Tell me what you think

Mild Thunder · Nov 22, 2004

Some of you may know Ive been throwing around the idea of buying a boat to put my 540 in. I like the room in my liberator but its just too heavy, and I dont feel safe going over 70 with it because I dont think the hull handles well at those speeds plus I dont have hydraulic steering.

Here is what was I was thinking. There is a local guy selling a 1990 25ft checkmate convincor gtx. The boat has a 502, new imco drive, hyd steering, tabs, good trailer, and he wants 16500. Im sure he would take 15k.

I could buy his boat, swap the 502 out of the mate and put my 540 in it. It already has a new imco drive(compared to my bravo) and hyd steering. He claims 74 out of it with the 502. I think 80 with my 540 is not out of the question.

I could put the 502 in my liberator and ask 15k obo. The liberator is extremely clean, new interior, new trailer, and would still be a great 55-60mph family oriented perf boat for someone. I think I would be happier with the performance of the checkmate and feel safer with the ext steering. The whole deal might cost me 3,000. Figuring I get 12k for the lib. I can swap engines myself. Should I go for it if this checkmate shows well?

Gary C · Nov 22, 2004

That sounds like a pretty good plan to me. That 25 Check would be real nice with a 540. It would definitely handle it. It sounds like a good way to move up with little out of pocket. Good luck!

Mopower · Nov 22, 2004

I had a 211 Lib with a 540. The weight of the boat was and advantage with all that power. I feel it handled it well. The upgrades of the C'mate are very tempting except my cuz has Imcos on his 42 Fountain and has lots of problems. He has 540s but his is alot heavier than the C'mate.
All in all it doesn't sound like a bad idea if the C'mate is nice

.

cfm · Nov 22, 2004

If the Check checks out good this would be a great way to upgrade without a whole lot of money.

Your Lib will most likely sell for the same, but faster, with a stock, or relatively stock, 502 in it.

Even if it costs you 5k or so - you still get external steering, better drive, and most importantly, a better boat.

Spend the $$$ to have it surveyed.

Mild Thunder · Nov 22, 2004

I been in ray628's 261 persueder, and I like the way it rode. I do most of my boating in smaller lakes but i do like the occasional run on Lake Michigan. My liberator has a lot of freeboard, which the 1990 checkmate doesnt have that much. Do you think it will handle the big lake okay?

Tell me what you think

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