Checkmate Powerboats Sold To Caldwell Marine Designs

With two models sitting in the water on each side of the Hustler Powerboats display at the Miami International Boat Show, including the first 29 Shotgun from the Calverton, N.Y., factory, Joe LoGiudice, president of Global Marine Power, informed the Speedonthewater.com team on Thursday that he had sold the assets of Checkmate Powerboats, Hustler’s sister company in Bucyrus, Ohio.

The family behind Hustler Powerboats and Checkmate Powerboats, Joe LoGiudice (right) and Paul LoGiudice (left) are excited about Checkmate Powerboats’ future in the hands of Pete Caldwell (center) of Caldwell Marine Designs. Photo by Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill Pix

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“I came to a decision that for Checkmate to advance forward in the industry, the company needed a new owner with a fresh, new approach,” LoGiudice said. “After speaking to several people regarding the purchase of Checkmate’s assets, one individual stood out. He has the same work ethics and commitment to the boating industry as our family and that person is Pete Caldwell.”

Caldwell, who owns and operates Caldwell Marine Designs in Washington, N.C., was at the booth as well and seemed very excited about the opportunity to breathe some new life into the well-known powerboat brand.

“Pete has more than 20 years of hands-on marine boatbuilding experience working with industry leaders, such as Fountain Powerboats and Correct Craft,” LoGiudice said. “He is well known and respected by many in the boating industry.”

Caldwell, who will be moving the Checkmate molds to his facility soon and starting production shortly thereafter, said he plans to continue the Checkmate legacy and raise the bar using the newest construction techniques and materials he already incorporates in his manufacturing and service facility.

“We feel that with Pete’s determination and hands-on abilities, he is going to be able to take Checkmate to the next level,” LoGiudice concluded.

For all new inquiries of Checkmate models, Caldwell can be reached at 252-917-3673. He added that all interiors will be done by Gotcha Covered Upholstery of Checkmate. For more information on the interiors, call 419-562-3881.

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