I'm looking at a 2001 checkmate 270 and a 2003 Baja 25 outlaw both have 496ho's and both the same price. The checkmate has 270 hours and the Baja has 350. I just don't know what one to go with can I get some advice thanks

Both great boats. I had to put offshore tabs on a 2000 259 Checkmate to help control mid range porpoise. After the HP tabs were installed the boat exceeded my expectations in ride quality.

Both great boats. My brother in law had checkmate and I'm on my third outlaw. I have a 2003 25 ft outlaw with the 496 HO. Both boats have different look. Personally I love the look of the outlaw. I live in Atlantic City and take the boat in the ocean all the time with no problem. The only reason I would get rid of my 25 outlaw would be to buy a 29 ft outlaw.

Following, I'm thinking about a 270 Checkmate myself.

I pretty much had the same experience with a 270 BR - except I sold mine before I could get K-planes to resolve the porpoise. I thought the Checkmate a better looking boat and better constructed than the two Baja's I had.. All things being equal I'd go for the lower hour Checkmate unless it's obvious that the Baja has been better cared for. But only buy the Check figuring in the price of switching to some bigger tabs.

I'm in the process of selling an '05 ZT230, stepping into a Fountain. In my estimation, probably one of the better looking boats around...this one always turned heads, even from the big players. As to performance and build quality...I think the change to an older Fountain is a huge step in the right direction. 'Nough said.

Happy boating in whichever you choose.

I really enjoyed my Checkmate, and most of my friends had checkmates at one time or another. They were a great boat, and constructed well. I had a 2000 251 Convincer Classic. I liked the Gelcoat graphics and the look of the boats. They ran really well in rougher water. The porpoising problem can be solved 3 ways............

1. Prop technology has gotten better and many to choose from. B Blades can work with you and get the boat to settle a little better,

2. Bigger Tabs can be added and sometimes an extension box on the drive I have heard takes out the porpoise.

3. Drive it like you stole it and always turn 4200 RPM and higher and the boat never porpoises, just saying, on/off switch type throttling.

Enjoy

The baja will ride better in the rough , it also has a higher free board.

Checkmate.....The winning move!

Found some pictures of my old Checkmate. Purchased the boat with a stock 454MAG. We had a Tyler Crockett energizer kit installed (cam, head mods, exhaust, ecm flash), hydraulic steering and HP tabs added. The boat really had a nice set in rough water for it's size. Keep the drive level, drop the tabs slightly and she would fly steady, great boat!