I am looking at a 28' Checkmate. I have not had any experience with Checkmate so I dont know much about them. I like the style of the ZT280. How do they handle rough water? How is the build quality? What kind of speeds would I expect with a 500efi?

Thanks for the info,

Fin

Checkmate builds a great boat, there mold work is second to none and they are fully balsa cored. You should log on to checkmate-boats.com and you will get a great response to your question.

i have heard that some models porpoise while cruising.
any truth to that?

Fin

I had a 97 zt280 with a 502 mag in it. I put lightning headers and reprogrammed the ecu. I saw 67 to 69 mph on gps. On the ride part it did good in bathwater up to 1 to 2 foot chop. After that it was a pretty rough ride. Overall it was a good boat. I bought it with 115 hours on it and when I sold it it had 450 with no major problems while I had it. Hopes this helps you out.

thanks for the info.
I figured with a 24 degree hull it would be a pretty good rough water boat.

Fin

No expierience with a ZT 280 but my 253 is a great rough water boat for its size. I had a sunsation 288 before and this rides as good IMO. The ZT series I believe is a bit wider beam with a step and probably only about 1' longer then the 25' convincor's. Well built boat for the money.

thanks for the info. The boats I am comparing are 28 check, 28 powerquest, 28 nordic, 28 donzi.

thanks,
Fin

I have had both a 28 Nordic and a 28 Check. Both great boats. My check handles Lake Michigan water just fine. Alot has to do with the drive. Both the 28 Nordic and Check have there pluses and minuses. Don't forget about the 28 Sunsation, best looking of all the boats you mentioned in my opinion. Do a search under my screen name I have posted lots of good info about these boats. I would drive all of them if you can and then make your choice.

Finman,

I am thinking of listing mine for sale. Let me know if you are interested.

Dag You went from a 288 Sundation to a 25 Checkmate? Can I ask why ?

I went from a 98 25' Convincor to a 2000 288 Sunsation