Need some help....I currently have a 1999 ZT240 454MPI. I run low 60's on GPS (66-68speedo). I want to upgrade to a bigger boat. I want to stay with a single and it does not have to be a Checkmate but I am very pleased with mine. At a minimum it has to have a 502mag or hp500. Can anyone tell me the major differences between the 270 and zt280. I am asking about cabin room, cockpit room, performance and ride in the ruff. I will not buy new, probably 1999 to 2001. I am also considering Sonic 26, Hustler 26, sunsation 28, donzi 26zx. thanks!

We currently have two of the boats that you have shown interest in, both new and used. If you would like any more info please feel free to email me or call toll free @ 1877-794-8080 Thanks Ryan

I like the 270 and 28zt..270 is 25.9 square back hull with offshore style platform..don't get black its hot..28 is eurostyle and a large swim platform..running surface probably about the same..I like room in 270..both run radar about 68 with 502Mag..What about the 260?? Is a nice one in Kennesaw Ga w 454Mag also fast..See traderonline..Powerboat Mag has articles on 270(259) and 28...

The 270 (259) will give you more cabin room mainly in the two bench seats, while the 280 gives you more cockpit room. The 280 is also stepped. I personally own a 253 and like the convincor better for the added cabin room.

Don't rule out the 26/28 Velocity either....These are great boats and are FAST. With equal power the Velocity will be around 8 mph faster. They also have great cabin room. i was looking at both boats when i bought my concincor in '97. i would have went with the Velocity if i could have afforded it.

The sonic is also very nice.....but heavy...takes more power to go fast.

The donzi is small for a 26. cabin room is tiny. it's also a very heavy boat that needs even MORE power to go fast.

pureatt....i would agree with what most of the guys have said reguarding the 270 and 280 Check's.....the 280 may be a little bit better in the ruff water it has a bit more running area....really comes down to what style you like..................Hea high perf.....i just looked up a test on the 280 Velocity in Hot Boat( it's only 26'3" w/out platform) w/ 502MPI 67 MPH on radar.... what you been smokin!!!!! That isn't 8 MPH faster than either the 270 or 280! With a price tag over 90,000 new

Well I just found a 1995 28 Pantera with a HP465. 200 hours in mint condition...43k. Only problem is that its 1800 miles away from me.

mr checkmate is right again!! i hate that when it happens!! where have you been on vacation convincor?? about time for a busy season!! have a good one!! WILLY

Currently have a 229 and hope to move up to the same range you are looking at. Considering all you listed and will also get something lightly used. When did Checkmate go to cockpit liners rather than carpeted wood? I know the earlier Convincors had wood floors as does my 229 and don't really like it. Pantera looks like a great boat but have never seen one in person.
Also considered 27 Fountain but found out without beek and platform it's really a 18ft bass boat!!
My preference for style is the Checkmate Convincor series with a tube platform rather than the fiberglass flap.
If you look at Velocity check the floor under the Pirelli rubber flooring. A friend has a 280 and found it rotting due to holding water. Also need to watch this on older Checkmates.

Well that's an ignorant reply. i know your a family member of checkmate and would like to support your product, but you should learn some better PR skills!!!

If you read my post i didn't badmouth checkmate boats or the company itself in anyway. You should think a bit moor profesionally beore you post....people not only by boats because of the product, but for the people that represent the product.

I was just stating something that i read in a Boating magazine test where they tested 5 or so similar sport boats with the same power, and they rated velocity the fastest. I forget was the exact speed figure was, but it was in the higher seventies.

Mate229....Checkmate started putting inner liners in with the 259 in 1999. All new models 25' and up sense then have inner liners........high-perf..sorry you didn't like my salty humor that's all it was!I apologize...Your statement that you would have bought the Velocity if you could have afforded it is not actually a glowing remark on Checkmate?....Just stating the facts in black & white!........ Checkmate has a new model in the same size range you 2 are looking at...ZT-260 all new! This model will be quite a bit faster than the 270 and 280 w/same power. Same bottom as the 280 but smaller and lighter.Good lookin boat!