• Welcome to the Checkmate Community Forums forums.

    You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions, articles and access to our other FREE features.
    By joining our free community you will be able to:

    » Interact with over 10,000 Checkmate Fanatics from around the world!
    » Post topics and messages
    » Post and view photos
    » Communicate privately with other members
    » Access our extensive gallery of old Checkmate brochures located in our Media Gallery
    » Browse the various pictures in our Checkmate photo gallery

    Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

    If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact support by clicking here or by using the"contact us" link at the bottom of the page.

ZT owner's

checkmate243

checkmate243

Member
ZT owner's-
I’m looking for some information about the ZT240 checkmate. How’s the handling with this smaller hull. I’m looking to boat on both inland lakes and Lake Michigan if the hull can handle this kind of boating. I like to put 400+HP in this boat. Looking to see mid 80’s on the gps. I’ve been in Checkmate with big power on small hull. 20-22 range. Handling was very poor. I see a lot 240 for sale in different magazines and online so this makes me wonder what’s up? Poor handling? I really like the lines of this hull. I’m hoping if it runs half as good as it looks, I will be happy. Thanks! Checkmate243
 
I ran in a ZT240 with a 350 mpi - ran great top end 58 gps. Was told same boat with 496HO runs about 70 to 73 gps. Would need much more than 400 hp to see true mid-80s. 525 would probably get you barely into the 80s but not much more.
 
Thanks JY-
Still looking for some feed back about the big water ride. I was hoping the smaller hull would not need big HP (496ho=425hp) to get into the low 80's. I will keep this in mind as I look over the winter. Sound like there not much different between the ZT240 and the ZT260 when it comes to HP versa speed??? If this is true I will keep the ZT260 in my search.:confused:
 
what are you runnin now ? i'm w / you bigger boat but i'm thinking 21-23 range pulsare pursuader or zt . what is the bad handling 20-22 ' your talkin bout ?
 
zstevens,
I own a 1992 Starflite powered with a 2002 225 Merc. My brother owned a late 80's Senator with 454 big block. Very hard to drive at WOT. You have to use alots of positive trim. Trailer button trim! The 454 wanted to drive the nose back into water at high speeds. yahoo.......:eyecrazy:
 
is the senator the 80's version of the persuader ? it seems theres alot of em w/bigblocks , so is it a better or dif hull ?
 
i had a starlet which is the 18 ft version of the senator
handeling was ok but nothing like the diplomate outboard

the starlet had a 350 merc props made a huge difference on this and most hulls

the best all around was the mirage 15 x 19
would turn 5000 rpm pulled like a freight train and carried the boat better than a stilleto
trim was much better

i have heard that the persuaders are far and beyond superior

a 454 is heavy for a senator and would probably run better with a 4 blade

a lot of people say a starlet is faster with a v-6 than mine was with the v-8

see if you can test drive a persuader to test drive or a board member in your area to ride with

good luck with your search and keep us posted
 
zstevens, Im not sure? Sorry.

Rob'Z, Yes lots of trim. Chime walk was also a problem! The wheel was always moving. Before my brother bought it, It had a 502 in it! It was a friend of mine. They pulled the 502 installed a 454 as this was my brothers first boat.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top