Well it's official

[Rob'Z]

This may be old news (the rumors have been going around for awhile now) but here is an article on the sale. If this is a repost please delete Chris.




Issue Date: 3/13/2007, Posted On: 3/13/2007

Checkmate Powerboats sold; will build 2008 models
Founder and former president of Baja Boats, Doug Smith, completed the acquisition of Checkmate Powerboats in Bucyrus, Ohio.

Details of the sale were not released; however molds, inventory, manufacturing plants and related assets were included in the transfer of ownership.

"I've never lost my love for boating or the business,” said Smith, a 36-year industry professional who is Checkmates’ owner/president. "I think the recreational boating market is ready for some new direction and that's where we plan on taking future Checkmate product."
Pictured (left to right) are: Mike Combs, Dean Reynolds, Bill Combs, Doug Smith and Kip Combs.


Smith says Checkmate will immediately begin building 2008 models.

"It just makes good sense to start fresh and supply our dealers with brand new product. Our line will consist of models from 16 to 33 feet, including a special emphasis on eight exciting outboard packages,” he said in a statement. “With all of the recent technological advancements in outboard engines, now's the time to develop and offer a variety of models that take full advantage of those new-age benefits in fuel efficiency, dependability and environmentally friendly low emissions.”

Smith named Dean Reynolds Checkmate's new general manager; Kip Combs, sales manager; and Mike Combs, purchasing manager. The Combs brothers are sons of former Checkmate founder/owner Bill Combs.

"Checkmate Powerboats wouldn't be the same without a Combs on the organizational chart," Smith said. "Bill Combs and his sons have lived Checkmate Powerboats for nearly 40 years. They're an important part of this legacy."

http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/ME2/Default.asp

http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=58D9BB73E15746B8BB436223DD2A3865

[Chris]

Actually, I don't think we ever got "official" news. Not from Mate itself at least.

Have you got a link to that article? If you do, post it up and I'll put it into your post.

Thanks for sharing that article. :)

[Rob'Z]

Here ya go.
http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/ME2/Default.asp
http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=58D9BB73E15746B8BB436223DD2A3865

[Chris]

Thanks Rob.

I added those links to your original post. :)

[haftoo55]

Hey SCT thats the first time I've seen anything about sale. Although I've known it was a done deal for about it for a week and a half. Alan

[attitude]

Congrats to all.

[bdusted440]

:eyecrazy: :eek: :cheers :cool: Good bye Bill

[Mark]

All brand new models for 2008 huh? That's a tall order.
Our friendly digs against Baja aside, there is one thing I really hope Doug Smith doesn't do at Checkmate; build tiny cockpits! Every Baja out there, even old ones, have disporportianately small interiors. A 23' Outlaw has 6" between the front and back seats. The old 16' and 17' Sunsports were so small they felt like 2 seaters. Put a 16' Baja Sunsport and a 16" Checkmate Diplomat beside each other and the Mate looks twice the size. Yet, with the same power it will school the Baja.
Still, I am cautiously optimistic that the ownership change will be a good thing. We'll see soon enough!

[F150GT]

Mark\ I second the motion, keep the interior layout, I loved the room in the Enchanter. Huge. And ALLWAYS offer a closed deck.

[83PREDICTOR]

How about a twin-vee or tunnel?

[Craig]

All brand new models for 2008 huh? That's a tall order.
Our friendly digs against Baja aside, there is one thing I really hope Doug Smith doesn't do at Checkmate; build tiny cockpits! Every Baja out there, even old ones, have disporportianately small interiors. A 23' Outlaw has 6" between the front and back seats. The old 16' and 17' Sunsports were so small they felt like 2 seaters. Put a 16' Baja Sunsport and a 16" Checkmate Diplomat beside each other and the Mate looks twice the size. Yet, with the same power it will school the Baja.
Still, I am cautiously optimistic that the ownership change will be a good thing. We'll see soon enough!


That 23' Outlaw looks like a bathtub...Actually, in my opinion, Checkmate already builds small cockpits and long decks in the bigger models (21' and over), and I like that look. They are sport boats. I did own an 86' 16' Diplomat, and that did have decent room...good ski boat. I agree Checkmate will have to continue to offer good open bow ski boats, that are roomy and still sporty, because that is a big part of their market.

But if they take the route that Baja did, and change them to bubble boats that look like bathtubs, that would really kill it for me. For me personally, they need to keep the look of low slung, long deck, windshield back on the rear 3rd of the boat.

I'm working on ordering a new boat right now, and from what I've heard, they are really concentrating on expanding their dealer network and marketing, and some graphics changes.

-Craig

[onthehammer]

Trust me, they are going to do it right! You can take that to the bank. They already build a great boat and are just going to expand on that.:cheers

[Kip Combs]

Hea guys......thought i'd clear up a little confusion here....Checkmate Marine Inc will be producing 2008 models right away. But, they are all out of the same molds we had in 2007. The major changes will be in interiors ( new bolsters,possibily buckets ) and equipment - both standard & optional upgrades. We will continue to develope new models and i'll keep the owners forum updated on those type developments along with other inside info..KC.

[xsive]

Hea guys......thought i'd clear up a little confusion here....Checkmate Marine Inc will be producing 2008 models right away. But, they are all out of the same molds we had in 2007. The major changes will be in interiors ( new bolsters,possibily buckets ) and equipment - both standard & optional upgrades. We will continue to develope new models and i'll keep the owners forum updated on those type developments along with other inside info..KC.

Sure hope you pass this information on to all your dealers as there seems to be some confusion about wht is going on with product changes etc.

[MERC-MATE]

It's good to hear from you, Kip. Thanks for keepin in touch with us!

[claupie]

Hea guys......thought i'd clear up a little confusion here....Checkmate Marine Inc will be producing 2008 models right away. But, they are all out of the same molds we had in 2007. The major changes will be in interiors ( new bolsters,possibily buckets ) and equipment - both standard & optional upgrades. We will continue to develope new models and i'll keep the owners forum updated on those type developments along with other inside info..KC.

would be nice if ckm would reinstall on their web site the option of choosing different graphics and making you own choice of colors and actually see the results on line..

[cooperider]

would be nice if ckm would reinstall on their web site the option of choosing different graphics and making you own choice of colors and actually see the results on line..
claupie, Checkmate has a completely new website in the works. I got a preview of it today, it looks "top of the line". Great things are coming. :banana:

[83PREDICTOR]

I cant wait to see the new website with updated pics and a build and price option.

[claupie]

claupie, Checkmate has a completely new website in the works. I got a preview of it today, it looks "top of the line". Great things are coming. :banana:

great ...thanks coop..