Checkmate To Offer Outboard Version of Coming 26-footer

With hull tooling for its new stern-drive 26-footer finished and deck tooling four to six weeks from completion, Checkmate Boats announced that it also will offer the sportboat with single outboard-engine power. According to Doug Smith, the owner of the Bucyrus, Ohio, company, demand for outboards remains solid across the Checkmate line.

“With a 300-hp Mercury Verado, the 26 would be a nice package,” said Smith. “We probably won’t offer it with twin outboards—twin 300s would be just too much weight for the boat.”

Smith said the dealer interest in the new 26-footer already is strong.

With a MerCruiser 8.2 stern-drive engine the closed-deck model with list in the low $70,000 range. Pricing for the outboard-powered version has not yet been established, said Smith.