I was exploring the Checkmate website when I noticed that the Convincer and ZT are very similar (at least through my eyes ). What are the differences between the two? Which would you prefer?

Convincer!! I had a 242 Convincer loved that boat! The Convincer has a molded fiberglass cockpit floor. Bolted on swim plateform. Just some of the immed. things that come to mind.

I had a 97 253 convincor and my friend had a 97 280 ZT. side by side they were the same size becuase the integrated platform is included in the length of the ZT...i actually believe the platform is now included in the new convincors too, so the 270 is actually similar to the 253.

The ZT is stepped where the convincor is not. We both agreed that my boat rode and handled better than his. We both had 550+ hp and ran very similar speeds around 80mph. He was intercooled and i was not, so on the humid days he would beat me, but the cool nights we would be a pretty even match. With that being said i don't believe the stepped hull benefitted him much.

My convincor had a larger cabin that his ZT, but he had more cockpit room between the bolsters and the bench seat.

anything else you need to know? what models are you looking at?

I wasn't really looking at any particular model. I can't afford to even think about a purchase right now . Thanks for the info. Just curious I guess.