Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

[Philster]

I promised myself if I ever consider a boat purchase, I'd get feedback here. Nothing is more like getting slapped with a wet fish than asking for opinions on iBoats about boat purchases.

First, about me, the buyer and the users of this potential boat purchase: I love speed. I love performance. I know... shocking - right? The kids like to swim and tube. The wife likes to look pretty and wants a bow rider. She also skis.

This is a boat that has piqued my interest:

http://www.iboats.com/sites/profess...-1.html?listing_page=listing_sum_index_1.html




I grew up with outboards. The Scarab is my first I/O.

I would miss the swim platform... maybe the cabin a bit... I just don't know.

There are bow rider I/O's, but I'm finding it hard to get a balance of power and speed and price from a bow rider I/O.

So... looking for feedback. Also, I would actually get a new boat surveyed (is that overkill?). Any feedback would be appreciated.




(ETA: I have no fear of selling the Scarab this March or April. She'll go at a good price)

 

[sasto]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

Even I would look good in that boat! She looks like she is moving just sitting there.

Good Luck!

 

[Beefer]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

I don't like boats that you can't fish from, and have no type of cabin. With that said, that is a sweet boat! It is the epitome of everything I feel is pointless in boat design, but, man, that's a nice boat! I say go for it.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

I promised myself if I ever consider a boat purchase, I'd get feedback here. Nothing is more like getting slapped with a wet fish than asking for opinions on iBoats about boat purchases.

First, about me, the buyer and the users of this potential boat purchase: I love speed. I love performance. I know... shocking - right? The kids like to swim and tube. The wife likes to look pretty and wants a bow rider. She also skis.

This is a boat that has piqued my interest:

http://www.iboats.com/sites/profess...-1.html?listing_page=listing_sum_index_1.html

View attachment 119575
View attachment 119576

I grew up with outboards. The Scarab is my first I/O.

I would miss the swim platform... maybe the cabin a bit... I just don't know.

There are bow rider I/O's, but I'm finding it hard to get a balance of power and speed and price from a bow rider I/O.

So... looking for feedback. Also, I would actually get a new boat surveyed (is that overkill?). Any feedback would be appreciated.




(ETA: I have no fear of selling the Scarab this March or April. She'll go at a good price)

The picture shows an outboard engine not an I/O, maybe I miss read your note, that aside you should be able to pull 10 tubers with that hog motor on the back. If gas is no concern, I would say buy it. But is is more of a go-fast boat than a functional all-purpose family type. nice lines for sure.

 

[Philster]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

Oh, I was eluding to the fact that I'd be going from an I/O w/ cabin (Scarab) and the inherent benefits to an O/B (anticipating drawbacks: no swim platform or cabin). So, I put that out there.

I want a bow rider. When looking for the right bow rider that is an I/O, they become more 'middle performance' boats and at some crazy prices. The Checkmate I am interested in would fit all my wants for performance.

As for gas: Good lawd, I am running a 502 Merc with 5000 lbs (dry weight) of Scarab... I would think the 300 HP O/B on a boat weighing at least 2000 lbs less would be more efficient! Um, right?

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

No way I would try to talk you out of that boat. That looks sweet! Get one so we can hear how it performs.

Can't find on the website what its adult capacity is? How many people can ride on that sucker?

That thing would be darn easy to trailer, too!

Get it!

 

[Philster]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

Hard to find the specs on capacities....

Sent inquiry to dealer...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

you don't need a swim platform for swimming, especially if you have floating things (tube) nearby.

You might want to research how that pointy dropped open bow does in large waves, if that is an issue, but at least if it submarines you'd get to the bottom fast. You could kill a cockroach in the corner with that bow.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

Wow, that's a sharp looking boat. Lotsa' power and that tower should pull a skier without being bothered by the OB. I don't know how they work with tubes though.

 

[Philster]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

Other pics:






I'm gonna go check 'er out this week.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

Sure is a sharp looking. I have always liked Checkmates. I have spent many hours in my youth sking behind one on the Ohio River. The ONLY draw back is when the water is rough, so is the ride. Now when the water is fairly smooth, oh how sweet it is.

When your kids are grown and you are older, the I/O and cabin will be much more appreciated. Good Luck on your adventure............SS

 

[Philster]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

I was worried about the rough-water capabilities myself. But... She has 24 degree of deadrise and is a fairly deep V. She's not the classic lake skimmer Checkmate bottom. I mean, I am not sure of what she can do, but I intend to find out.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

Hmmm, she sure doesn't have much freeboard from the look of the pics, so I'd be worried about hitting a big wave or wake at the speeds that it might be able to run (65mph+). Sharp looking boat, but have you considered maybe a mid-cabin open-bow? I always liked those designs. You get the peformance boat, the small head/covered seating, and you get to keep the swim platform unless you can find one with O/B's. Skiing and tubing is just as doable as behind any other boat. Maybe something from Nordic boats?

 

[HCMQA]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

Why not a wake board boat?

My brother has a new malibu wakesetter and it is huge inside has a huge engine you can even get it with the new Cadillac 557hp engine.

Has a swim platform, plenty of room, can tow anything, and it's fast.

Just a thought.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

I was worried about the rough-water capabilities myself. But... She has 24 degree of deadrise and is a fairly deep V. She's not the classic lake skimmer Checkmate bottom. I mean, I am not sure of what she can do, but I intend to find out.

Sweet "Philster". 24 degree deadrise should be about equal to the Scarab. If it's not the usual Checkmate bottom, it should handle chop just fine to a point. That 300 XS is bad *****. Can't wait to hear how it runs !!!

 

[oops!]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

i think a deep sea tryal would be the deciding factor for me.....

 

[gus-gus]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

We will need a picture of your wife to correctly decide.
But even for an old fat guy riding alone, it will do.

 

[lakegeorge]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

Does it have a head? speed is nice but afterawhile the pounding gets tiresome. I would get something more family friendly.

 

[Sprky]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

Screw people and their opinions, Do what makes YOU feel good!

Good looking boat that handles the rough real well.

Go to Scream and Fly.com and talk to Wild Man (Randy). He has rigged several that run well over 90.

Totally Irresponsible......................

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Talk me out of... err, umm... or into this boat purchase...?

I agree with most comments - a very gorgeous boat. I do note that the windshield doesn't look like it's going to protect you from much...well...wind. Is the Scarab set up like that/

Really the only huge difference to you cability-wise will be the loss of a cabin. How often do you use the Scarab cabin? Are we talking mission-critical, must-have or a nice feature that doesn't get used a whole lot? If you can't see yourself without that and a head then I guess the search continues.

Not, however, before a kick-azz sea trial....