Updated pics Thurs, Jan. 26 -Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

[Blue Crabber]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Wow, they are moving right along! Maybe I missed it somewhere, but I was curious as to when you were expecting to take delivery of this beautiful boat?

 

[Philster]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Well, let's see... I would think the official delivery is within a few weeks most likely, but she'll be sitting in a beautiful clean warehouse next to some very nice performance boats and high-end autos until Spring. The dealer will keep her until they can fully sea trial the boat and get the motor dialed in (ideal vertical jackplate position primarily).

Dealer is Professional Boat Sales in Bensalem, PA.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Checkmate's a pretty unique company from what I can tell. They've been around since the 60's (they started out building race boats), and the founders' sons (Kip and Mike) still work there - Mike is the parts guy. And speaking of parts, if you ever need anything you can call the factory and talk directly to Mike and he'll get you what you need if it's at all possible. I hit him up for information a few times in the course of rebuilding my boat, he has a wealth of knowledge.

 

[Philster]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Good info. Did you re-do your boat or use Checkmate's restoration services?

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Good info. Did you re-do your boat or use Checkmate's restoration services?

I totally rebuilt it. New decks, new stringers, new transom with extra bracing, new wiring, etc. etc. etc. It was pretty apparent that this boat had been neglected, setting outside uncovered, plus some improperly sealed bolt and screw holes in the transom.

One thing though (and you'll be glad to hear this) - Checkmate knows how to make a cored hull last, unlike a few other performance boat builders who have a reputation for rotted cores. My balsa core was perfectly dry and rot-free. I've heard of only a couple cases of older Checkmates with bad cores, and each was caused by someone running screws into the core and not sealing the holes.

 

[Philster]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

New pics.

They got the jackplate I sent them, which is a 10" setback.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Incredible dude!

Your gonna love the jackplate on the Opti

 

[arks]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

VERY nice! The hull looks fast just sitting there. Love the checkered flag graphics.
It's only 12 weeks 'til April!

 

[Philster]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Incredible dude!

Your gonna love the jackplate on the Opti

Woohoo! Thanks. Just the setback is worth it! Checkmate let me send my own, and Bob's has the rep, so they got it right over.

 

[Philster]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

VERY nice! The hull looks fast just sitting there. Love the checkered flag graphics.
It's only 12 weeks 'til April!

The checkered graphics made me pause, because they can be seen on many boats, but not quite like this. Heck, the whole color scheme made me question my sanity. Might as well lose it now!

Yeah 'only' 12 weeks. Only!

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Looking awesome man!

I am curious, who is doing the electronic rigging on the boat, Checkmate? Dealer? What did you decide to go with? VHF? Chartplotter? Gauges, Digital? I assume that engine is MNEA 2K so that boat would be awesome with a Multi Function Display or 2 to display everything!

Only 12 weeks, wow, I have a lot to do before then. Can't wait

 

[Philster]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Checkmate does everything.

Gauges are digital. The only electronic add on will be a small GPS/Charplotter and depth sounder. I have a hand held VHF. Will also have an oil level gauge, as the Opti is 2-stroke direct injection engine. Could have got a Verado, but the 300xs is just a lighting bolt at all RPM.

She's getting a Dino steering wheel, gauge bezels (red), pop up cleats, the oil level gauge, depth sounder, cleat bezels, and some other stuff.

.

 

[QC]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Dayum. Sweet. And despite my comments regarding the transom, that OB is going to be so much fun. Congratulations!!!

 

[Philster]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Haha... yes, you were not shy about offering input.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

That thing is gonna fly!

Can't wait for video!

 

[Philster]

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Re: (Updated 1/6/2012) Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction

Dusty shop pics coming up.... just a few things to add, some cleaning, etc....

 

[Philster]

NEW PICS THURSDAY, 1/12/2012. Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction.

NEW PICS THURSDAY, 1/12/2012. Checkmate factory pics of my boat under construction.

Dusty, some miscellaneous loose ends and details, fitting, etc. Pretty much done.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: NEW PICS THURSDAY, 1/12/2012. Checkmate factory pics of my boat under constructi

Re: NEW PICS THURSDAY, 1/12/2012. Checkmate factory pics of my boat under constructi

It's even prettier then your signature picture!!! or should I call it a logo!

 

[Philster]

Re: NEW PICS THURSDAY, 1/12/2012. Checkmate factory pics of my boat under constructi

Re: NEW PICS THURSDAY, 1/12/2012. Checkmate factory pics of my boat under constructi

LOL

Though... I have a problem:

How in the heck am I supposed to pick that up (dealer is hour+ away); trailer it all the way home (white knuckled) and then.... take it out and actually launch it someday? How many dock fenders can I bring with me?

All my boats in my life were used, little wear here and there or very utilitarian. The game has changed.

I need a real camera. Taking pics with the Blackberry won't do it justice. I do have an HD vid cam, but the stills lose something.

Hopefully the next pics are right before they shrink wrap 'er 'n' ship 'er and surely she'll be nice and clean.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: NEW PICS THURSDAY, 1/12/2012. Checkmate factory pics of my boat under constructi

Re: NEW PICS THURSDAY, 1/12/2012. Checkmate factory pics of my boat under constructi

I'm not rafting up near that thing with my beat up tinnie!

Looks awesome. I love those little storage pockets they put under the rear bench.