Re: baja or checkmate
 

I had a 99 25 Outlaw SST with a 502 MPI.

The boat ran and honest and repeatable GPS speed of 67.4. It ran in the ocaen like nobodies bussines and turned like it was on rails. It was easy to handle at the dock and in the snot. THe swim platform sucked as it chipped and flaked. I replaced it with an aftermarket powdercoated one (2,600 bucks ouch). The newer Baja's come with this platform so no worry there.

The boat was easy on the eyes, and delivered real performance. The Convincer is a choice I would not make. There are not a lot of them around here, they don't resell in my area well. The ones I have seen don't run that well either. If you want idea's on how to upgrade, improve or chew the fat - look at this board. Look at the Forums and whats happening on them. Baja is the biggest forum out there while checkmate who clearly has a wonderful loyal base (I am not trying to put anyone down here.. so stay cool you checkmate guys), are very very small by comparrison. I think the reasons for that is tied to the Checkmate company over the last few decades...

I think Baja is a great design and you will smile a long time with it. Rememeber there is a difference between the outlaw vs other Baja.... Happy hunting...

Goodluck with whateverf you decide.

Re: baja or checkmate
 

If for no other reason than you see hundreds of 25 outlaws I would go with the Checkmate. I dont like the idea of having several around me that look like the same boat. I think both make a decent boat. Do not buy new anything right now as the performance market is way soft.

Re: baja or checkmate
 

"Do not buy new anything right now as the performance market is way soft."

Isn't that the time to buy? Not sell.

Re: baja or checkmate
 

Also it seems to me, that buying the thing that no one else buys is the same backward logic....

I think I hear you saying, buy the less sought after product at a premium. Problem is, when you want to upgrade and go to sell, you are looking for someone in a world of people who don't want it, and have to sell it for even less.

If we where talking Ferrari's here (less of them) some of this might make sense. These Baja's come in many different color's and trim levels. You won't blend in, believe me.... Around here, the checkmates get curious stares... Unless it's one of those outboard varieties which everyone loves...

Re: baja or checkmate
 

I really liked my '98 253 Convincer. Slight chine walk at higher speeds though, over 75

Re: baja or checkmate
 

DragonFire had a 24 Outlaw with a blower motor... screamed up to 92 (on GPS) no chine walk.... But then again all that was in the water was the prop.... Pure Energy, what power in that 98?????

Pure Energy just reminded me.... my 25 chine walked until I put Latham Steering on..... That cost too.... :(

Re: baja or checkmate
 

this might be a whole other subject http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/...1957394.htmbut what do you guys think of this.

Re: baja or checkmate
 

My '98 had a procharged 502. 78 on GPS

Re: baja or checkmate
 

Damn fast.... I wanted to put the ProCharger on my 25, but decided to upgrade the boat instead. Now I want to supercharge what I just bought... Where is the end? lol. Thanks..

Re: baja or checkmate
 

[QUOTE= Where is the end? lol. Thanks..[/QUOTE]

I don't know, but I'll let you know when I find it

Re: baja or checkmate
 

Just Once, $ is all it takes. Those Kunkel Checkmates had Twin Turbo big blocks going to #6 drives. Impressive, but it can be done to either.

Re: baja or checkmate
 

http://images.traderonline.com/img/6...44336816_1.jpg


best looking :rolleyes: cheese wedge :rolleyes: I've ever seen.

Re: baja or checkmate
 

I wasn't talking about the new generation baja's. i was refering to the older ones that he is interested in. totally different looking boat. :rolleyes:

Re: baja or checkmate
 

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/2/0/71467420.htm

this one's at 32K


From what I'm reading he just said he wants to stay under 30.......I don't see anything about which generation? Maybe this one could be had for under 30.

Re: baja or checkmate
 

Ron P.
I am not saying it is not a good time to buy a performance boat when the market is soft, I am saying I would buy used over new right now.
I understand that you would not want to buy a boat the nobody wants, but I think that would hardly be the case with a Checkmate. Any day at the Lake of the Ozarks you can walk out of any establishment and see many Baja's, in fact some may look identical to the one you are driving. I think the boats that stand out are the boats that you don't see 50 of on any given day.
Just my $.02

Re: baja or checkmate
 

mjpcowboy,
That makes more sense... I misunderstood your earlier post.

Steve

Re: baja or checkmate
 

I couldnt agree with this statement more.

Re: baja or checkmate
 

The boat is a 1993 and I know I'm asking allot for it but it is in awesome shape. It wasn't titled until 1999 and looks allot newer than that. Its never been in the water more than three days in a row and either kept inside or fully cover when out. The trailer is a 1999 because it didn't have one until then. Two years ago I put Whipple Superchargers on the 454 mags. Replaced the prop shafts, bearings and seals in the lower units. New vinyl on the engine hatch. I only put about ten hours on it last year because I bought my Sonic.

How about this. I've been working with some of these agencies that offer to sell my boat for a 10% commission. I was thinking why shouldn't I pass this along to everyone. I will sell the boat for $39,500. If anyone can sell it for more than that I will pass the difference on to whoever sells it. I will also deliver the boat if transportation is a problem.

Re: baja or checkmate
 

Quiet Storm's boat is immaculate. Checkmate makes a great boat. I had a red 251 and loved mine. With those Whipple's it's a rocket.
Dan

Re: baja or checkmate
 

good luck they are both great boats, take your time if you are looking for next season you will get alot of options here. here's is one that I know he will be selling but not sure when. he just finished painting it. I think it only has 114 hours on it but not sure what he will be asking for it. I only have pic's of before he finished and was wet sanding it. it is 99 he bought it last fall and got tired of everyone else boats looking better then he's so he finally found the time to paint it. he just finished it this week.

Re: baja or checkmate
 

bosshammer, that 25 outlaw is great. i think it longs really good but only a 310 hp 7.4 . would anyone buy this boat?

Re: baja or checkmate
 

I think she'll do pretty good as is.....I'd contact the owner just to get some info and he should have an idea of speeds, etc with it. If thats not enough for you just use the extra money you saved for some mods. Thats a pretty good deal though compared to all the others I've seen for sale.

Re: baja or checkmate
 

RForsey - cool looking boat!!!

Re: baja or checkmate
 

I have had both a 25' baja outlaw and a checkmate 253 Concincor. The Checkmate blows away the baja with the same power. I don't care what anyone says, the checkmate is a faster and better riding hull. We all boat together, and my checkmate is faster and better riding in 2-4 chop than baja,powerques,and fountain in the lenght of single motor boats. My 253 checmate convincor run 67-69 on gps in michigan. With a 23 p mirage plus prop. I am currently installing a 174 Wiend blower and will write back with mphs......