![]() Some of the most well known and respected boats built today use balsa in some of their construction, mostly for the natural composite’s incredible strength to weight and reasonable cost. To be fair, wood was possibly the best option for structure up until about the late nineties when closed cell foam and other composite boards became more viable. All Checkmate Boats were cored with balsa with a pretty solid layup, and even though they used wood stringers and transoms, they usually built them well enough that they lasted a very long time. Their gelcoat work is usually excellent, all colors in the gel and a great finish. I would say they weren’t pioneer’s in any one thing, but did everything well. ![]() Checkmate’s unique design, simplicity and consistent quality were their keys to success.Įven though I’m a little critical of Checkmate Boats’ quality over the years, compared to many mainstream builders, they have very good quality. After that, my Dad got a new 1997 Checkmate 21 Pulsare, which is still in the family. The sleek Checkmate was a head turner back then not the fastest, but a solid boat, great build quality and that signature Checkmate look. Checkmates were pretty common where I grew up and my Dad bought a used 1991 Starflite with a Mercury 3.4 275 when I was about 15 years old. I really like Checkmate Boats and as a kid I got to meet Bill Combs at the Chicago Marine Exhibition, then one of the largest marine industry shows, and it was a highlight for me. There are a few reasons Checkmate lasted as long as they did and it is worth looking at as the business of building boats has not changed all that much in some ways. But even though he helped spawn one of their biggest competitors operating in the same town it actually may have helped Checkmate’s staying power. ![]() Would Bill Combs anticipate how big Checkmate and Baja Boats would become? Probably not. At least that’s how I remember the story going. Cobra essentially was a small fabrication shop down the street in Bucyrus Ohio and used a mold with Bill Comb’ blessing to get started, the 16’ Cobra. What is amazing is Combs and Downward were instrumental in Cobra boats starting, which became Baja boats, their nemesis. They started in sales and service but became interested in racing, which led to manufacturing not soon after. Bill and his original partner Bill Downward were influential in the performance boat movement in the sixties. (Manufacturers Statement of Origin) Call Randy at 38 or email website: liberatorpowerboats.Ohio has a unique history in performance boats but it would be impossible to talk about boats and Ohio, without mentioning Bill Combs and Checkmate Boats. This boat looks and runs like new! Never titled or registered. It has alot of storage under the rear hatch. Custom paint, Livorsi guages, Isotta steering wheel, galvanized trailer, accon pull-up cleats, two 12 gallon gas tanks. Every screw and piece on the boat is new. The interior was done by PPI Interiors in Sarasota that does all my custom boats. I did have a Mercury 225 Promax on it originally, but it was a little "crazy" With a Mercury 60hp on it and runs 45 mph. I lowered the factory floor for more leg room, glassed the hull and deck together and added transom knees for extra support. I custom paint and rig Hi-Performance boats, so I thought this would be a fun project in my spare time. It was never rigged or sold when I got it. I have $14,000 into this boat WITHOUT the motor. I got this boat a few years ago from an out of business boat dealer up north. This 2001 F-13 Paradise is a copy of the 13 ft Checkmate Playmate made in the early 90's.
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