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Doug Smith comes CLEAN

The Doug Smith "bashing" as it was stated probably stems from the fact that most of us on the board are unhappy with the decisions that have been made since he has been in charge... I really didn't say much when he took over because I figure I'd base my opinion on the choices he makes. Well, the Baja boat molds kinda helped me form my opinion of him... and apparently BR's. That and some of the styling changes that are occuring really have me turned off. I prefer the styling of the older boats... its progressed over time, but the boats have always looked like Checkmates and I've really loved them all.. now, some of em don't work at all for me. For the guys that fell in love with the old school looks its a hard thing to watch it be replaced by the "football" look... so we ain't happy.. and thats probably where bashing comes from.. I don't really consider it bashing, but rather a mild feeling of disgust (made even more so because its the "Baja" guy)

I really hope that the plant continues to sell boats and the lights stay on for everyone's sake involved with it. Time will tell. I realize that things ain't what they used to be, espically with performance boats.. but, I don't think ressurecting Baja molds is the answer. The new 2000 BXR, low price performance boat might be a good idea... but, only as long as the quality is there (thats another story I've heard rumors about).
 
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There is some key words in the original post, "survival mode" There is no bail out money in the boat industry. The ones that stay alive in the boat business have to build a cost effective product and sell it for a affordable price. Or they are financially fit to weather this rotten economy.
In the early 90's there was a economic crisis and in 94 the effect was felt hard, Not as bad as it is now I believe. A good business man that has made his money knows when to cash in his chips.
I think Checkmate at this time may be riding on the reputation built over the years by the original owners and craftsmen that made it great.
We all may not like where it is going but checkmate is still building boats at this time when many other companies of quality Boats have closed their doors in the last 3 years.
Mr. Smith I would say is a good business man and can see the writing on the wall.
When the economy turns around and starts its way back up again I believe we will see the talent that made a good quality product come back to life. This is all I can hope for instead of a company folding.
 
mkhammer said:
There is some key words in the original post, "survival mode" There is no bail out money in the boat industry. The ones that stay alive in the boat business have to build a cost effective product and sell it for a affordable price. Or they are financially fit to weather this rotten economy.
In the early 90's there was a economic crisis and in 94 the effect was felt hard, Not as bad as it is now I believe. A good business man that has made his money knows when to cash in his chips.
I think Checkmate at this time may be riding on the reputation built over the years by the original owners and craftsmen that made it great.
We all may not like where it is going but checkmate is still building boats at this time when many other companies of quality Boats have closed their doors in the last 3 years.
Mr. Smith I would say is a good business man and can see the writing on the wall.
When the economy turns around and starts its way back up again I believe we will see the talent that made a good quality product come back to life. This is all I can hope for instead of a company folding.
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Bail out money is BS, the average joe is the one that foots that bill and gets nothing out of it. That ZT 350 was a gold mine, how many did he build 1, and I belive they are still tring to unload it.

I really think the problem is the untruthfull postings made by some, and tring to give all the credit to himself and all the X baja employee's.
 
when it comes to performance boat building...there are few new ones being produced...even fountain is living on center consoles....look thru the ads...many brand new 08, 09 boats out there trying to be unloaded, I would not want to be in the boat building business right now...
 
A few people's obsession with Dough Smith is getting a bit overboard. In business, as in life, change happens. Hell, I loved the 67 Corvette when I was a kid. GM hired a new president, they changed the design of the 'vette that I fell in love with, but I got over it and didn't go on a never ending rage against James Roche. I'm just thankful that Checkmate is still in business and I can call Mike when I need parts, I don't believe there are many other brands of boats whose owners have that kind of resource.
 
He says this boat is $30K with a 115 without a trailer/tax. Puts base somewhere around $22-22.5.

Can someone tell me if the 21 BR will soon be available with liner and what base price apples to apples will be?

I'm interested to see how economy this boat really is.
 
hopefully the quality stays the same or gets better, the boats i have seen at the shows and at dealers appear to have a little more attention to the small details, my only issue so far with my 2008 has been a couple minor wireing issues and i had the same kind of issues in 1997 and my friend has had with his 2000 259. thats always been a checkmate weak spot that hopefully improves .. if the quality goes out of these boats then i will seek something else. so hopefully it remains equal or improves. I do know for a fact that at the shows and at the dock people that never considered owning a checkmate are now giving them a second look. mostly because of the improved grafics and the prices are really decent compared to others... i would think that Bill Combs knew Doug for many years and felt his company would be ok , after all his sons still work there and Doug has mentioned that fact about the Combs legacy.
ndaniels said:
The Doug Smith "bashing" as it was stated probably stems from the fact that most of us on the board are unhappy with the decisions that have been made since he has been in charge... I really didn't say much when he took over because I figure I'd base my opinion on the choices he makes. Well, the Baja boat molds kinda helped me form my opinion of him... and apparently BR's. That and some of the styling changes that are occuring really have me turned off. I prefer the styling of the older boats... its progressed over time, but the boats have always looked like Checkmates and I've really loved them all.. now, some of em don't work at all for me. For the guys that fell in love with the old school looks its a hard thing to watch it be replaced by the "football" look... so we ain't happy.. and thats probably where bashing comes from.. I don't really consider it bashing, but rather a mild feeling of disgust (made even more so because its the "Baja" guy)

I really hope that the plant continues to sell boats and the lights stay on for everyone's sake involved with it. Time will tell. I realize that things ain't what they used to be, espically with performance boats.. but, I don't think ressurecting Baja molds is the answer. The new 2000 BXR, low price performance boat might be a good idea... but, only as long as the quality is there (thats another story I've heard rumors about).
Click to expand...
 
I dont understand the arguments about good business decisions in the context of picking up a bunch of molds from a failed company. I had an old boss that always said "you cant make chicken salad out of chicken $%*t" so even if they use really good bread and put some fresh lettuce on there.......
 
Big Red said:
Bail out money is BS, the average joe is the one that foots that bill and gets nothing out of it. That ZT 350 was a gold mine, how many did he build 1, and I belive they are still tring to unload it.

I really think the problem is the untruthfull postings made by some, and tring to give all the credit to himself and all the X baja employee's.
Click to expand...


The auto industry was bailed out by government money.Ford was the only company that said they didn't need it. and yes the tax payers flip the bill.
So yes I agree with you and it reinforces what I have said. It takes resourceful business men to stay alive in this economy. Regardless of quality or quantity or type of business.
because there is no bail out money for the boat industry.
The Combs cashed in their chips at the right time too. So now it is riding on Doug Smith shoulders and I am sure he is doing all he can to keep the company going at this time.
If we all agree with his moves or not.

By the way I was referring to the Checkmate Co. owners and craftsmen not Baja

I will just say I appreciate my beautiful and straight hand laminated 98 Checkmate boat.
That's why I am making it the best I think it can be.
 
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This ZT350 keeps looking at me. If it doesn't get bought by spring it might just end up in my driveway. After a stop to get blue motors:sssh:
 
Well then I wish it would stop being advertised for sale. At least I can stop dreaming about it for a minute!:drool: Build a few more so I can get my wife in one. If I can get her in one its mine!:thumb:
 
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I actually like that ZT350 too, i know it's a baja in disguise but it's not a bad looking boat. There is a slight Checkmate resemblence i think, it's not to far off the mark.
 
my dealer sold that zt350 ... and all the 2010 checkmates he had and that also included a zt275, ...Doug next time you do a landfill mold run , please let me know i will ride shotgun. also i think duckys has a 350zt
 

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jln said:
my dealer sold that zt350 ... and all the 2010 checkmates he had and that also included a zt275, ...Doug next time you do a landfill mold run , please let me know i will ride shotgun. also i think duckys has a 350zt
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You would look good in that 350,275, and the 244. :bigthumb: I always thought the colors of the 350 interior was awful looks like the Brady Bunch boat
 
there comes a point when the boats that checkmate builds have to take the "newer look" to sell them. i understand that- yet i am still not sold on the rounded "baja" look of them! if they would perform like the previous mates i might be able to stomach it, being said that i am not in the market for a new boat and what ever keeps them a-float i am ok with.....but i will say i like the older style for sure:cheers::popcorn:
 
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