Formula 292 vs. Checkmate ZT280
 

A friend of mine has a '90 Formula 292 with twin 365 horses 454's. I'm looking to purchase a '97 Checkmate ZT280 with a 500HP next year. My Friend is trying to talk me into a boat with twins. His is real nice but for the same money I could get into this boat which has more appeal to me. It looks sportier and with the stepped hull and 2000 lbs less weight, I feel it would out perform the Formula. He claims a boat this size should have twins for docking and so on. Both boats are 100% stock. What are the pros and cons? All feedback is welcome. Thanks!

NO Question, go for the Check
 

I've driven a ZT280 with a 496 mag and it rocked - with a hp 500 it would be a blast. I'd have 0 concerns about handling around the dock either. GO for the newer boat, no question.

stepped hull on a checkmate???

Yes it has a single step hull.

I have a 28 Convincor with twin 454 mags. Its great as long as you don't have to work on it. If you do, its the boat from hell. I would go with the big single. You will give up maneuverability but it will outweigh the headaches of twins.

Skip em both just go for a 28 Sunsation with a 500 it will out run a Checkmate anyday and looks way better with the Micher-T graphics. There was a loaded sweet 28 Sunsation with 500 efi on here for sale last week

Cap071- I agree about the 28 Sunsation its always been one of my favorite boats. They just seem way out of my price range, unless I can get a steal on one next year :)

I owned a checkmate and a Formula single engined boat and would never buy another one again compared to a 28 Sunsation

Save your $$$ and shop around trust me it will be well worth the wait. Just Low ball someone with a 28 seems some of these boat owners just wanna get rid of the boat now for any price, just make em an offer keep an eye on boat trader as well

A lot depends where you are going to use the boat. the 292 is a 29'2"(without the swim platform),7000 lb, traditional deep V wave crusher. It's not going to be the fastest ride on the water, but these old Formula's are built like a tank. Checkmate makes a nice boat, but the last time I looked at a Checkmate, the rigging and wiring could not compare to a Formula. Take a hard look at each as far as equipment and build quality.

Twins vs single is personal preference, and how & where you plan on using it. Around the dock, you can't beat twins for manuevering. If traveling any distance, nice to always be able to limp home on one engine. For this size boat, 29', twins is the only way to go.