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1978 Predictor

Lastman

Lastman

New member
What a great site! I bought this checkmate back in may or june off of the local craigslist here in Columbia, SC. I felt like I had found a great deal on a boat that had been almost completely restored. 78 predictor with a 1984 Johnson 140, $2500 is what the add read. I have always wanted a small checkmate to play on the rivers, so I had to go see it. According to the seller the boat had been completely restored from the stringers up. And so far from what I can tell this is all true. The only thing so far that has proven untrue is the speed of the boat, "it'll go 72 with me and my wife in it". :sssh: I may not know how to drive it, but I can only manage about 55 out of it. The only thing missing from the boat to make it complete is the backrest for the back seat. This has turned into a great summer project for me, as I find things that are not working or could be done better. I have already upgraded the stereo and also started tuning on the motor a little. Now working with props and proper engine height to tame the handling down a little. I will be getting some pictures together soon and posting. Thanks for all the information on this site!
 
Predictors are super fun boats. My 78 Predictor is topping out at 60 with a full tank of gas and 2 passengers. The boat has a 135 Mercury with a 5.5" hydraulic jackplate. When I first started out operating the thing is was a mess, but afer a summer of learning, it's easy to tame at full throttle.
 
I have a cmc hydraulic plate on mine and I think the set back is about the same. What is a good engine height to have? I still need to measure this and see where I am at, but at a glance it seems to be a little low. Also was wondering what prop gives the best performance, I would be totally satisfied with 60, but 55 just doesnt feel right. lol
 
Lastman said:
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Click to expand...

Yup, you got the picture posting thing down pat --- and obviously you found out how well your Mate corners/handles :drool:

Very very nice craft, have fun tweeking the performance and be safe :thumb:

Oh, and welcome to the forum of the obsessed, fast and furious, derranged, anal retentive, and all around performance boat enthusiasts :eyecrazy:
 
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