Hustler and Checkmate Loading Up for Miami Show

At the same time as prepping a trio of boats for the trek to Miami for next week’s Miami International Boat Show, the crew at Hustler Powerboats in Calverton, N.Y., has been busy working on the reintroduction of its 25 Talon with twin outboard engines.

Boats from Hustler Powerboats and Checkmate Powerboats will be on display in Miami (booth B72). Photo by Jay Nichols/Naples Image

The 25-foot catamaran has been a staple in the Hustler lineup for many years but not with outboards, which is what generally powered the Talon before Hustler purchased the molds for it and its larger 37-foot sibling years ago. According to Hustler owner Joe LoGiudice, several customers have inquired about a 25 Talon with outboard engines, but production won’t begin until they have a “serious buyer.” He’s hoping discussions at the Miami show could lead to a few of those.

“The 25 Talon won a bunch of offshore races back in the day—with twin 300s I think it runs over 110 mph and it handles so well,” LoGiudice said. “It’s a relatively inexpensive boat when you’re talking about that kind of speed and length. We know the boat works, it’s just a matter of getting it out there at the right price.”

Along with having a new 2400 CD from its sister company, Checkmate Powerboats in Bucyrus, Ohio, on display, Hustler will be showcasing a 29 Rockit with a Mercury Racing 520 engine, a 388 Reloaded with twin Mercury 565 engines and a 39 Rockit with a pair of Mercury HP700SCi engines.

LoGiudice pointed out that the company’s display is inside this year—booth B72—and that he expects some good traffic at the show this year.

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