"Wanted" Checkmate $3000 or less in Northern Indiana

[DLucchese]

I am looking to purchase my first Checkmate. If anyone has anything or knows of anything that's a good buy, I am located in Northern Indiana (Elkhart) and looking to spend $3,000 or less. Appreciate any info anyone might have. I've scoured Craigslist and found a few. Just wondering if there are others.

 

[dream4ta]

Welcome to the Forum!! Im not too far south of you in Battle Ground IN. What are you looking for as far as model or size. Also for $3k i would not expect to find a pretty turn key boat. It will probably need some love in one way or another.

 

[DLucchese]

By turn key I mean I am hoping for little to no engine issues. Granted its going to be an older engine which is fine. I am fine with upholstery/paint issues. The few I am between right now:

http://limaohio.craigslist.org/boa/4418486617.html - Nice looking boat, owner said it was restored about 6 years ago. Willing to take $3,000. 3.5 hour drive

http://nmi.craigslist.org/boa/4363692441.html - Owner will take $2800, not a fan of the color scheme, but overall a nice boat. 5.5 hour drive

http://saginaw.craigslist.org/boa/4384754210.html - Owner says engine is strong, gel coat on front on top is cracking, needs upholstery. Will take $1400. 3 hour drive

http://jxn.craigslist.org/boa/4369946694.html - Motor needs a choke solenoid but runs well once started, recently re-done according to owner. Will take $2800.00. 1 hour drive

 

[dream4ta]

Those look like some decent options. I would say watch SCT's craigs list thread closely as he finds a ton of mate's! Also be prepared for a bit of a drive. There are not many mates that i have seen in IN... There are only 3 others that i have seen on local lakes to me. Both of my boats came from the east coast!

 

[john-gibson]

im in indiana,pennsylvania and have a 21foot checkmate enchanter for sale on ebay starting at 2550.00
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/171316277472?item=171316277472&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466 john

 

[mishawakajim]

I definitely agree with checking out any craigslist posts that SCT suggests. He sent me one a year ago on a 86 Eluder in Orlando. We happened to be in Orlando on vacation at the time, went and checked out and loved it. We then drove back down and brought it back up to Mishawaka, IN two weeks later.

 

[SCT]

DL, Here are a few nice Mates in your area. If you spend a little more than 3K, you can pick up a nice older Checkmate. Good luck-

82 Sportfire IO w- 470 Mercruiser for $3800. Nice boat and CM.com member.
http://mansfield.craigslist.org/boa/4448532288.html

83 Sportfire w- 150 Merc for $3750. Nice boat in your area.
http://evansville.craigslist.org/boa/4450705247.html

89 201 Spectra w- 200 Merc for 3K. Great deal if the motor is a cheap fix.
http://columbus.craigslist.org/boa/4454994547.html

77 SkiMate II w- 200 Merc for $800.
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/boa/4455444479.html

80 Diplomat w- 140 Merc for 2K.
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/boa/4462666680.html

 

[TimSki$]

I have an '86 Enticer with a 150 Mariner I could let go for the right price. I has a brand new floor, new 1.5" transom with knees, rebuilt helm seats with new upholstery, new forward bench with all new upholstery. It is a project that is not 100% complete, the rear seat needs finishing and the deck is in the middle of being wet sanded and buffed out. It is red and silver flake, so with the gray Mariner hanging off the back it is a real nice color combo. I have had it out a few times since I started the project so I know the engine runs and it runs good. I think you are in the ball park as far as price goes for how it sits. I have all new gauges that would go with it as well. I am located just outside Grand Rapids, Michigan, so not too far from you.

 

[mishawakajim]

Since DLucchese is in my area I had some correspondence with him earlier in the week offering to give him some pointers on what to look at when buying a Checkmate. He thanked me and informed me that he had purchased already another make of boat. So at least he'll be able to enjoy boating and hopefully one day own a Checkmate and see first hand their beauty what a fantastic boat they are to own and operate.