The boat shows are about to spring into high gear and Checkmate will be showcasing several models at different shows across the country. We've posted the show calendar for 1st quarter 2012 - click here to view it now.

We are closing in on completion of the new 26’ Convincor. Standard and option features are nailed down, and the deck plug is about ready for the mold to be built. We’ll post photos once we have them.

Keep your eye on our Facebook page, as we are making every effort to add new things weekly. The 26’ Convincor info will show up on the page before we post it anywhere else. Check out our website as well – we have upgraded some of the photos and added retail pricing for the base models. We expect to have a new brochure ready for the boat show season. It’s a fold up and can be used as a poster.

The new Mercury 150 HP 4-stroke is available on all the outboards. The price is only a few hundred more than the 150 XS. We tested one of these motors in the fall and it’s very impressive. Mercury did inform us, however, that this motor is sold out until April. So, if you’re in the market for a new Checkmate don’t wait too long to get it on order.

We are currently adding up our sales numbers for 2011 and it looks like our Kalamazoo, Michigan dealer Seelye Wright Toy Store is going to be our Number 1 dealer in the country. Congratulations to Jeff Kopac and his crew for an outstanding year.

Think Spring…it’s right around the corner!

- Doug

Where has the year gone? Wow, it's almost the end of 2011. We've had an exciting and busy year here at Checkmate, and we're looking forward to another great year in 2012 - the start of our 50th Anniversary celebration!

We're pleased to report that the new 2000 BRX is our #1 seller.

The new 26' Convincor is coming along nicely and we expect an early Spring 2012 release. Here are some teaser specs:

As you recall, we also announced an incentive to trade your current Checkmate for a new model. Let us know how we can help!

Our friends at Mercury outboards have announced some special incentives on the Pro XS 200, 225, and 250, as well as the 240 and 300 Pro Verado's. About 80% of the boats we built in 2011 had Mercury outboards.

In 2012 you will see an updated Checkmate website. And we're running an advertising campaign beginning in early 2012 with ads in magazines such as Florida Sport Fishing and Sport Boat.

And finally, we'd like to personally welcome the following new Checkmate dealers:

Wishing you all the happiest of holidays!

- Doug

If you haven’t seen or heard by now, we are working on a new 26' Convincor, to be released in Spring 2012. The renderings and details can be seen on our news page.

We are getting many requests for restorations, interiors, repairs and updates to older Checkmate models. Talk to Mike or Kip Combs to make arrangements for your needs (they can be reached at 419-562-3881).

Mercury has announced a special rebate program for some of the larger engines. Check with your local dealer for details.

We’re listening to you! From ideas that have sprung up on the forum, we have decided to offer any Checkmate owner a rebate if they trade their older Checkmate model for a new one. Call your local dealer for more details.

Mercury has been quietly testing a new 4-stroke 150hp. We were included in the early development of this ALL NEW engine. We tested it back to back against the 150hp Opti and ProXS. The engine is very smooth and to our surprise there is very little difference in speeds. The ProXS is still a couple of mph faster. The release date to Checkmate is early Spring. Pricing will be announced at the time of availability.

Don’t forget – it’s time to winterize your Checkmate – a valuable asset you definitely want to take good care of!

Enjoy your November and Thanksgiving!
- Doug

It’s been quite a busy year at Checkmate! Our 2000 BRX continues to be a winner with new and current Checkmate owners. And, speaking of owners, we’re putting the final plans together on a Checkmate owner’s loyalty program…stay tuned!

Mercury is promoting their Pro XS models till the end of the year and we are working with the factory to see how we can get some cash back for new buyers.

Next year is our 50th model year and we are finalizing plans for a special classic 2100 BR.

I’m going to let the “cat out of the bag” – yes, we will have an all NEW 26’ Convincor. We will also have a special 50th anniversary year edition. We will be posting pictures of the deck plug process soon. The hull mold is finished and ready for production. We are working on the standards and options and will release more details next month.

Our Facebook page is very active and our goal is to have 1000 fans by the end of the year. Remember to mention us to your friends….and don’t miss out on all the activity and news we post to Facebook. Join us today if you haven’t already.

Keep your eyes on our website – we will be updating it very soon.

Fall is here with winter right around the corner. For you Northerners make sure you winterize your Checkmate properly.

Till next month – happy boating!

- Doug

Crisp mornings and kids back to school doesn’t mean the boating season has to end. Fall welcomes less boat traffic, better gas prices, no congested boat ramps and GREAT fall foliage.

It’s been a very good summer for boating; even through the country has seen its share of floods, earthquakes and fires. But don’t winterize that boat just yet. Get out and enjoy the rest of the season. We welcome seeing any pictures of your fall boat outings. Add them to our Facebook page. Nothing makes us happier than to see a vintage or NEW Checkmate pop up on our page. A proud Checkmate owner is always worth bragging over!

Keep an eye on our Web page and Facebook pages. We are working on lots of updates and adding new pictures when possible, along with current retail pricing for a base boat and updated options. Also, look for our new work-in-progress on the 26 CONVINCOR, we have started work on the deck so look for some teaser pictures coming soon.

Before you put that boat away, get your list of parts ready and give Mike in our parts department a call (419-562-3881). He can get you almost anything you need and if not, he can point you in the right direction. If you are looking to update your interior or add to your Checkmate, fall is a great time to get started on those projects.

Friday night tailgating and Saturday’s at the dock make for a super September.

Enjoy! And safe boating.
- Doug

Most of the country is looking for some relief from the July heat wave. And things are the same for the Checkmate team. We switched up our shop hours from our normal starting time to 5 am – this way when it's smoking hot in the afternoon we have our workday completed. Kudos to those of you who work outside every day. Remember to stay hydrated!

July was our busiest month so far – thank you Checkmate fans! Our 2000 BRX and our 21 BR have continued to be our top best sellers. And we continue to move forward with our new 26'Convincor. The hull mold is expected to be complete sometime early August then we will start the deck plug.

We have a couple of new projects on the front burner – stay tuned for more details next month.

Have fun this August – it's one of the best boating months of the year. Labor Day does not mean you have to put your boat away; some of the most beautiful scenery in the Fall makes for enjoyable rides!

Safe August boating!
- Doug

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July weekend with lots of boating time! The summer is looking like one of the better boating years we’ve seen in a while. For us, our outboard sales are exploding! And, the new 2000 BRX is the sales leader for the spring and early summer sales season.

Customer ideas for our 50th Anniversary special model have generated some really great suggestions – thank you and keep them coming!

The direction to which we are headed is:

Enjoy July!
- Doug

Ohio can be a great place to live and work, but the past month has been rain, rain, and more rain! But Memorial Day weekend brought hot beautiful days and some great boating weather. We’re ready to welcome summer and forget our rainy spring.

Our plans for the Checkmate 50th Anniversary model is taking shape. We have had some great suggestions from fans – and we are leaning on the Pulsar 2100. The thought is to offer both the closed deck and the bowrider version – classic Checkmate! We feel this model lends itself to everything Checkmate has stood for the past 50 years. 21 feet of pure tradition – outboard power, special graphics, special interior, and all kinds of custom rigging. Power will be limited to Mercury Pro XS motors, most likely 200, 250, & 300 XS for the faint of heart.

The plant is extremely busy these days. The hot models are the 1850 through the 2400. Outboard power continues to be the engines of choice. Less weight, more power, better fuel economy, and easy to service.

Ohio is a wonderful vacation destination, especially in the summer. If your trip brings you anywhere close to the factory, stop on in. Our team would love to give you the guided tour.

- Doug

I'm guessing (and hoping) that when the weather finally changes, we will see Spring come alive and then Summer right behind that…and great boating weather finally!

The last four years at the helm of Checkmate Marine have flown by at warp speed. We are here to keep the Checkmate boating experience what it always has been – a great product made by a great team of dedicated individuals!

Next year the company will be celebrating a milestone – our 50th Anniversary! And we are currently working on several exciting special products for our loyal customers.

I may be asking for more than we can handle, but if the Checkmate nation has any ideas (big or small), send us a quick note via our Facebook page, or call us at 419-562-3881 and we will look at any & everything that makes economic sense. Number 1 on our list is a very special Pulsare 2100BR special.

Happy Boating – stay safe and have fun!

Doug

Freezing rain and snow make Spring a thing of beauty. The winter boat shows are now in full swing. The Miami Boat Show is over and there are new and innovative outboard motors in the early stages of market introduction. Outboards are still the talk at the shows.

Good news: The new 2000 BRX is a big hit. Checkmate owners who see it in person are giving it high marks.

And now for the bad news: Gas prices are in the news every day and it looks like whether we like it or not, we will be paying more this summer. One answer is to Throttle Back. The new outboards are very fuel efficient, so lower the RPM’s and make the fuel go farther. Another result of higher oil cost is that everything that is metallic or petroleum-based is going up in price anywhere from 7-25%.

So…If you are thinking about a new 2011 Checkmate, the prices will never be better. And, we have introduced a new lighter blue gel and we think it looks great (if you like blue). Also, over the winter we have made the swim step-swing-down ladder standard on all of the Pulsare’s. Check out all the great pictures on Facebook.

Speaking of Facebook, it is open for all to use, so don’t be bashful. And invite your friends to "like" us!

Lastly, we can still handle some additional interior replacements, but the closer we get to spring, the longer the lead times.

Spring officially begins on March 20 – that’s only 3 weeks away!

- Doug

Boat show season is in full swing! Check our calendar for a show in your area. The January weather in Ohio was cold and very snowy and we are all ready for warm weather and open water. Hope you all are staying warm!

We have been busy this off-season. We made a couple of special boats for Bob Gendelman of Professional Boat Sales in Bensalem, PA (ZT 280-click for photos) & for Randy Corson of Liberator Boats of Florida in Port Orange (Pulsare 2100) & Boat House (Pulsare 2100BR). Check our Facebook page for sneak preview pictures.

The last several years have been challenging for everybody in the marine business, but we think that the market is ready for some new 1st time Checkmate owners. Our new 2000 BRX fits the bill, if you want a fast boat, or just an economical ski boat.

Judging from the sales over the last couple of seasons, outboards have replaced i/o's on smaller boats. More room & lighter, therefore faster. Who knows where fuel prices are headed but the new Mercury’s are very efficient and they are not subject to catalytic exhaust regulations from the EPA. Almost all the small SUV’s and pickup trucks will tow 1500-2000 lbs. which fits perfect with the smaller Checkmate Boats.

I know many new Checkmate buyers are waiting until the last minute to order
new Checkmates. The suppliers (i.e. Mercury, Custom Trailer manufacturers) are experiencing long lead times for parts and long back up in deliveries. Don’t wait to get your new boat on order. We may be able to offer a special. Follow your boat being built online, on Facebook or on owners forums.

Feel free to email us some feedback. Click here to send feebdback.

Doug Smith

Taking the Wheel at the Helm of My New Blog
August 14, 2009

Hi. And welcome to my first entry into the world of ‘blogging.’ My intent here is to keep the Checkmate family of boaters informed of happenings here at Corporate, what plans we have for new products, where you can find us throughout the year, and, most importantly, to have some fun.

For those of you who don’t yet know me, let me first give you some background. In 2007 I acquired Checkmate Powerboats. At that time, Bill Combs, the former fearless leader here at Checkmate, was ready to step aside. Coincidentally, around the same time I was anxious to accept a new challenge in my life. Knowing I wanted to continue to work in the boating industry, it was to my delight that I found out Checkmate was in need of a new ‘fearless’ leader.

As the former founder of Baja Boats, I’ve always had a true love and enthusiasm for boating. At Checkmate, I will continue to channel all my energy, talent and resources into building exceptional sport boats. Checkmate already has an exceptional reputation for quality powerboats. My emphasis will be on design, construction, performance, integrity and value for our customers. Our hulls will continue to be 100% hand-laid construction and our refined running surfaces the most efficient in the industry. We will incorporate luxurious new interiors and a dazzling selection of contemporary graphic upgrades.

And speaking of upgrades, we have several. Check out the What’s New section on the web. You will find a variety of new products to choose from. We are excited to continue to offer stylish and powerful boats for families, sport lovers, and speed racers.

Second, I hope you enjoy the look of our website. We created it with you in mind. Have a comment or idea? Go to the Feedback page and tell us what you think. Or contact us directly. Our customers are our #1 priority and we’d welcome the chance to hear your thoughts.