Saw a couple killer 'Mates at our local mall Boat & RV show..

[CheckmateFever]

I was very happy to see 2 gorgeous ZT's at our mall boat show, now this is not a big regional show by any means, just a small area show. A marina from a couple hours away, who just took on the Checkmate franchise in December, brought down a 230 BR ZT with the 300hp 350/alpha combo, and a killer 240 ZT closed bow with the 496 HO/Bravo combo, both boats are sweet!! I talked to the sales guy extensivley for a good hour and was 100% impressed with his knowledge of the boats, yes i've read the "worried" thread, but i have to say Checkmate is not in any trouble if marinas like these guys sell them! Also, the build quality of the boats are amazing, gel coat work is damn near flawless and some of the custom touches just make them look like a million dollars!! The marina custom ordered both boats with never before done color combos in the new grahpics. I have to admit, this is the first time in many years i've seen a brand new Checkmate up close, Doug Smith is definatly goin in the right direction!! A few years back, a local marina just up the road a bit from me started selling Checkmates, but after 3 boats they got out of it, and really it was a good thing cuz this place is bad news all the way, thats where my boat sat for 9 weeks last summer and was never touched when i brought it to them for an exhuast conversion...9 weeks and i got the run around the whole time...they didn't represent Checkmate very well either! But this shop, according to the sales guy is already doin quite well selling boats and i believe they will continue to do so. Checkmate is gonna be around for a while!! :cheers

 

[Big Red]

Glad to here that their making a go at it. The new and only C-mate dealer in my area I think will flop.

 

[WILDMAN]

Red, why do you think they won't make it? Price, Location?

 

[Big Red]

I think attitude and weak stock. Their are no Checkmates around here. I get count less people always asking me about my boat at the lake. People around here want change I even had people tell me that they thought Checkmate went out of biz years ago. I also think the boats you sell wildman would also sell. Their is big Money around here and if somebody could stock a lot of mates they would move. I am talking ZT's and Convincors also. The lake is rough up here on the weekends. Every year I go out I see more cats then ever. If boats would not sell around here Fountain would not be here. The fishing sucks on Lake Norman and is known as the dead sea. So that leaves it open game for Bad Boats, Bling Bling, Babes, and Beer

PS WILDMAN I showed my wife the 30' Lib you built and she liked the idea it rode a hole lot smoother but wanted to know how you get back in the boat after a swim

 

[WILDMAN]

There's now a swim platform between the motors. I'm putting together a new 30 now. I may be bringing it up to the Lake Murray poker run in May.

 

[Big Red]

Here are some common boats on Lake Norman I have not had my A$$ handed to me yet but I am wise who I challenge

http://rides.webshots.com/album/75383571tXHMas?start=0