Need Input!

[Chris]

Hey everyone.

Kip asked me to post a few sketches of a deck boat they're looking at developing. This boat would be based off of the 2100 and 2400 Pulsare hulls. What the factory is more or less looking at doing, is designing a new deck for the current hulls. The new deck design would include a new inner-liner and would be quite spacious and have lots of compartments for ammentities like a sink, cooler, anchor locker etc. etc. etc. ! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

The factory would like your thoughts and input on this model which is more of just a concept at this point. Kip will be monitoring the thread to get your reaction, input and suggestions.

Sketches posted below.

[Chris]

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/factorypics/Deck1.jpg

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/factorypics/Deck2.jpg


These images and drawings are copyright material of Checkmate Boats Inc. and Checkmate-Boats.com, all rights reserved.

[175checkmate]

Oh yea, here we go again. I love this stuff.
First suggestion. No transom lip.

[Chris]

Second suggestion.

The Checkmate Factory receptionist should stand by the phone as JW is no doubt about to call.

I can see it now. A 90 MPH+ deck boat with 10" of setback and a X on the back. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[petersfield]

I think you have to square up the front end.this may sound stupid but almost the front end of a trimate? what I love about my buddie;s princecraft deck boat and sea-doo's Islandia is when you get in from the front there is so much room which if you are getting in from a beach is has alot of benefits.Combine that with a kick-but looking checkmate design and you got a winner in my view?

[Boston Predictor]

Im glad to see the deck boat might be getting a makeover. http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/surf.gif
I think swim steps on the back would be a good idea. I'm not sure if there's a livewell because i cant read the fine print, but thats another idea. also, would it have a snap in carpet or no carpet & How much heavier is it compared to the current pulsare?

[JW]

FINALLY! YEE HAA!

OK, suggestions.

1) The rear seat can (should?) be made to curve all the way around the back, with a slip-in back rest where the walk-thru is. See this boat for ideas: http://www.starcraftmarine.com/showroom/boat.php?boat=128
Blow up the picture (you can make a full-screen version) and take a look at the best interior layout I can find on ANY deck boat under 23'. See the back seat? Two walk-thrus, BUT they have slip-in back rests so you lose NO seating space.

2) Changing room. Potty. Sink. Easy access cooler. Bimini top. Walk-thru block-off panel that blocks wind from below the windshield to the floor so a bow-cover isn't needed on cool days.

3) I understand you cannot build the bow out square because of the hull design, but you CAN maximize the bow width by making the deck as narrow as possible around the outer edges. Push those seats WAY out to the side Kip. Checkmate's have very wide upper deck areas outside the seats, usually 4"-6". I recommend narrowing that up considerably and moving the seats outboard as far as possible. Want to see what I'm talking about in person, check out the bow of a new Glastron or FourWinns bow-rider.

4) If you're going to do a glass liner, then I hope you're doing away with the wood floor. Make the liner floor strong enough to BE the floor. Make snap-in carpet an option. (See that boat link again) I've owned two boats now with a fiberglass non-skid liner and no wood floor, and they ROCK for water sports. I dont care how much water drips on my no-wood floor and drips into my no-core hull, nothing to rot!!

5) Seats also. NO WOOD. Any chance of using rotocast seat bases for the couches? Or if you're really getting into this, then mold the seat bases into the liner. (See FourWinns and Glastron, others).

Of course, an all 'glass fully linered boat will be heavier than balsa core and plywood, making it slower. But I'm wondering if the bottom design will still make you faster than all the other V bottom deck boats.......

THANKS FOR ASKING KIP!!!!!

[Dave Y.]

Kip are you hiring? i nominate JW ! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

[alwaysredee]

Would it be a possibility also to run the bow seating allthe way around the front for a cleaner look without breaking up the smooth seat line?

[Mark]

Full Windshield.
Woodfree contruction.
Maximized interior as stated by JW.

[illMATTic]

i too like the bow seating to run all the way around. i like to sit in front and face the driver at times.

[Sean Tieben]

That is a good fresh start. Glad to see it. I think it will make a (check)mate in he market. Listen to the suggestions and do it the right way. THE CHECKMATE WAY.

[Kip Combs]

Thanks for the input guys.......i knew there would be several suggestions and most are good ones. But ....we are more intersted in whether any of you out there would be interested in buying one of these type boats..? We are also kicking around the idea of a couple center console models ....26' 28' but more of a sport center console than a full blown fishing boat.....what you guys think about that..?

[boatman4021]

Kool idea! Something else to put a thorn in the side of those generic boat builders up the road! boatman

[alwaysredee]

Even directed toward the performance market, the center sport may have a greater draw w/ the fishin' folk. Don't you think? I think the performance deck is a terrific idea, espescially when you take into consideration the performance guys who want to be able(as things go) to include the wife and/or family. Performance AND space to please all of them. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

[JW]

Originally posted by Chris:
Hey everyone.

Kip asked me to post a few sketches of a deck boat they're looking at developing. This boat would be based off of the 2100 and 2400 Pulsare hulls. What the factory is more or less looking at doing, is designing a new deck for the current hulls. The new deck design would include a new inner-liner and would be quite spacious and have lots of compartments for ammentities like a sink, cooler, anchor locker etc. etc. etc. ! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

The factory would like your thoughts and input on this model which is more of just a concept at this point. Kip will be monitoring the thread to get your reaction, input and suggestions.

Sketches posted below.

Yes Kip, if you build a boat with a non-skid fiberglass inner liner with sink, anchor locker, cooler, potty/changing room etc. etc. etc. as stated above, then yes I'd be interested in one!

[Boston Predictor]

I wouldnt buy one now only because I am young and dont have any kids, but If I had a family this is just what I would be looking for. Something respectably fast and room for all the kids thier friends and mine.
This is kind of off topic but will you guys ever add a Cat hull to the fleet?? I was thinking that a deck boat would be alot better if it were a catamaran. seems like more space to leisure around and a better performing hull. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[jrumon]

Good plan, and it seems like a BIG MARKET in that area of boating... The issue I see is the STYLING. JW had some great points and most of the people buying deck boats want FUNCTION over FORM. If you can come up with something that LOOKS GOOD as well as SPACE, you will have a great seller.

WHY NOT A DECKMATE RELAUNCH??? I looked back into my collection of brochures and the 1995 "DECKMATE" would totally fit right in now... It was just a bit ahead of its time! Start there... 21, 24, 27 seem to be the biggest deck boat market, and MAXIMIZING interior space (less wasted on deck surface).

HULL CHOICE: one concern I do have is using the existing pulsare hull is the ability to handle the weight & weight placement in this type of boat. Most deck boats run a wide platform modified tri-hull design to reduce listing to port or starboard depending on load placement. I'm not sure how the performance V would fair in that area??? My 26' cat deck can do 16 people with nearly flat ride at all times reguardless of who is sitting where...

DECK DESIGN: one of my pet peeve's on deck boats is those UGLY walk-thru's I see in the sides of all the current deck boat bow areas...YUCK!!! Why wreck the nice hull lines with a 4" notch down in the bow??? Are people that lame that they can't step OVER the side rail? I'd rather have the bow seat be full height & width to keep the kids safe!

I COMMEND the gang at CHECKMATE for looking into new designs... and a LOT can be gained from us "boaterheads" as to what matters in a boat. What better feedback resource than this forum...(and we work a lot cheaper than a design committee)!!!
http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gifJim

[Diplomat82]

Check out the new Mastercrafts this year. They have a new forked bow design, that has a ladder in the front, built in cooler and plenty of seating.....if only it was a Checkmate.
http://www.mastercraft.com/index.php?znfAction=boatFeat...ries=m&boat=ms245.06 (http://www.mastercraft.com/index.php?znfAction=boatFeatures&series=m&boat=ms245.06)

[John A]

Watersports tend to be important to buyers of these types of boats. I'd suggest spending time designing an easy way for people to get into/out of the water if it's going to be an outboard boat. It's more difficult than with an I/O or inboard.

[JW]

Let's set up a factory visit day Kip, where a bunch of us interested partys can meet you at the factory on a Saturday and have a consumer input day! Order up some pizza and talk boats all day long..............

[cooperider]

That sounds like a good way to spend a Saturday. I'll bring the sketch book. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

[Chris E]

that sounds like a good way to spend any day!! Anyone up for a road trip?

[boatman4021]

That sounds like fun. If the weather is not too bad, I need to make a trip to the factery anyway! boatman

[bowtie]

While the market for these deck style boats does seem hot, I would have to pass. For my next boat I would either want a larger open bow (such as a 240 or 260) or even better yet, an affordable mid-cabin with performance to match.

[pulse210]

I think these updates would bring these fine boats into a new era.
Have you seen some of the new "Wake boats" everyone is offering. Plush upholstry, more than just another runabout. You could have another dealer in wisconsin.

[Dave T]

Thanks for the input guys.......i knew there would be several suggestions and most are good ones. But ....we are more intersted in whether any of you out there would be interested in buying one of these type boats..? We are also kicking around the idea of a couple center console models ....26' 28' but more of a sport center console than a full blown fishing boat.....what you guys think about that..?
Kip
I like the center console idea. Anything on paper yet?
Dave

[BOB'S 283]

Thanks for the input guys.......i knew there would be several suggestions and most are good ones. But ....we are more intersted in whether any of you out there would be interested in buying one of these type boats..? We are also kicking around the idea of a couple center console models ....26' 28' but more of a sport center console than a full blown fishing boat.....what you guys think about that..?i'm looking at center consoles very hard right now. CONCEPTS ( www.conceptboats.com ), to be exact out of florida. forget "fishing boat" when you think concept . visualize an s.u.v. on the water with a couple o/bs hanging off the ( bracket) back. the market along the coast for something like this is insane, whereas the performance arena that checkmate competes sure looks anemic to me
.ideally these boats should be wood free. the florida market is different than the market here in new york and i suspect there in ohio. it would be easier to compete there if you had product that people really wanted. the PERFORMANCE CC would be such a natural niche for checkmate to compete in. i just sold my 283 convincor , my second new convincor . i need a replacement that i can use in new york as well as florida salt. once again i would like to thank both you and your brother mike for the courtesies extended to me each time i call the factory. i would love to find a way to plunk down my hard earned $$$ on new checkmate number three ........bob

[marquis4506]

how about a tunnel hull like the 1987 25' Persuader in an open bow in a 21' 23' and 25' models with O/B I/O jet drives

[senator-holland]

Thanks for the input guys.......i knew there would be several suggestions and most are good ones. But ....we are more intersted in whether any of you out there would be interested in buying one of these type boats..? We are also kicking around the idea of a couple center console models ....26' 28' but more of a sport center console than a full blown fishing boat.....what you guys think about that..?

overhere in europe the walk through transom models are hot.




centre console models sold overhere is mostly chinese and east europe factory's. hard competition!

[harleyherb]

Not to throw a wrench in the works, but here on Kentucky Lake, deck boats have never caught on. Maybe it's the fact that nobody builds one that looks as good as other boats or runs as good either. If Checkmate can build one as good as my Convincor and runs as good, it should sell. Build one with a big block and let me borrow it for a few months and we will see how it is accepted.

[jonnyspeed]

I'll chime in with my humble opinions...

I am not a deckboat fan. I have a family, but most of the deckboats are to freakin ugly for me to consider. Having said that there are a few that look good... That forked bow Mastercraft is the hotness! If you want to do a deckboat take that approach. Now about the sport CC... I can say H3LL Yeah!!! a sporty CC with amenities for the family and a go fast hull that can take on Lake Erie waves is something I would DEFINITELY be interested in in the next couple years. One thing though... offer a version with a cuddy up front! There are always times when somebody wants to take a nap or get out of the sun...especially the kids, they love 'em.

A couple design ideas for a sporty CC... Stepped hull with a notched transom and pad keel. Deep V hull 22+ degrees. Make a sporty helm station...not just straight up with a flat windshield...think ChrisCraft but more extreme. Have real seats with drop down bolsters and not a leaning cushion. Leave that for the fishing guys. Put a wakeboard tower on it for watersports! And like others have said, NO WOOD please.

OK. That's my 2 cents.

I aslo vote for a factory tour day. Just say when and I'm there!

[Eaglenva]

Don't know if this is a dead topic or not... but.

One thing I really love about boats is a sun deck. Possibly as an option there could be an insert in the bow. This piece would drop into place level with the current front seats converting the entire area into a sundeck and under it would be storage for that day. So if only a few people are going you have a deck, if a lot are going leave it at home and have a regular bow rider.
:sssh:

[Chris]

Don't know if this is a dead topic or not... but.

One thing I really love about boats is a sun deck. Possibly as an option there could be an insert in the bow. This piece would drop into place level with the current front seats converting the entire area into a sundeck and under it would be storage for that day. So if only a few people are going you have a deck, if a lot are going leave it at home and have a regular bow rider.
:sssh:I would imagine it will depend on what Doug thinks about the idea.

[sawcat]

The deck boat should have a lower level entry ladder. Maybe an optional platform . The boat should be easy to get up into. Look at the stearn of a Yamaha Jet Boat . I know the Outboard puts limits on this but I think this feature would be very important.

[jrumon]

NEW OWNER... NEW IDEAS...

NEW MARKET POTENTIAL!!!

Take a L@@K at some of those WEST-COAST DECKBOATS!!!

They have it MASTERED... (except maybe the co$t effective part).

[Kip Combs]

Thought i would update this thread..... don't think Checkmate Marine is going to go in this direction now. But....what we are talking about possibily doing is building a 3rd deck for the 2400 O/B. It will most likely end up being very open , roomy, something simular to this and have a walk through set up like the 2100 / 2000 BR's ..instead of the crawl through set up it has now. Probably just the one model though not a hole line. We'll keep you guys updated ...KC.

[Chris E]

most companies do this already - sea ray and caravelle come to mind - this is very easy to do - couple of braces and a cushion - usually $300 option