Wondering if anyone has any forst hand experiece comparing the 2 boats, mailnly wondering about the ride and handling. Thinking about getting a ZT280, I had a 253 and I was never real happy with the porpoising and it used to tend to lean to one side, always needed tabs except when wide open. ALso didnt seem to get up on plane real good. Loved everything else about the boat though. I assume theyre about the same size boat the way theyre measured but was curious the top speed of a zt280 with a 502. My 253 ran about 66-68. Any input would be appreciated.

Dag-you should post on the checmate site:

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/

i had a 1997 253 and i now have a 2008 zt280 . the zt280 i have has 0 porpoise at any speed and feels really solid and tracks straight. i have a 496 ho and get about 68 gps . my buddy has a 2000 259 and parked side by side on the trailer , the 280 is a larger boat about 1.5 ft of hull and taller. weight is about 900 lbs more and the ride is very close just a bit better in the zt280. the hull has a small step which helps at speed. i really like the zt280 but really they are both very close. the molded in swim platform does make the boat look alot longer and sleeker overall

and your buddies boat doesn't porpoise and hauls ass through almost anything by the way.... did you get my message about the xmas party? dec 18, starts around 2 pm. really want you guys to come up.. mark

yea man that 259 gets the job done nicely , only like 150 days until our next run cant wait.

In the 253's defense... if you have the right prop... that will make a world of difference! I ran the mirage for one season and had horrible stern lift, porpising, and overall...crappy ride quality. I the threw a hydromotive quad 23p on it and totally changed the ride quality... added more stern lift, added 3 MPH, better mid range response, and no more porposing...

thanks for your input i had a hydro prop also on my 253 , checks get up on top and run best a little loose. they have a great hull and quality for the money

can't wait either. good news is back to laurderdale shortly. sometime in between turkeyday and xmas. maybe we can get the boat in the water this time. their permitting process is like watching paint dry..