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1982 Checkmate Sportfire Restoration

Figz

Figz

Member
Beginning restoration on my 1982 Checkmate Sportfire. The boat belonged to my father back in high school! It is an 18ft boat with a 135 Blackmax Mercury Outboard. A few years back my dad had the boat painted to its now blue color. Unfortunately, we were unable to get the black metal flake finish that it originally had. The paint is now blue metallic. Before putting the boat in storage, he had the transom fully rebuilt. The boat has been sitting for a while moving around our front yard periodically. We finally are taking the means to get this boat back up and restored to its former glory. This will be my story following the boat's progress.
 

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Bump, some new updates have been posted to the album. Also, I am going to need to do something with the windshield as it is in bad condition. Does anyone have any ideas of where I could get one made, or if I can make one custom?
 
The original one was likely made by Taylormade, but I haven’t heard of anyone having any success getting them to remake one for them. Some have been lucky over the years finding someone parting out a boat with the parts they need, but that was back when this forum had more traffic/visits.
 
karzrus said:
The original one was likely made by Taylormade, but I haven’t heard of anyone having any success getting them to remake one for them. Some have been lucky over the years finding someone parting out a boat with the parts they need, but that was back when this forum had more traffic/visits.
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Thanks for the info!
 
Worth saving for sure. Chances of finding a Sportfire windshield are pretty slim. If the glass is ok you may be able to find a local boat top shop that could help you out. Or find some parts online that could be reconfigured. It is a simple design. BTW the Sportfire is the closed bow version of the Diplomat in my avatar. The hull is 16' 6" long not 18. Have fun.
 
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Some updates have been posted to the album, I hope all is well and everyone has a fantastic holiday 🦃
 
Actually it's 16'7". I had an '82 with an Evinrude 140. Very fun boat. Windshield was not very solid when new so it's no wonder they don't hold up.
 
LBI said:
Actually it's 16'7". I had an '82 with an Evinrude 140. Very fun boat. Windshield was not very solid when new so it's no wonder they don't hold up.
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Haha, thanks for the reply! Yeah, you and Mark are correct. The 18' for me comes from the total length w/ the motor. But yes, the hull is NOT 18'. Mark says it is 16'6" and you say it is 16'7"...hmmm 🤔
 
Bump/Update, SHE RUNS!
Be sure to check the linked album for all other updates. I try to post most of the information in the descriptions of each picture.



Carburetors:


I rebuilt all three carburetors. The bottom carb was the worst of the three. What was interesting to me was that the left bowl in the top carb was completely dry, and the jets looked brand new. It seemed like that bowl was never filling with fuel, and gas never passed through it. Nothing seemed wrong with it, other than the float lifts higher than the edge of the bowl.

I used two different brands of carb kits. The BEST one was blue/black that said QuickSilver Marine Parts & Accessories. It had all of the gaskets and was not missing any hardware. The OTHER kit was in a black-and-red bag that WAS missing some parts. I had to reuse some of the old hardware to complete the rebuild. Both kits were sealed NOS 1395-7826 rebuild kits.



Engine:


Last night was the FIRST START of this engine. It had a little trouble starting at first, but once the fuel got there, she started right up. I made sure to mix some oil into the gas on the first start, just in case the oil injection was faulty.

I didn't run it for very long because the engine did not have a telltale stream. I think that the impeller might be stuck and not pumping water since it has been sitting for so long. There was oil in the lower-end, but it was drained last night because I didn't know if it had any. Yes, I did check the top plug, but I must've just not put my checker down far enough. So...that will be refilled today.

My plan is to refill the lower end with oil and put the boat into gear to free the impeller and get it to pump some water. I took a water hose off the head, and it was dry (not clogged), so that is why I am thinking the impeller.


Video coming soon!

Also, thank you all for over 4,000 views on this restoration!
 
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It is such a fun boat to drive. When trimmed properly it will turn like it's on rails. Be careful if you have passengers! Also trimmed up at top speed it will chine walk but you can countersteer to prevent a death roll. Definitely worth the restoration. Good luck.
 
LBI said:
It is such a fun boat to drive. When trimmed properly it will turn like it's on rails. Be careful if you have passengers! Also trimmed up at top speed it will chine walk but you can countersteer to prevent a death roll. Definitely worth the restoration. Good luck.
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Thank you! I have a whale tail hydrofoil stabilizer that mounts onto the cavitation plate. My father had it on the boat when it was in the water. I plan to reinstall it.
 
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