My friend is looking at this boat and I dont know much about Checkmates. Any info good or bad is appreciated. He will be boating on Lake St Clair.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...incor-90419818

Checkmate makes a nice boat. They been building a 25ft'er for many many years. I would say it should be comparable in ride as your outlaw. Checkmate bottoms have a "pad" style bottom, where as the baja's are a true V, so the baja may be a bit smoother in the rough at top speed. With the 502/415, 65mph sounds about right.

I took a long look at the ad and feel the price is $5-7000 high, (partly sales commission?) due to color, size, engine hours, and interior condition.
Don't take it the wrong way - I have had one Checkmate for 34years that still turns heads, and another I'm refitting now, so here is what I can tell you, for your friend.
- the hull is fantastic in the rough and will fly when you get up on the pad. This can be scary with a single at speed as the hull will chine walk without good planes - there are some on this boat, they just look a little small for what I'd do with it. For cruising, it's like velvet and he won't be disappointed with the agility.
- the deep V slices into the turns, although is heavier than most and requires power to accomplish cleanly.

I think I'd want to point out some flaws to the salesman, and how much I'd have to spend to get it right - probably kick around $7500 as an engine rebuild price, lime green, yadada..

Helluva nice piece for $21k.

Great info keep it comin guys!!