Looking for some input here. On the hunt for a boat, and a buddy of mine is strongly suggesting his open bow Checkmate 210 Pulse with a 200 Hp Merc Outboard. Boat is '02 or '03 time frame, and motor is '07 or '08 time frame. We're avid slalom skiers and the boat will be used as a general purpose runabout on a large inland lake that gets a 1-2' chop by mid-morning and often has whitecaps by mid-day.

I'll start by saying I know nothing about Checkmates. How could I expect this boat to ride and handle in water like this? What's it going to be like to slalom behind one? (Not looking for tournament ski boat type of pull, but would like a boat that has good holeshot and nice low wake.) Should I exoect to be able to trim out the boat at 30 mph such that it gives a reasonable wake to slalom behind, or would I likely need trim tabs to tailor things?

Is the 210 Pulse considered a well-made hull that's going to last, or is it more of an entry level boat in the Checkmate line. Boat and motor are both 9.0-9.5 out of 10, and he's asking $14k. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

They had a 210 Pulse with a 300 Verado at the Toronto boat show. They said it would GPS at 78 mph and were asking 70k. Probably a nice boat for skiing, post some pics for everyone if you get a chance. If the boat is clean, that seems like it would be a good price!

go to checkmates forum lots of good info there, not sure what your budget is , but 1 and 2 ft and whitecaps , maybe the 24 pulsare would suit your needs better in the long run. IMO checkmate are great boats. if i were buying a used one i would check the floor and seat base area and transom . if the boat was not really cared for and kept dry. those are the problem areas but its true for most boats. 14 k sounds like a good price if the boat checks out well. good luck

No 21 foot boat rides worth a crap in 2 footers with white caps. Been their done that.

A 200 will make that boat boogie preetty good. Checkmate builds a good boat.

Had a 21' Starflight (model before the Pulse) and it was a great ski boat. Did a lot of hours behind it on one ski. The Pulse has less weight up front then the Starflight so the ride in white caps will be worse. Weight = better ride. Next boat was a 240ZT 496HO. Not a good ski boat but rode a lot better in the rough water.
Depends on what you want, ride vs. pop a skier up.

You might want to try and post some of your questions on screamandfly.com as well. Lots of guys there with the smaller checkmates.

Good luck.