I've owned both in the pic.
Both killer boats.

Still have the little one.
And love it.
Sold them at a dealer, been to the factory many times.

Ive owned several.

Maybe the most under appreciated performance boat ever.

Their build quality is as good as it gets.

Typically, the Velocity will be faster w/the same power.

The Checkmate will have better amenities.

Dont let anyone fool you on performance either.

A dealer, a 1/2 hr from me, had a similar version of the skinny red one in the pic running 123.

30 yrs ago!


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For faster hull, Velocity has the faster hull with it's notched transom. I personally like the style of the Checkmate however.

The Velocity has true/flat pad on the bottom too where the Checks still have a slight, 3 - 5* vee so that would also make them faster.

A friend that lives their factory and on a recent tour saw a 29’ being rigged w/twin 450R’s.

They are expecting mid 120’s.

W/a cabin!

Tjmrider if you're indecisive about moving to the Checkmate - it's probably wise not to pull the trigger then. I'd suggest hanging in there with the VR1 until you find a boat that you don't have as many reservations about.

It's fair to say that the proportions of the VR1 aren't for everyone. The VR1 was initially designed for speed/APBA F1 racing competition so it had low freeboard, cut-down bolster seats, low cabin and was very weight conscience. Consequently it wasn't targeted for the main stream buyer for the reasons you point out. So Velocity developed the very popular 290 model which married the VR1 hull to a new deck with deep freeboard, full size bolsters and a very generous cabin. The added freeboard, weight and stand up driving make a difference running offshore gaining comfort/space (but losing speed compared to the VR1). That said a 290 would be a good candidate for you to consider gauging performance against ride and cockpit/cabin space.

No way would I go from a VR1 to a 10yr. older checkmate. If the VR1 doesn't cut it in your waters, you probably need a bigger boat.

I have a Velocity 280 and I've run 65 in 3's. I took some friends of my daughters on a ride to Mackinaw City about 30+ miles from our place in 3's and he was so impressed with the ride he sold his Checkmate and bought a Velocity. Driving a Velocity is different than other boats and they like speed in rough water. My first trip out in mine with my wife and we were in 30+mph winds and I tried going slow and it was horrible, she wanted to sell the boat. I went out later by myself and hammered it, it was amazing the difference. The secret is don't go slower than 50 in rough water and keep the trim neutral. Props also make a big difference in ride. In rough water, my Bravo 1 4 blade is the best, in flat water my Hydro has more speed but she likes to fly to much with that prop, it has more bow lift.

Yee ask and yee shall receive!

https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2005...ontent=4112022

I’ve owned a checkmate and it twisted like a pretzel in the rough stuff. Wasn’t built for that. Also broke a motor mount off the stringer. Have not heard the same of velocity. Also you have seen velocity in the offshore races. Cannot remember seeing a Checkmate. Just my two cents.

The Velocity does not have a flat pad. It has a slight angle to it. Guessing 3-5*. The v on the pad is offset to one side to counter engine torque.

No way would I sell a vr1 and buy a 290sc. To close off a boat to trade for.

I would keep the Velocity over the Checkmate.

I sold my 280 last year after 9 years of ownership. After you learn how to drive it, you will like it more.

Where are you locate? Maybe someone is close to show you how to run it.

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Learned something new today!!!