Plan to buy Checkmate...few questions

[rahrenstorff]

I have an opportunity to purchase what I believe is an 1985 Checkmate Enchanter with a Yamaha v6 Special (220hp) with 841 hours on the hour meter used in fresh water only. I plan to offer $2600. Although I'm over 40 now, this is my first boat (is that a mid-life crisis?) and I'm completely new Checkmate, but this friendly community is helping to solidify my decision to buy this Enchanter.

I've read through a number of forums and posts regarding Checkmate boats and engines of this age to inform myself, but I thought I cover my bases and ask the newbie questions anyway in case I missed something. I also linked a couple of pics to show my progress over the next couple months as I recondition this Enchanter.

Questions before I commit to buy:

1) Beyond the overall condition and visible defects, what specific items should I look for on the hull itself (common failures etc...) that might cause problems and should be fixed before it hits the water?

2) Same for the motor. I had the PO start it up and run it for a bit, and considering it hadn't been started in two years, I was impressed how easily it fired up. A bit cold blooded for a minute or so, but it sure ran nice. After about a minute or two of running, it didn't seem to blow any real smoke at idle or higher rpm. Engaging the drive was smooth and the engine itself was very clean (almost no rust anywhere).

A couple of pics:

https://picasaweb.google.com/110807966838661708298/PecasaPublic#

Any help is appreciated.

- Rodd

 

[ross]

first off, whats the deal with the captains seat? also the gel coat looks to be pretty bad. if you are willing to put some time and money into it and the motor runs good, 2600 might be ok. i would really go over the floor and the transom with a fine tooth comb as they are known for wood rot if left in the weather or not taken care of by the po. keep us posted on what you decide and welcome to the site

 

[rahrenstorff]

This guy inherited the boat from the PO. It was taken care of by the first PO and although maybe not shedded, it had a full boat cover. The gel-coat may look worse in the photo than it really is because it was raining that day.

He does have the other captains seat (not sure why it was switched out) and a few other extra parts. New tires on the trailer and no rust there either. I'll be sure to fully inspect the floor and transom. I plan to inspect it fully myself and then spend another $150 or so to have the local shop go through it before buying.

I suspect $2400 would still close the deal. Thanks for the info.

 

[SunTime]

This guy inherited the boat from the PO. It was taken care of by the first PO and although maybe not shedded, it had a full boat cover. The gel-coat may look worse in the photo than it really is because it was raining that day.

He does have the other captains seat (not sure why it was switched out) and a few other extra parts. New tires on the trailer and no rust there either. I'll be sure to fully inspect the floor and transom. I plan to inspect it fully myself and then spend another $150 or so to have the local shop go through it before buying.

I suspect $2400 would still close the deal. Thanks for the info.

As Ross said go over it well, check seat bases to see if they are loose at all, if so the floor underneath them is likely suspect. REMEMBER your looking at a 26 year old boat so rot is a very good possibility from the floor to the stringers to the transom unless it lived a extremely pampered life.
Checkmates are ageless in tems of their style but like all other boats of that era water can cause major issues even if say just a transom eye seeped a bit of water over the years.
Good luck and hope it checks out well for you!

 

[berto]

just walk thru the boat and check for soft spots around the back by the seat and the front seat as well as the transom look for a sign of stress marks or any cracks "trim" up the motor and grad the lower unit or gear case and glently move up and down and look for any movement on the transom also its been sitting for a while it might need a hundred hour or 1 year service meaning spark plugs thermostat water pump and gear oil hopefully all this things can help you out on your buy ....

 

[B.G.R.]

I would take it for a sea trial as well. A soft floor is not a big deal caus the floor isn't that big to begin with. Transom is another story. My 1979 Enchanter ain't pretty up close but from 20ft. away it's ok. You will have a fun time in this boat . Do a compression check on each cyl. Take it to a boat mech. But really 2600 bucks is not much.

 

[Sam I am]

That's alot of fun per dollar right there. But you very well might be building a new boat too. You might try low ballin' him if you don't mind possibly getting him PO'ed. Either way...if you decide to sell it, you won't be out much, if any. Like a said...a lot of fun per dollar.

 

[remlinger]

Just sayin...anyone who would use a kitchen table chair for the drivers seat and glue an ash tray to the dash might have used a little creative license on parts in or around the mechanicals as well. If you want to sink a lot of cash in to the boat - buy it, but myself, I wouldn't trust it.

 

[boatboy01]

The boat looks great bbut I would def check the transom. But its well worth 2600..it needs a merc on the back tho

 

[glake]

As it's been said, floor and transom check is a must. Step on every part of the floor and check for soft spots. Get up under the bow and check there as well. If he floor has nay soft spots, especially towards the rear, then there is a good chance the transom has rot as well. Try to get a good look at the transom even if seats have to be removed.

Also pull the cover off o the motor and poke around really well. Check all the hoses and wiring for dryness and cracking. If you do buy, you'll want to replace all hoses, plugs, plug wires, clean and rebuild the fuel pump, clean the carbs, and totally service the lower unit. With it running, check that the oil pump is working as it should.

Good luck!