New to the board....Convincor 253 vs competition

[Lance]

Hello, I'm new to this board and I just happened to stumble upon it while researching. Anyways I live in Maryland on the Chesapeake bay, and I am looking to purchase a used boat sometime between now and next spring (sooner rather than later if I decide not to buy a new truck). My question for you guys is what has your experience been running your 24-27ft checkmates in rough water(2'-5'). Also what is the difference between the convincor and the zt? Less deadrise in the zt? I know you all don't want to hear this, but I am also looking at the baja 272, powerquest, sunsation aggressor, and others of the type. Thanks for taking the time to help me out! Great site by the way, lots of good info!

-Lance

[Chris]

Welcome to the board Lance.

[MoparMatt]

Welcome Lance.

[Hot H2O]

What do you want your boat to do? Go fast, hold lots of people, overnighter, there are lots of mates...depending on your needs I would bet there is one for you

[Lance]

I'm looking for a quick boat, but not necessarily blazing fast. 64-74mph would be just fine. I want a boat that will hold 5 or 6 people and do well in rough water. I definitely want a cuddy, but being an avid boater, I realize that in my case it's mainly going to be used for storage. From what I've seen and read thus far, a 1996 or 1997 convincor 253 seems to match my needs. But I see very few checkmates in my area and am just looking for a little feedback about their rough water performance and longevity. Thanks

-Lance

[Z06]

How about the ZT series? Anything 240 and above ZT should be pretty good as well... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Lance]

To tell you the truth, I really don't know what the difference is betweeen the convincor and the zt yet. I certainly have not ruled it out. The only downside I see is that the zt is offered in 24' (a little small), and a 28' (a little expensive. I'd love to have a 28 footer, but i'm trying to keep the boat budget around or below 30k.

[Z06]

Check out places like Boat Trader (http://www.boattraderonline.com) for deals on a whole bunch of 'Mates. Bill should be able to tell you the difference... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Hot H2O]

Lance...go to the Buy and Sell forum...and look at the listings, about March 15, I posted several lists of places (online) that I found Checks 4 sale...good hunting

[Z06]

Yeah, you found alot at that time. Ebay is another good place for boats, even though they don't have as many, but still a good selection. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Lance]

Thanks, I've seen all the boats in the buy and sell forum as well as boattrader, iboats, and a ton of other sites. But I'm not ready to buy just yet. I'm still in the research phaze. From everything i've read and heard, the checkmate seems to be my favorite right now. But to be fair to myself, I wanna go out and test drive a couple of different boats this spring. the hard part is finding the used boats I want to drive at dealerships in the area. I wouldn't feel right test driving a private owners boat without intention of possibly buying that day.

-Lance

[Bill]

There is also a ZT 260. The ZT's are a little more because they have more standard features. The ZT 240, 260, 280, and 320 have a 24 degree bottom as well as all of the Convincors. The 253 is an Awesome boat. Some friends owned that Model, also the 253 evolved into the 270. They are the same length, the 270 is slightly wider I believe. They all will just about swallow up the 2-5 fotters.

[check303rcng]

hi im also new i live on long island i had the 242 sport and the 259 convincer and i had a baja the 259 convincer is a great offshore boat i use to take it into the ocean all the time it can take a real good pounding i liked it so much i bought the 303 the baja falls apart everything loosens up go for the 259 you will be happy

[Bill]

Just incase some are pretty new to Checkmate, you have the 251, which evolved to the 253 to the 259 which ended up and is currently the 270. Mate used to not include the swim platform in the l.o.a. and now they do. That is basically why the number change from a 25 footer to a 27 footer.

[Lance]

Thanks guys, you've all been really helpful and answered most questions I had about checkmates. Now it's just a matter of test driving, and deciding if it's a 2003 investment or a 2004 investment. I have to answer to a higher power before I make my final decision...the kind of higher power that wears a skirt.

[BUKKAKIBLASTER]

Have a zt280 & friend has 253 both eat up waves & if your ever around michigan,you can drive mine.Lake Michigan can give a boat a pounding & spit out quite a few.Power quest is also a nice boat.Hope you get back in a mate. MAY NOT BE THE FASTEST BUT BY FAR THE BEST LOOKING- CHECKMATE!!!!

[Z06]

Originally posted by BUKKAKIBLASTER:
Have a zt280 & friend has 253 both eat up waves & if your ever around michigan,you can drive mine.Lake Michigan can give a boat a pounding & spit out quite a few.Power quest is also a nice boat.Hope you get back in a mate. MAY NOT BE THE FASTEST BUT BY FAR THE BEST LOOKING- CHECKMATE!!!!


Sounds like my signature I had/have(?) 100% TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :thumb:

[vinny p.]

If you are ever in Long Island, New York-- drop me a line. I'll take you for a ride on my '99 259. You wont be dissapointed!! Great boat for the size. Eats up the ocean on most days.

[BayviewRick]

:thumb: If your ever in Green Bay, look us up, we'll put a new one in the water for you. A ZT-220 would come closest to your dollar amount if you went new.. The 240 pushes the 50K envelope. Rick

www.Bayviewmarinecenter.com (http://www.Bayviewmarinecenter.com)

[Hooper]

I've been boating on the south shore on Long Island, NY since 1985. During that time I have owned two 25 feet Convinsors. Both boats ran great off-shore, however, five foot seas will test your ability to handle the throttle. Go with the model with the deepest V, and you won't go wrong.

I had a engine built with a BMW 250 super-charger for my second Convincor and saw solid speeds between 78 and 81 mph, as checked by GPS.

[vinny p.]

Hooper;
Where do you run your boat? I have mine stored in Al Grovers' in Freeport.

[Hooper]

Sadly, at the present time I do not have a boat. My last summer with the boat, 1998, it was at Ocean Marine, next to door to Al Grover. The summer of 1997 it was at Bay Park Marina on a Hydro hoist.

[GAMBLER]

lANCE, i FOUND YOU NAME ON THE SITE, i WAS LOOKING FOR ANY OTHER CHECKMATE OWNERS IN MARYLAND, MY SON AND I HAVE A 21' STARFILTE THAT WE PICKED UP A MONTH AGO, OTHER THEN YOUR NAME, HAVE NOT FOUND ANY OTHERS FROM MARYLAND THAT HAVE A CHEKMATE, DID YOU EVER FIND A BOAT TO TEST? IF YOU GET ONE, LET ME KNOW, WE CAN HOOK UP ONE DAY ON THE WATER AND SHOW EVERYONE WHAT A REAL BOAT LOOKS LIKE.
DAN

[Shaun]

Lance I have a 2000 Checkmate Stilleto with a 7.4L. It is 24 feet with a cuddy. I would consider selling it for around 30k. It has 83 hours on it. I have pictures posted, if not I can send some

[JY]

Shaun, check out a message I sent you as a private post, if you get a chance. Thanks.

[Alex]

I have a 1993 253 Convincor that I bought used 3 years ago. We do it on Lake Michigan off of Sheboygan and Door County, WI. We experience rough water all the time..........I have no fear in this boat cutting through the waves. Gas hog yes with a 502 that needs premium fuel...but loads of fun!