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-   -   A Friend Boughtt a 280ZT (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/checkmate/386541-friend-boughtt-280zt.html)

Brad Christy 09-26-2025 10:12 PM

A Friend Boughtt a 280ZT
 
Guys,

A friend bought a 1997 280ZT with a 502MPI/Bravo1/24P. Just kinda wondering what WOT speed he can expect….?

Couple observation? It doesn’t seem to have a limit switch for the drive trim, not a “trailer” button. Was this the norm. We spent the afternoon on it today. Couldn’t get it over 4500RPM and ~55MPH. My guess is that he didn’t get it trimmed up enough, and it was plowing the bow a bit. Kinda hard to tell for sure. The trim indicator didn’t seem to be responding much or any, and he dint want to risk running it up too far until we get that upper limit figured out. It ran pretty well, even if it fell pretty short of expectations.

Other than that, anything he should keep any eye out for with the engine or hull? Known issues?

One thing I noticed: It’s got single ram hydraulic steering. Seemed kinda overkill for a stock 502 in a 28’ boat, but what do I know? While wiping the boat down on the trailer, I noticed I could push the drive side to side pretty easily. Is this normal? I was fully expecting it to not move at all.

Thanks. Brad.


miller high life 10-01-2025 05:13 PM

I would have guessed more like mid 60's with closer to 5k in the RPM's. Probably not trimmed up high enough yet,but I have no experience with Checkmates stepped hauls.

Padraig 10-01-2025 06:56 PM

I would also think low to mid 60s. If I remember correctly, that boat has a bad and you will need trim it up and get on the pad. Keep trimming and watch the rpm and speed.

Padraig

Padraig 10-01-2025 06:57 PM

I would also think low to mid 60s. If I remember correctly, that boat has a bad and you will need trim it up and get on the pad. Keep trimming and watch the rpm and speed.

Padraig


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