1993 Checkmate 281 Convincor or 1995 Formula 271 SR-1
 

going back and forth and would appreciate any input...the Convincor is powered by twin 502's and runs in the high 80's and the Formula is a stock 502 and runs low 60's...

the 271 is a Indy 500 edition and has a perfect hull with an above average interior...the 281 has a perfect hull with an average interior that may need some work in the near future...

curious on how different the ride will be between the boats and considering the same price on both boats what would be your choice and why?

Better think about fuel costs.

the indy formula will be a lot easier to resale down the rode.

how so? are the indy models sought after?

they didnt make very many of them so yes, it is sort of a collector boat.

plus, with this economy a single engine boat is a lot easier to sell.

thanks for the input...any other opinions?

A friend of mine has a 271 Indy, nice boat, great ride. I would guess low 60's

We just sold my finace's 251 Checkmate Convincor w/ a single 250 outboard. The boat wasnt anything to write home about, it needed to have exactly 2 to 3' chop to run right, it needed heavy port tab to keep it level and in rough water it felt like driving a garbage can. So not to sound like a Checkmate basher Ive spent some time in an older 30 w/ twin stock 454 mags and the boat ran good.

Personally I would go with the Formula, the Indy 500 package probably wont mean much on the resale side but the single engine and the name will sell. The ride is going to be a lot better in rough water but the boat will be slower and have less cabin space.

Formula.

can i ask why? does checkmate not make a good boat?

Its not that Checkmate doesnt make a good boat. Boats are just like automobiles, they all have pros and cons. A Miata isnt going to handle like a Z-4 although they look similar. Checkmate will no doubt go faster on less power becase it is lighter and that compromises ride in rough water, and it has HUGE cabin space for its size. The Formula is built a little heavier which makes it a more stable ride in the rough but speed will be slower. Formula is a more established boat builder and the name and reputation will keep its resale value highter than a Checkmate of the same year make and model. It really all depends on what you want to do with the boat.