deputydog

Came across a 1997 Checkmate 253 Convincor and have no clue on there quality or any inherent issues. Its has good power 700+hp 510, ZX drive and was rigged by some Checkmate shop in Ohio that is known for fast Checkmate's. I boat on Lake Saint Clair in Michigan which gets nasty 2ft short chop on busy weekends. Sold a 37' Sundancer to downsize to a 27 or so boat to use on Saint Clair and trailer to Lake Michigan on occasion. I known Checkmates are no Apache, Fountain or Pantera would like to here opinions on Checkmates and the 253. I searched little on here and see they are 24* hull, true v with no pad and weight roughly 4000lbs. I've looked a 27 fountain, 28 Saber then came across this 253 and is near perfect top to bottom.

Tinkerer

I had a 251 and loved it.
I sold it and bought the 34 SCARAB because we wanted more cabin luxury and space, That and better rough water handling.
I had 630 HP in mine and it did mid 80's
I didn't have any problems with the boat.

cigrocket

iTrader: (3)

I also had a 251 convincor classic it had an HP500, ran great, good quality hand layed up boat. Many of my friends had them too. Ran good in the rough. I owned this 6 boats ago, but still loved it. The 251 I believe has a narrower beam which made it a little better in the rough. Good luck. Fyi a checkmate forum is around with useful info. I used to post quite a bit 12 years ago.

you won't be disappointed!

deputydog

I read in the Checkmate forum about porpoising issues....some had problem some didn't both on the 253.....what's the porpoising problem? Seems some fixed it with props that cause less bow lift others put big tabs on...This 253 has a 30 bravo 1 prop.....haven't sea trailed yet...wanted research before I made offer

SecondWind

We had 2000 259 Convincor w/ 454MAG (Crockett 100HP upgrade). Boat was rock solid in LOTO slop for it's size. It did have a mid speed porpoise issue that was solved by performance tabs. Boat was well built. With hydraulic steering, performance tabs and enough HP it will run with anything out there it's size in the rough.

ezstriper

I have had both the 251 and 253, both great boats, some of the best performing hulls out there, would not hesitate to buy another

SecondWind

Found some old pictures of our Checkmate, loved that boat!

ezstriper

side note...checkmates are built with less hook in the bottom, they run faster than most with same power, but can porpose at times, with a little seat time you can learn trim settings to keep it away..

MINK

I've owned my Checkmate for 3 years now and love it - Had no problem running Lake Erie in 2-4s and just finished running in the Lake Cumberland poker run this previous weekend. The shop that did the rigging is most likely Kunkles Marine, they are very reputable and do great work!

dereknkathy

they are a halfway point between the pantera's 6.5 beam and the 8.5 beam of just about everything else. more room and less touchy than the 24-7. more of a driver's boat than the big assed hulls. well built.