question for 2400 BRX owners

[H2O]

The Pulare 2400 hull is a true 24' hull. No notch in the transom and it carries 22 degrees if deadrise with a V pad. I can tell you from direct experience that it handles much bigger water with a superior ride over the the Pulsare 2100, 21' Starflite, 22' Velocity and 230 Velocity that I've owned in the past. It may not be as fast (unless you drop the coin for a 400R) but it is a pretty soft ride and can handle some snotty, choppy water. It's a good compromise between a high performance hull and family go fast boat.

Thanks for the reply and comparisons!

I don't know if you been in many friends "family style" 23'-25' I/O bowlder boats...but would would you say the ride is comparable to that style of boat at the same speeds? say 45 mph cruising?

 

[H2O]

We have a 2400BRX with a verado 300 Pro (hydraulic jackplate). I've only had it for 1-1/2 seasons but my observations so far, based off our last boat a Sunsation, 288 big block I/O, a completely different style of boat. Prior to that center console outboard fishing boats.
The boat feels very light compared to the I/O. It will tend to launch rather than wave crush at high speed cruise (~50-55 mph), I think it is a combination of the shallow entry and the engine weight is so far back that it can't hold the bow down. Its not a "scary situation", this kids actually like it more, and it takes a bit more active throttling to fly level then our previous boats.
It definitely like's to be "flown" what I mean by that is to trim the bow up and ride on the pad. You can feel the boat accelerate more noticeably when it sets than our other boats. The other boats, center consoles then the offshore boat in 1-3 foot swells I would trim so that roughly the first half of the boat was out of the water and it would just mow over everything (opinions vary as either smooth and steady or this is boring!) the Checkmate rides on the last quarter of the hull and will hold its nose level skipping over the waves. A different feeling.
The only other observation if with the prop so far back and the bow relatively light, it takes a bit more effort docking in a crosswind with spectators present. Not a big deal, but its not a cruiser where you can drop it in neutral walk around putting out fenders and lines and expect it not to have moved.

Thank you for the reply!

It's funny you mention the Sensation 288....it's been so hard to find a used 2400BRX that we are considered boats all the way from a Sunsation 288 MCOB (or Velocity 290 MCOB) down to the Checkmate 2400, and a few in between. Apples and oranges, I know, and if we were boating primarily on a big lake with a dock we would probably go with the bigger boat. We are close to retiring however and plan to do a LOT of trailering, including possible cross country trips. I would be nice to tow with an SUV and not have to maneuver a bigger boat through gas stations and hotel parking lots, etc.

I've owned lightweight outboard boats before and miss the responsiveness, acceleration and handling of the smaller boats...not to mention the ease of maintenance and fuel economy of the outboard. If I never have to pull another Bravo Drive or change another hard to reach impeller on a BBC Chevy, etc that would be icing on the cake!

On the other hand, I am realistic about the capabilities of a relatively light, low freeboard boat. We don't want to take a beating on bigger lakes, and are willing to slow way down when conditions warrant...i.e. I don't have any illusions of crushing 3 footers at 60 mph

I'm 6'-2" which is another concern, but I'm told Checkmate now has a way of blocking out the floor in front of the driver and passenger seats to create deeper foot wells. This can be done in conjunction with lowering the seats (or not).

I have to add the new V8 Merc outboards look very promising and sound amazing! If I can get a ride in a 2400BRX, like it, and can't find one used, I might just have to build one with a new 300r. It's just hard to wrap my old school mind around the $$$ they are charging for new boats these days.

Thx again!

 

[H2O]

Oh....and are you guys running trim tabs?

Understand they are probably not "needed" on a light boat, but wonder if they would help extend the running surface and help the boat fly level?

 

[jjg]

Based upon this Mercury video, they quote it as 4" of setback (at the 3:07 mark in the video)...
https://youtu.be/6h1SwuwfaPg

Dont know what to tell ya, I’ll trust what Racing is telling me and the rest of their dealers, and you can trust the video I guess.
Either way one thing is for sure, these 2400’s dont benefit from a mile of setback. Less definitly gives you more in this case.

 

[jjg]

Oh....and are you guys running trim tabs?

Understand they are probably not "needed" on a light boat, but wonder if they would help extend the running surface and help the boat fly level?

No tabs for me, but Hayabusa is running the small Bennett tabs I believe.

 

[jjg]

Thank you for the reply!

It's funny you mention the Sensation 288....it's been so hard to find a used 2400BRX that we are considered boats all the way from a Sunsation 288 MCOB (or Velocity 290 MCOB) down to the Checkmate 2400, and a few in between. Apples and oranges, I know, and if we were boating primarily on a big lake with a dock we would probably go with the bigger boat. We are close to retiring however and plan to do a LOT of trailering, including possible cross country trips. I would be nice to tow with an SUV and not have to maneuver a bigger boat through gas stations and hotel parking lots, etc.

I've owned lightweight outboard boats before and miss the responsiveness, acceleration and handling of the smaller boats...not to mention the ease of maintenance and fuel economy of the outboard. If I never have to pull another Bravo Drive or change another hard to reach impeller on a BBC Chevy, etc that would be icing on the cake!

On the other hand, I am realistic about the capabilities of a relatively light, low freeboard boat. We don't want to take a beating on bigger lakes, and are willing to slow way down when conditions warrant...i.e. I don't have any illusions of crushing 3 footers at 60 mph

I'm 6'-2" which is another concern, but I'm told Checkmate now has a way of blocking out the floor in front of the driver and passenger seats to create deeper foot wells. This can be done in conjunction with lowering the seats (or not).

I have to add the new V8 Merc outboards look very promising and sound amazing! If I can get a ride in a 2400BRX, like it, and can't find one used, I might just have to build one with a new 300r. It's just hard to wrap my old school mind around the $$$ they are charging for new boats these days.

Thx again!

As far as the cost of boats goes, keep in mind its one of the last few hand built products left that you can buy. Checkmate is still a hand laid hull, no chopper gun used, unlike a bayliner priced boat. In the end you do get what you pay for.

 

[jjg]

Thanks for the reply and comparisons!

I don't know if you been in many friends "family style" 23'-25' I/O bowlder boats...but would would you say the ride is comparable to that style of boat at the same speeds? say 45 mph cruising?

Your comfortable cruising speed in the BRX with a 300 will be 55-60 easily, and yes you’ll be rollin out like big daddy in the caddy similar to the boats you mentioned.

 

[JUPITER PULSARE]

No tabs for me, but Hayabusa is running the small Bennett tabs I believe.

I believe James added the tabs to help with the porpoising when he was running the big setback. He was also doing a lot of tubing and water toy sports with his BRX and I'm sure the tabs helped while dragging tubes, wake boards, etc. through the water...I don't run any tabs and have no issues at all..

 

[H2O]

As far as the cost of boats goes, keep in mind its one of the last few hand built products left that you can buy. Checkmate is still a hand laid hull, no chopper gun used, unlike a bayliner priced boat. In the end you do get what you pay for.

Yes I was aware of that. Kip @ Checkmate said they pretty much just build to order now. And I could be wrong, but I think Checkmate may be one of the few East Coast builders still doing color in gel. Many of the high end East Coast & Florida boats seem to be painted now.

All of our local West Coast builders (Nordic, Eliminator, Howard, LaveyCraft, etc) are the same way. Built to order, all hand laminated (in some cases vacuum bagged) color in gel, and vey high quality. Unfortunately West Coast manufacturers don't build any 24'-26' V hulls with an outboard, and they don't build 24'-26' V hulls with windshields, either.

A new, custom West Coast 24'-25' boat, with a Merc 8.2 H0 I/O (430 hp) would be the same $$ (or more) than a 2400 BRX with a 400r. So it's not like Checkmate is out of line with other Custom Boat prices, and really no more expensive than many higher end production boats, like Cobalt or Regal for that matter.

 

[dgs]

H20,
I'm 6'3 and have the tilt wheel, leg room isn't an issue for me. The seats are on a slide rail which lets them push back a ways. The checkmate has substantially more leg room for the rear bench seating than our I/O Sunsation. The big stand-up bolsters took up a lot of space. Believe it or not, I didn't think we would use the Driver/Passenger swivel seats feature, but we use it all the time. If we pull up to a sandbar, its really nice to be able to spin the seats around.

Derek

 

[jjg]

Yes I was aware of that. Kip @ Checkmate said they pretty much just build to order now. And I could be wrong, but I think Checkmate may be one of the few East Coast builders still doing color in gel. Many of the high end East Coast & Florida boats seem to be painted now.

All of our local West Coast builders (Nordic, Eliminator, Howard, LaveyCraft, etc) are the same way. Built to order, all hand laminated (in some cases vacuum bagged) color in gel, and vey high quality. Unfortunately West Coast manufacturers don't build any 24'-26' V hulls with an outboard, and they don't build 24'-26' V hulls with windshields, either.

A new, custom West Coast 24'-25' boat, with a Merc 8.2 H0 I/O (430 hp) would be the same $$ (or more) than a 2400 BRX with a 400r. So it's not like Checkmate is out of line with other Custom Boat prices, and really no more expensive than many higher end production boats, like Cobalt or Regal for that matter.

I think you will be seeing more OB options in sport boats as the industry moves forward. The Mfgrs need to stay relavent with what people are wanting to buy. Checkmate is one of the few that offer many OB options, especially in a 24’ option.

The cockpit room and leg room in these 24 Pulsares is great, and I agree about liking the swivel seats!
Ive slept on mine many nights and Im 6’4”, works great for an overnight or two.

 

[H2O]

I think you will be seeing more OB options in sport boats as the industry moves forward. The Mfgrs need to stay relavent with what people are wanting to buy. Checkmate is one of the few that offer many OB options, especially in a 24’ option.

The cockpit room and leg room in these 24 Pulsares is great, and I agree about liking the swivel seats!
Ive slept on mine many nights and Im 6’4”, works great for an overnight or two.

Agreed! Virtually all of the production manufacturers are coming out with O/B options.

Assume you have the bow filler cushions for the overnights?

 

[jjg]

Assume you have the bow filler cushions for the overnights?

Yes I do, actually had Checkmate make me some nice memory foam cushions and custom slip cover sheets. I also had them put in a deck hatch for the build, found a nice hatch fan, makes for a good place to crash after a long day on the water.

 

[riverside]

2400brx

I have a 2400BRX with a 300xs on it. I have had it for about 8 years.
I boat on Barnegat Bay in NJ which especially on weekends can get pretty rough sometimes. The BRX is pretty good in the rough water but can get somewhat uncomfortable sometimes as it is pretty light and starts to bang around. Fun boat but at best it's only OK in rough water. If it gets really choppy I usually don't go out.

My prior boat a 24 foot Cobalt with a 496 IO was a much better boat for rough water, much more freeboard, more weight etc.

 

[H2O]

I have a 2400BRX with a 300xs on it. I have had it for about 8 years.
I boat on Barnegat Bay in NJ which especially on weekends can get pretty rough sometimes. The BRX is pretty good in the rough water but can get somewhat uncomfortable sometimes as it is pretty light and starts to bang around. Fun boat but at best it's only OK in rough water. If it gets really choppy I usually don't go out.

My prior boat a 24 foot Cobalt with a 496 IO was a much better boat for rough water, much more freeboard, more weight etc.

Thanks for the reply.

I'm kind of coming at this question with low expectations. When I started looking at 2400 BRX's, I kind of assumed it would be a flat water boat. Happened to speak with a couple of owners who said "it does surprisingly well for what it". So I've started wondering if I could use it on larger lakes, etc.....just haven't been able to get a ride it one, so appreciate everyones feedback.