I am looking at a '97 261 checkmate persuader with a fresh single 500HP 502, tabs, hydro steering for 30K.

Also a 1995 Sonic 28ss with fresh twin 502's (435HP), K planes, fresh drives for 40K.

Could you tell me a little about each one. Ride, performance, comfort, accomodations????

Thanks!

It depends on what you what out of a boat. What are you looking for- comfort, room, etc?

Take thm both on sea trials. Take your significant other with you and "Test-Out" the cabins on both. Tell the owner if he wants to cMe he has to bring both his dauhters (18 and up ) and you can do the groop thing. CAUSE THAT'S ALL THAT HAPPENS IN MY STABBIN CABIN BEOTCH!!!

I am been drinking since 9:30 this morning (long storyy)

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Where will you be running the boat? Lake, bay, ocean?? For a lake, the checkmate will be the way to go. For rough water, sonic dominates hands down, it's a heavier rough water boat. Is cabin of concern to you? If yes, sonic dominates. As for speed, they are probably pretty close, probably a little more with the checkmate. Gas an issue, the Sonic will suck it up... but the idea of twins in the ocean is appealing? Repairs, are you handy... two motors, twice the number of problems....

I agree with East Coast so many things you have to consider

Most of the boating will be done on Lake Michigan. A good ride at about 55 would be great. Top speed hopefully 65-70??? what would these boats top out at?

The sonic I was looking at kind of fell through. I am still concidering the checkmate but now I am looking at a nice 1990 27" fountain fever with twin 502's. Going to see it tomorrow and take it for a ride. What should I expect as for a comfortable ride as compared to the persuader??? What would be a good price on the 27" fountain. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=31271

Thanks!

Its a 27' without the swim platform. With would be a 29'. They didnt count the platform back then. Its the same size as todays 29' fever. What do you think. I am not familiar with fountains. How will this run on Lake Michigan with twin 502's???

The fountain should be a little better on Lake Michgan than the Checkmate, but not good as the Sonic would've been. It will also be faster than either one.

I had a 26'er for a few years on lake Michigan. The fun started to drop off as the waves got bigger than 2'. Now I've got a 34'er and it's still fun with 4' waves. It just depends on how many boatable days you want.

If you like poker runs, go for the Fountain or Sonic. Don't see many Checkmates or single engine boats in poker runs.

Do you want a rocket for about the same money?

28 checkmate with twin 502. Just rebuilt with 5 hours. I think 40K would buy it.