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Checkmate Powerboats to be Dissolved
- Thread starter PaulLoGi
- Start date
Glenn Kornett
Active member
Heard rumors that Checkmate will be back in business and building another boat in a few weeks. Wonder if it is true
It would be great to see an investor throw money and support back into Checkmate and keep the company intact in Bucyrus instead of piecemealing the molds out.
While go-fasts are not the flavor of the month in the boating market, I still think CM has very marketable products. Their boats have the niche of being between the hard core performance builders (Allison, Skater, Tuff, etc) and the wake board/pontoon/Baylliner builders. The 2000/210 Pulsare is still an awesome, time-less performance boat. The 2400 LD can handle the larger OBs. And the BRX model line is second to none.....it’s the SUV of boats.
Last year, I was able to crawl around a 2019 2400 and was very impressed. CM really stepped up their game and the rigging/quality was top notch. I think they just need to step up their marketing and advertising. I can’t tell you how many people used to stop me at the gas station, boat ramp or docks just drewling over the boat while telling stories of the CMs their dad/uncle/buddy used to own back in the 70s to 90s......and didn’t realize the company was still in business! These guys are older, sentimental to the brand and have expendable income. I also think the boating market will come back around to performance style boats w- the saturation of the wakeboard/pontoon market.
Checkmate just needs an investor with some $$$$, support and faith in the brand. While they’ll never build in the quantities they did in the 70s and 80s, I still believe there is a market for these boats. They should concentrate on the 20’ to 30’ market (especially OBs), continue updating existing models, add a performance CC, and update their marketing (social media, website, advertising, etc).
Good luck to Checkmate!
While go-fasts are not the flavor of the month in the boating market, I still think CM has very marketable products. Their boats have the niche of being between the hard core performance builders (Allison, Skater, Tuff, etc) and the wake board/pontoon/Baylliner builders. The 2000/210 Pulsare is still an awesome, time-less performance boat. The 2400 LD can handle the larger OBs. And the BRX model line is second to none.....it’s the SUV of boats.
Last year, I was able to crawl around a 2019 2400 and was very impressed. CM really stepped up their game and the rigging/quality was top notch. I think they just need to step up their marketing and advertising. I can’t tell you how many people used to stop me at the gas station, boat ramp or docks just drewling over the boat while telling stories of the CMs their dad/uncle/buddy used to own back in the 70s to 90s......and didn’t realize the company was still in business! These guys are older, sentimental to the brand and have expendable income. I also think the boating market will come back around to performance style boats w- the saturation of the wakeboard/pontoon market.
Checkmate just needs an investor with some $$$$, support and faith in the brand. While they’ll never build in the quantities they did in the 70s and 80s, I still believe there is a market for these boats. They should concentrate on the 20’ to 30’ market (especially OBs), continue updating existing models, add a performance CC, and update their marketing (social media, website, advertising, etc).
Good luck to Checkmate!
Last edited:
jordan705
Active member
CMG I believe is Custom Marine Group and Checkmate was acquired by Caldwell Marine Designs, however, they do both operate out of Washington N.C.
Pete seems to have a great background when it comes to custom rigging, blueprinting, and building so hopefully the brand will live on.
Pete seems to have a great background when it comes to custom rigging, blueprinting, and building so hopefully the brand will live on.
cooperider
Well-known member
Here is the lowdown.
jjg
Well-known member
Wow Joe, you sold an entire brand in 4 months time. But in over 6 years you couldn't figure out how to sell or market those same boats? I would fire myself too after that abject failure! Incredible!!
jumbofordman
Well-known member
Heck, now I'm just 20 miles up the river from HQ.
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Anyone know if they bought the brand and will market them under the CM name? And will they expand production and manufacture more than just the top two CM models in the future?
It’s sad the company will no longer be in Bucyrus after 57 years but I wish Pete the best and hopefully he carries on the tradition!
It’s sad the company will no longer be in Bucyrus after 57 years but I wish Pete the best and hopefully he carries on the tradition!
HobieHernandez
Active member
That sucks
This site looks like it is dead.
This site looks like it is dead.
keith4216
Well-known member
Its going hand and hand with the brand.
Best of luck to the new owner. Hope they market it a lot better. Most people think these cool boats died mid 80s.