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First time entering the boat world

BuzzNectar

BuzzNectar

New member
My wife and I finally decided to join the boating world.
2002 Checkmate Convincor 300 from mid Missouri.
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Sam I am said:
Beautiful boat!! That's a serious first step! Twin 496's?!?!

Is this your boat?

http://www.boats.com/power-boats/2002-checkmate-convincor-300-5963961/#.WMzQOhLyu3I
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Yeah that's the one. Twin 425hp 496's. We are very exited. Was originally looking at a single 502 Profile 29v, but when we hopped in, it just "felt right". Salesman made a great point that we would soon outgrow the Profile (knowing our taste of fun and hobbies) and can grow into the Checkmate and be satisfied longer. I have alot to learn but I believe there is plenty of knowledge amongst this forum and it's members.
 
:welcome: to the forum!

Nice 'first boat'!

If you haven't taken a boating safety course, I would highly recommend it. In addition to finding out what everyone else on the water is doing wrong, your insurance company may offer a discount.

I've got Progressive, and they do offer a discount.
 
Nice beautiful vessel. I see daylight at the bow. Transom tie downs? Winch strap tells a story. Get a good up close look at the corrosion? present at the forward starboard marker light on the trailer.
 
Hack said:
:welcome: to the forum!

Nice 'first boat'!

If you haven't taken a boating safety course, I would highly recommend it. In addition to finding out what everyone else on the water is doing wrong, your insurance company may offer a discount.

I've got Progressive, and they do offer a discount.
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Good idea. I took a course ages ago but couldn't hurt to do one I might remember. We were originally going to use Progressive but to our surprise, Safeco ended up much cheaper with same coverage ($387year). My wife is my agent.
 
Jimway said:
Nice beautiful vessel. I see daylight at the bow. Transom tie downs? Winch strap tells a story. Get a good up close look at the corrosion? present at the forward starboard marker light on the trailer.
Click to expand...

Yeah the trailer isn't great. Does have corrosion in 3 spots and the surge brakes dont work. The wireing, tires, and wheel bearings all new. We did dip the boat back in and winched it up flush before we took off.
 
Beautiful boat enjoy! Those 496 HO's are awesome motors. Make sure you fix the surge breaks it makes trailering so much more enjoyable.
Drive carful and have fun and always expect the unexpected when out on the water. Boats = alcohol = stupidity in other boaters so watch out for them.
 
Chellems said:
Beautiful boat enjoy! Those 496 HO's are awesome motors. Make sure you fix the surge breaks it makes trailering so much more enjoyable.
Drive carful and have fun and always expect the unexpected when out on the water. Boats = alcohol = stupidity in other boaters so watch out for them.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Yeah it was a little heavy when slowing down while bringing it home. I heard some have ditched the surge brakes and installed electric making it more user friendly when backing down a steep ramp. Thoughts?
 
I'd stick with the surge, myself. I've always had them and haven't had any problems with them...just my 2 cents.
 
BuzzNectar said:
I heard some have ditched the surge brakes and installed electric making it more user friendly when backing down a steep ramp. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
I'd either keep the surge brakes, or upgrade to the electric over hydraulic disc brakes, if you plan on doing a lot of trailering. What are you pulling it with? 3/4 ton or 1 ton pickup?
 
BuzzNectar said:
Thanks. Yeah it was a little heavy when slowing down while bringing it home. I heard some have ditched the surge brakes and installed electric making it more user friendly when backing down a steep ramp. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Like Hack said, I'd go with electric over hydraulic. You get the control of electric, but you don't have to unplug them every time you back it into the water.

Oh yeah, very nice boat!!!! When you get the itch to go faster, call up Jason at Kunkel's marine and throw a couple of ProChargers on that thing!! Or, that would be the perfect boat for a pair of LS's!!!

Have fun learning and enjoying your new toy and one little token of wisdom that my dad taught me when I was learning how to drive the boat about 30 years ago "Only approach any dock as fast as you are willing to hit it", your gelcoat will appreciate it.....
 
Congrats on the gorgeous 300! You will love it.

I hate surge brakes with a passion. The clunking, pushing, and lack of control in general sucks.

If your surge brakes are in good condition, I would convert to Electric over Hydraulic. Adding the appropriate actuator for the disk or drums on the trailer already.

If your wheel backing plate assemblies are rusty, corroded, and only halfway functional, I would then convert to straight electric. I am doing that to my 18,000 lb GVW Manning tri axle trailer this spring and I converted the Eagle trailer under my old 253 to straight electric as well. The backing plate assemblies are cheap, easy to bolt on, and use the same drums as the hydraulic brakes. Just use good quality wiring, heat shrink terminals, liquid electrical tape, etc. to wire everything up and they are just as waterproof as hydraulic brakes. No need to unplug them as the only electrical part is a fully pottted and sealed electro-magnet. Just let the drums cool for a few minutes while you load the beer cooler into the boat and they will be fine to dunk. The full adjust-ability of full electric brakes is wonderful.
 
I like to say, you don't get a second chance with with gel coat. My advice is get yourself at least 3 large, of good quality, color matching fenders and use them often! Oh and what water you plan on being on?
 
Looks like I'm eating my words again...

I went out and looked at my Rangertrail...it's Electric over Hydraulic. That trailer sees a lot of towing (not much stopping as ND is pretty wide open) but does get splashed a lot and has been bullet proof for the last two seasons. My old Starliner trailer was a surge trailer and the new C-Hawk trailer is a surge as well...(I think).
 
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