jjh3

Opinions appreciated. Time to trade in my '95 Baja. I'm considering the 245 or
the zt. The 245 has a 496 mag...60k not including trailer. The zt is a 2003 leftover..6.2 $ 46,995 including trailer. The Checkmate seems like a no-brainer considering the difference in $. Both are equipped pretty much the same..Corsa Q&Q, drop-down bolsters, etc. I love my current Baja..never an unreliable moment. I've driven the 245..very nice. Plan to drive the zt this weekend and then make a decision. Does anyone have a 245/zt? Pros/cons?
I just joined yesterday and have been impressed with the forums i have looked at. Thanks.

thisistank

the ZT reminds me more of the Outlaw line of Baja's. Isn't the 245 more of a run-about/sport cross bread? Where the Outlaw's are more offshore based like the Checkmates.

whats your current Baja?

jjh3

I had to upgrade my membership. Current boat is '95 .22 twilight cruiser..350 mag..runs great but i need something 24' +.

Dock Holiday

jjh3, first off welcome to the board.

I do not know a lot about checkmate from first hand experience. Funny, but I have talked to two different guys lately and got almost the same comments from each of them.

1) Checkmate makes a good boat.
2) They are happy with theirs.
3) They haven't improved the boat or process or styling in some time.

I have owned three Baja's and have had good luck with all three. They are not perfect, but do have a good dealer network, a good name in the industry and are constantly improving the product. I think Baja is probably spending more R & D dollars right now than most manufacturers combined.

I have been to the Baja factory and was very impressed. I drove by the Checkmate factory and was not at all impressed.

A friend on Lake Norman just bought a new 245 and it is a real nice boat. They have a small child and wanted an open bow and also a place to get out of the sun and weather and the cuddy (for lack of better terms) was really big inside. It surprised me!

He got the 496HO and it ran and sounded very good also.

If you want some first hand information he would be glad to talk with you. Tell him Dock Holiday refered you. He is also VERY good friends with the local Baja dealer and can tell you where you should be on numbers.

His name is Nate and he runs our local Lake Norman website.

www.LKNFUN.COM

I really think the price you have on the Baja is "HIGH". I would definately shop that one around. You can find some really nice 272's and 25 Outlaws in great condition under $50K unless you really want an open bow boat.

Personally I would take had hard look at Baja. At least down here they are an easier sale!

Good luck to you.

jjh3

Thanks Dock...I know there are a ton of real nice late-model Baja's for sale in NY. Unfortunately, they are private parties. I was really looking at the convenience of just trading my '95 in at the dealer here in Syracuse. The problem is that he doen not have any used stock i'm interested in or can afford. I don't feel like trying to sell mine myself. I want to take advantage of the remainder of the already short season in these parts. The price on the new 245 ws retail, so i suppose i will start negotiating.

GeeterB

JJ.......... I own a Checkmate 253. I love my boat like nobody's business and wouldn't trade it for anything. That being said, I would't get any boat over 22ft w/o a min. 454Mag or better for power. Spend the extra money now and you won't regret it later. If the only choice you have is the 2 boats listed, I would go with the Baja. There are plenty of 25' Checkmates out there well within your price range and some even have more power than you'd ever use added on by the owner. Same goes for Baja's out there. Best of luck and shop around, You'd be amazed at what you'll find, I took 2 years to find mine and I absolutely love it.

boss252

I agree with Geeter. You will want a big block in a boat that size. The 496 mag is a solid engine and has good power for that size boat.

jjh3

Thanks for the input. I was always leaning towards the 245..but the price of the Checkmate had me swaying. I did drive the Baja and the 496 Mag is a very good set up for that boat and fits my needs quite well. I guess it's time to start dealing. and i know Baja has a rebate on the 245. Thanks again.

Highmark

Shoot for at least 25% off retail. That is realistic in the boat market and most dealers will accomodate. At this time of year they starting to think about dealing more so they don't have to carry them through the winter.

jjh3

You really think 25% is realistic? If it is, that would be great. If not, what is anybody else seeing? The retail is around 60k..no trailer. I don't need it anyway. I keep my current in the rack. I am bringing mine in on Saturday a.m. Hopefully i will have the 245 delivered to the marina Monday.