanders at the 2004 Detroit boat show... If only a CHECKMATE was there to show the public what they have to offer!!!

Sure seems like Checkmate could do a booming business in the metro detroit area... I sure see a lot of them around, so WHERE are people buying them??? I'm thinking I need a second job... anyone want to start a dealership with me??? http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Chris E]

That's a good question, i'm going to crunch numbers and see what our gross profit was on the boats we sold vs. the acutal cost of the show and see if we are in the red or the black.

The thing of it is, you never no if the show was worth it cuz the guy who buys a boat in July may have seen it at the show in January.

Dealership eh?, only in San Jose or somewhere else that doesn't have winter - heading to -30 tonight - buuuuuuurrrrrrrr http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[Chris]

How thick is the ice on the lakes Chris?

[merc245]

Only If I Get To Be The Test Pilot.

[Chris E]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chris:
How thick is the ice on the lakes Chris? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Haven't heard anything but with 3 days of -30 i'm guessing at least a foot - lots of sled tracks on skelton lake

[Chris E]

Well fellas, finally got all the bills in and we are sitting right around $42,000.00 for our booth and all the related expenses for the boat show - better sell some more boats to pay for that!

[jrumon]

Chris E... thats a STACK of $$$$$ (even in Canadian)! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif Thats a lot of boats to sell... If the guy wasn't blowin' smoke at how many of those 20' Baja's he sold at the Detroit show... he made a STACK of PROFIT!!!

I am still going to ask about our Detroit metro boat show rates...

CHECKMATE needs better exposure around here to pull in some of those Baja buyers!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif FYI...We have NOTHING in this giant Detroit show other than Baja that is performance related under 25'... http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/jpshakehead.gif Lots of 27' up Formula's, Fountains, Sunsations, Power Quests, Donzi's, and occasionally an Eliminator Custon Mega $$$$ toy. But NOTHING that the avarage family can get into...CHECKMATE is missing this market area! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/Eyecrazy.gif I should be a DEALER!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Chris E]

Hey Jim:

How do you make a million in the marine industry?



Start with 2 million!!!!!!

[jrumon]

I hear you Chris!!!! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Maybe I'm better off keeping it as a hobby!!! http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/surf.gif

At least I ALMOST break even... http://checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/lol.gif

[Big Dave]

Daren34 and I have wanted a Checkmate Dealership for 15 years now. We (twins by the way) have been in the car business for 3 generations but never had the money to start out. I have had 2 checkmates and he is on his 3rd.
There used to be a dealer in Houston, but he quit selling 'mates about 7 years ago. I live outside of Dallas now, and always thought the smaller lakes around here would be a great place for mates but most people just buy bass boats.

[Z06]

I'll probably have some pictures from there later next week. My friend and my brother went up there, heard it rocked. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif