2010 Checkmate ZT 280 Pics (Discussion Thread)

**Chris** · 02-05-2010, 10:55 PM

2010 Checkmate ZT 280 with BRX Graphics

Hi Gang,

Kip was kind enough to send over these pics of a recent factory build.

Pictured is a 2010 ZT 280 with BRX Graphics.

This new ZT 280 features a number of new features as well as updates.

Here are some of the recent changes

All new cabin interior, featuring newly updated sculpted foam
New graphics on v-birth cushion upholstery
New cockpit interior featuring wrap around backrest and new armrest with cupholders
New sidepads with storage
New clean "trimless" engine compartment detail
Newly updated "molded" trim on cabin entry
Newly redesigned engine lid with thicker foam, trimless edge detail and fiberglass rear seat base

Plus much more!

I hope you enjoy the pics and thanks go out to Kip for sending them over.

-Chris

**Chris** · 02-05-2010, 10:59 PM

More pics...

**Chris** · 02-05-2010, 11:02 PM

More again...

**Chris** · 02-05-2010, 11:03 PM

Last few...

Check This · 02-06-2010, 12:10 AM

Boat looks great but just lacks in power for a 28, but I guess it's where ever your pocket will take you as Kip said on the 27. The engine compartment is very clean. I am not a fan of the overlaping back seat -- I still like a seperate hatch from the seat but the access to the engine compartment can't be beat. The Hatch actuators on both sides means you have pleanty to pick up that seat. The interior needs a little billet -- I mean speaker covers and such. I would lie to see individual buckes with some grab handles something like Randy has designed in his 30' Liberator.

I someday would like to see the cabin completely redesigned to emlute an overnight cruiser. I just think if you eliminated the two small benches facing each other and add a galley and a head opposite each other the boat would be more versitle. Now that might me a redesign or raising the deck. Then the foward cabin could be spit with benches facing each other with a removable table and filler cushions to make a sleeping berth. I say this beacaue at these prices the boat now can be listed as a second home and the interest on the loan becomes tax deductible like a mtg. I know if that were the case I would give serious consideration to buying a boat like that, for that reason alone.
Beautiful Mate but if I had to choose betwen the 2 boats that you have recently posted - I love the convincor myself.

boatn70 · 02-06-2010, 08:46 AM

overall OK, but that rear seat looks like a brick wall too tall and not very wide. the wrap around sides are not bad but thats what makes the seat look narrow.
engine compartment looks clean and large due to the seat back lifting. that thing must weigh a ton!

id like to see in the cabin too.

i have to say that i am not a fan of that rear seating area!

Check This · 02-06-2010, 10:38 AM

The more I look at that rear bench -- the more I dont like it. Ihope ckeckmate is in no hurry to Baja these boats!!

The lines don't match up. the top of the rear seat is elevated to a point where it looks like somebody threw it in there.

As far as I am concerned -- back to the drawing board for that one!!!
By the way the checkmate drawing board not that baja one.

**ndaniels** · 02-06-2010, 02:12 PM

I've never really cared for the yellow/blue colors- but alot of people like that combo... I do, however love the graphics and my personal choice would be a red/yellow/black for the accents- instead of the blue/yellow/black. So, graphics gets a thumbs up from me

I like the front seats, dash layout is great, and the engine compartment is nice- plenty of space and easy access...

My only problem with the whole boat is with the back seat design... the wrap around sides are overpowering, imo. The leading edge infront of the cupholders is wrong in my eyes... Maybe instead of the bottom angleling foreward, it could be straight up and down- or the bottom edge tapered up some at the front. I think that is mostly what I don't like about the design- the arms are just wrong. Also, the wings on the top should go, imo. That way you have a full armrest- just extend the seatback sides to cover the hatch. I got my gf to come and give me her opinion and without any coaching she said the back seat looks small, I asked why and she said the sides are too big.

My solution would be widening the back seat and using thinner armrests... this is just too rounded and bulky. You could still use the wrap around design... just not as much of it. Also, I would extend the strips straight to the edge of the bottom cushion- the current design makes the seat look small.

I like the rest of the boat.

illMATTic · 02-06-2010, 10:23 PM

I think the interior is too sterile and not inviting at all. The rear arm rests are going to get trashed getting in and out of the boat. I have never been a fan of the ZT's styling but it is keeping up with most production performance boats these days.

drewman · 02-07-2010, 01:28 AM

Hello, it's been a long time since I've been on but I would like to comment since I own a 270 Convincor (almost the same boat). My back seat is not a wrap-around and, therefore, is as wide as possible with only an approximate 1 inch pad on either side. This is nice in that at least three adults can sit comfortably. And, the wife can sleep comfortably back there on those not-so-special nights.

My only complaint is that our cup holders are held in plastic inserts along with the speakers, which rattles when music is on or when the engine is running. I do not think Checkmate is using these anymore. I plan to eliminate the plastic inserts someday with nice open compartments. There is definitely plenty of room for this.

The twin actuators are a pain during maintenance. I have pulled muscles trying to reach around and by them! Also, they are slow as molasses raising the lid. However, I do love the access it provides with the backrest out of the way, but it takes forever to get there. I guess they are necessary evil.

I believe the cabin is perfect for how we use our boat. The twin bench seats can be made into a lower level bed with the cushions that are stored nicely in the bulkheads. My family of four sleeps nicely in the cabin, especially when we kick the wife to the back seat. The storage compartments behind the bench seats are great for everyday necessities. And, the large storage compartment under the front bed is big enough for four sleeping bags, four large pillows and a tent.

As I have stated many times, I love my 2007 270 Convincor. I think Checkmate builds awesome boats and I would buy another. I would even consider buying the 35, and may since my boys are growing up way too fast.