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261 Persuader

Kurtster

Kurtster

Well-known member
I'm looking for anyone living in or near Burlington Ia that might be able to take a quick look at a Check for sale for me.
It's at Archer Marine in Burlington Ia and it's a 1995 261 Persuader.
It looks clean in the pictures --- but they always do, so someone familar with Checkmate boats looking in person would be a big help, then I could decide if it's worth purchasing a plane ticket to fly out to look myself.
Also, if anyone is familiar with the seller, that feedback would be helpful too.
And naturally, if any of you guys have any feedback {good or bad} regarding the model Persuader that also would be greatly appreciated.

I myself have not encountered a Persuader --- I've driven 25 ft Convincors a few times --- tried out a 27 Enforcer once, and currently own my 22 Vision but know nothing about the Persuader --- So if anybody has a comparision analysis between the Persuader and the Enforcer or Convincor, that would help {such as freeboard height / beam measure / high speed performance of hull [ie,,chine walking / planning / etc..] }.
Any feedback or help would be greatly appreciated.
Anybody that would actually look at the boat for me --- there can be a case of Sam Adams waiting for you:bounce:
rgrds
Kurt

Oh, and the seller is Archer Marine in Burlington Ia.

persuader.jpg
 
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The only thing I don't like about my 235 is the barrel seats. The boat your looking at would have bolsters and would change the leg room thing. They sit pretty low in back but I like that. I have no problems flying across 3 footers at good speeds and would not hesitate to buy another.Not sure on the power but it would take quite a bit to make most of these speed freaks happy. Looks like a nice one for sure. Good luck with it.
 
Gimme Fuel said:
That looks like a nice boat......didn't that hull eventually morph into a ZT260? What motor is in it?
Click to expand...

Ya it sure does look like the ZT hull --although I've never driven or even been in a ZT.

It's got the typical 454 Mag w/bravo dr.

The price seems a little low given the year and condition {well, picture condition}.
I'd hate to waste a few hundred dollars on a plane ticket just to find a soft floor or a rotted stringer or a soaked balsa core -- {you know, -- the things the dealer won't tell me about:(}

Here's the link for the rest of the pics and info
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1995-Checkmate-261-Persuader-101712682
 
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Problem Child said:
The only thing I don't like about my 235 is the barrel seats. The boat your looking at would have bolsters and would change the leg room thing. They sit pretty low in back but I like that. I have no problems flying across 3 footers at good speeds and would not hesitate to buy another.Not sure on the power but it would take quite a bit to make most of these speed freaks happy. Looks like a nice one for sure. Good luck with it.
Click to expand...

Ya, I have the barrel style seats in my 22 Vision and that's the only thing I don't like with my boat -- {not enough freeboard for bolsters}--although I will not give up my Vision, I love it regardless of the seating.

Ahhh, the power thing --- yup there are a lot of "speed freaks" on this forum, -- but that's a good thing, it's those guys that help keep the Mates competitive in the real world....
Ya wanna know how to make a fast Checkmate even faster, --forum members like my friend Sammie {Viper} or act250 or gimmie fuel and many more have all the right tech ideas. :drool:
 
Looks nice!

The ZT280 (26 with a platform) has a "mini step" in the hull if I remember correctly. I do not see it on this hull.

Pretty cheap price. I like it!

HD
 
Kurtster

It looks just like my '97 Persuader 261 except for the stripe scheme and the black windshield frame. Looks like this one has a 7.4 pushing 300 hp according to the ad. Don't know what that does for you, but I can tell you if it is in good shape, you will like it. Haven't ever had the opportunity to ride or drive a Convincor, but I really like it because you feel like you are really in it and not just sitting on it. Handles the rollers real well and is fun to drive, fast or slow.

Mine is pretty much stock right now, but it is a 454 Mag (365 hp) with a Bravo 22 and runs out at 60 mph gps @ 5400 RPM. Not all that fast but it works for me. I am hoping to change the exhaust and a few other things to get a bit more out of it.

If you want to take a little trip down here (since I owe you big time), I will gladly take mine out and let you run it all you want. We can hit the water year round!!!

On a different note, the "General" is very happy with the car that you helped me out with. Thanks again.
 
RNGRDVE said:
Can't you hire a marine surveyor to look at it? I think that's what they are called.
Click to expand...

Yup, I certainly can and probably will when I find one --- I've been googling and searching for one in that area that can do a survey in the next week or so, but I'm not very internet savvy and I'm having trouble locating one, but I'll keep trying.
 
All you guys with your "big boy" boats are making me want one. That and having gotten the crap kicked outta me down on the Delaware and up on Sacandaga last month. Maybe in a a couple of years.
 
Blue Mist '97 said:
Kurtster

It looks just like my '97 Persuader 261 except for the stripe scheme and the black windshield frame. Looks like this one has a 7.4 pushing 300 hp according to the ad. Don't know what that does for you, but I can tell you if it is in good shape, you will like it. Haven't ever had the opportunity to ride or drive a Convincor, but I really like it because you feel like you are really in it and not just sitting on it. Handles the rollers real well and is fun to drive, fast or slow.

Mine is pretty much stock right now, but it is a 454 Mag (365 hp) with a Bravo 22 and runs out at 60 mph gps @ 5400 RPM. Not all that fast but it works for me. I am hoping to change the exhaust and a few other things to get a bit more out of it.

If you want to take a little trip down here (since I owe you big time), I will gladly take mine out and let you run it all you want. We can hit the water year round!!!

On a different note, the "General" is very happy with the car that you helped me out with. Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Hey Blue Mist,
Good to hear from you --- hope the "General" had fun figuring out all the bells and whistles in that gorgeous car.
If I purchase this Persuader, I'd wait to see how she performs as is, before I would think of trying to get more out of her --- basically I'm a 60ish mph guy, -- if my boat hovers around the 60 mark then that's really all I need, --I got most of my speed demons out of me in dragsters and pro-mods many years ago:D

Hmmm, year round boating --- I am very jealous --- I think this weekend is the end of our pleasure boating up here --- probably be pulling the drive / fogging the engine / and shrink wrapping for the winter next weekend :(
 
Interesting, Viper pointed out what might be an issue -----
Looking at the pic of the O-drive, the lower units skeg appears to have been damaged --- it takes quite a hit to rip a large piece of cast off the lower unit like that.

persuader-1.jpg
 
Not sure that it takes too much force to do that. My shop owner raised his with the drive turned, hit the aluminum ladder mounted to the bottom of his swim platform and broke a piece off. He was able to bend the aluminum back into place easily. With that being said I do see your point that this could be a problem.
 
Early this year, I was cruising and evidently not paying attention (talking to friends) :brickwall: got into some shallow water, hit the rock bottom (as I throttled down and the boat settled), broke the skeg and dinged the prop. Not a big problem unless you bend the shaft.

Replaced the skeg and all it took was $400. Good as new.
 
Blue Mist '97 said:
Early this year, I was cruising and evidently not paying attention (talking to friends) :brickwall: got into some shallow water, hit the rock bottom (as I throttled down and the boat settled), broke the skeg and dinged the prop. Not a big problem unless you bend the shaft.

Replaced the skeg and all it took was $400. Good as new.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear you got distracted into the shallows {yup, a lot of us have been there:eyecrazy:} especially with a beautiful Persuader like yours -- but good to hear the damage was confined to just the skeg itself.
 
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