I like what these guys are doing, http://boatermouth.com//index.php/ma...io/7/2514.html.

Back in the early 80's a 19' Checkmate in sparkly metal flake was a dream boat for me.

The last Checkmate I helped test with a single outboard engine was a total kick in the pant. Really fun. Decently built. In terms of bang for the buck at around $60,000, I would say it was one of the best values I've seen in a long time.

I think the single outboard market is a good way to go. The P1 Superstock series shows that you can even have some pretty good racing with them; I always thought the 27' cougars they use - with the single 330 and theback seat cockpit covers were pretty sharp boats.

I'd agree with his philosophy in these challenging times. I love my "small" boat and learned how to drive fast and hard in small boats on Lake Ontario. I believe learning in a small boat makes one a much better driver because you can feel everything the boat is doing so much better. I consider myself lucky to have leaned in them.

I know people who've never driven anything under 35' that really have no clue how to drive a performance boat. I can hop in a 42' Fountain and put quite a few folks to shame because of where I started.

Oh yea, and one of my previous boats was a 20' yellow Checkmate Spectra 201. The beloved Ballistic Banana. Not a bad boat.

I agree 100%. Applies to vehicles, motorcycles, etc as well, IMO.

I've been told a Checkmate is a driver's boat, and I'd have to agree, even though mine is one of the larger ones. Mine loves running loose and fast (like a good woman ) and it's a blast to drive, but it's never done anything unpredictable or scared me in the LOTO slop. When I run with my friends, they are usually looking over at me checking out my skegs. lol Thanks to the Combs family for a great machine.

I like the 28 with twin 300XSs and four bolsters AND a rear bench. It ran almost 82 iirc. At $160 it was pricey but Doug said he would deal. Looks like he's doing a good job with Checkmate after coming over from Baja...

Many moons ago, Checkmate used to make a 16' outboard, I think 'maybe' even a 14' OB as well. The hulls had some, errr, problems in those years. But they looked like a blast.

i love my little mate....well i guess its a medium sized one......but yesss they are a drivers boat.....trimmed to the gills with 6 inch pad in the water at 70 don't dare sneeze.

I absolutely agree. Running a small boat is the best way to improve your driving abilities. You have to drive the boat. I have learned so much in my Donzi 22 Classic the last few years. I am constantly messing with the trim and tabs. It is by no means a set and forget boat. It is sooo much cheaper to run a small boat. And I honestly have more fun in a small boat. There is no need to do 150+ like you have to do to get the same thrill in a 44 MTI as you do in a 20 foot boat. 75-80mph feels just as fast, and costs so little (comparatively).