1993 Checkmate 281 Convincor or 1995 Formula 271 SR-1
06-18-2008, 07:23 AM
#12
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Both boats are nice but its hard to compare, Twin engines is a whole new beast. If you are just doing day trips on a river or lake then signel is the way to go, if you need to go on long trips and want some security then go with twins. Whats your plan for the boating.
06-18-2008, 10:03 AM
#13
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Checkmate is usually a great rough water boat. However a 28 Checkmate w/twin BB's is a very tail heavy boat which may hurt in in rough water. The Formula may not be as fast but top shelf quality and better/easier resale.
We won't even talk about fuel differences...
We won't even talk about fuel differences...
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06-18-2008, 11:05 AM
#14
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A friend of mine has a 271 Indy, nice boat, great ride. I would guess low 60's
We just sold my finace's 251 Checkmate Convincor w/ a single 250 outboard. The boat wasnt anything to write home about, it needed to have exactly 2 to 3' chop to run right, it needed heavy port tab to keep it level and in rough water it felt like driving a garbage can. So not to sound like a Checkmate basher Ive spent some time in an older 30 w/ twin stock 454 mags and the boat ran good.
Personally I would go with the Formula, the Indy 500 package probably wont mean much on the resale side but the single engine and the name will sell. The ride is going to be a lot better in rough water but the boat will be slower and have less cabin space.
We just sold my finace's 251 Checkmate Convincor w/ a single 250 outboard. The boat wasnt anything to write home about, it needed to have exactly 2 to 3' chop to run right, it needed heavy port tab to keep it level and in rough water it felt like driving a garbage can. So not to sound like a Checkmate basher Ive spent some time in an older 30 w/ twin stock 454 mags and the boat ran good.
Personally I would go with the Formula, the Indy 500 package probably wont mean much on the resale side but the single engine and the name will sell. The ride is going to be a lot better in rough water but the boat will be slower and have less cabin space.
Personally, I was not very happy with the way that my 251 Checkmate rode. I would go with the Formula - better resale value, uses less gas and most likely a better ride.
06-18-2008, 03:40 PM
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Donzi- I'm not doubting your impression of your boat but I think you are comparing apples to oranges. Your boat was the narrow bottom 25' during the first few yrs that Cmate manufactured the boat. Also, to compare an older single 25' OB to a 90s dual 28' IO is not even going to be close in the ride catagory.
Stankgilr- Both are going to be great boats. Like people posted before me....it just depends on what you want out of the boat. The Formula will be a better ride, hold its value a little better and probably more luxurious. The Checkmate will obviously be alot faster but with more of a "looser" ride.
Both great boats, just water test them and see what fits your needs and personality.
X-
Stankgilr- Both are going to be great boats. Like people posted before me....it just depends on what you want out of the boat. The Formula will be a better ride, hold its value a little better and probably more luxurious. The Checkmate will obviously be alot faster but with more of a "looser" ride.
Both great boats, just water test them and see what fits your needs and personality.
X-
06-18-2008, 03:46 PM
#16
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Got a Formula 272.. Hits 60, but a great ride. I would go with the Formula, mostly due to their long established rep. while the Checkmate is nice, but I would go with the Formula. .02
06-18-2008, 05:13 PM
#18
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thanks all for your input...i plan on going to look at both of them on monday and i will report my findings...
i was initially sold on the formula, but i'm coming out of a 60mph boat and was having a hard time spending the money to go just as fast...so when i came across the checkmate it really peaked my interst...90mph sounds like fun and i could hold my own in a poker run if i was ever so inclined...
i was initially sold on the formula, but i'm coming out of a 60mph boat and was having a hard time spending the money to go just as fast...so when i came across the checkmate it really peaked my interst...90mph sounds like fun and i could hold my own in a poker run if i was ever so inclined...
06-18-2008, 05:48 PM
#19
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Also the condition of older formula's look much better than the older checkmates. I know your looking at early 90's. But try comparing the two brands with late and early 80's and even 70's models. I see lots of formula's being restored and the older ones look just as good as the newer ones, I can't say the same for checkmate.
If your looking for a 28 with twins the only builder's I would consider are.
Apache
Pantera
Saber
What is your budget?
Last edited by TexomaPowerboater; 06-18-2008 at 05:56 PM.
06-18-2008, 06:30 PM
#20
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Just curious, what other boats are you comparing the CM ride against? I'm not riding you, just curious as there are not too many people that aren't impressed with the ride of the 251.
