---
Similar Boats For Sale On Boat Buys
|
2010 Checkmate Boats... 24ft / 7.32 m Performance Boats |
|
2010 Checkmate Boats... 27ft / 8.23 m Performance Boats |
|
2010 Checkmate Boats... 27ft / 8.23 m Performance Boats |
|
2005 Checkmate Boats... 24ft / 7.32 m Performance Boats |
|
2008 Checkmate Boats... 27ft / 8.23 m Performance Boats |
Subscribe to our award winning monthly e-mail blast with news, reviews and sneak peaks for the recreational boater.
2002 Checkmate ZT 260 Photos
2002 Checkmate ZT 260 Test Details
| Category | Performance Boat |
| Length | 26ft 1in / 7.93 m |
| Beam | 8ft 6in |
| Fuel Capacity | 284 L |
| Weight | 4,000 lbs |
| Dealers | Contact Checkmate Boats Dealers |
| Buyers Guides | Search For Checkmate Boats Buyers Guides |
| Boats For Sale | Search For Checkmate Boats For Sale |
2002 Checkmate ZT 260 Description
-
Over three decades ago, Checkmate boats of Bucyrus,
Ohio, designed a new V-bottom hull that dominated outboard performance
craft racing. Today, Checkmates roots live on in boats like the new ZT
260. Its trademark Checkmate fast.
High performance is clearly reflected in the ZT 260s custom flag graphics and overall design. The boats lines are clean and straightforward, yet dynamic enough to grab your attention. Like all Checkmates, 100-percent end-grain balsa core is used, and each layer of glass is sanded and grinded smooth before another layer is applied.
Checkmates upholstery work is first-rate, the integration of interior/exterior graphics smartly coordinated and construction details have been well thought-through, with every screw, bolt, pop rivet and backing plate placed for maximum strength. While the windshield looks good and works well, if you want less air in your face, choose the optional windscreen that is six inches higher.
All seats are thickly padded, generously sized and well-secured theres even a built-in footrest for bracing. The moulded dash features switches and gauges arranged in a horseshoe pattern with tech and speedo positioned front and centre above the others.
Belowdecks youll find a simple but spacious cabin highlighted by lounges, ample storage and a head installed in the V-berth. For ease of cleaning, the fibreglass floor liner is covered by snap-in marine carpeting.
Aft, the ZT 260s smartly upholstered electric hatch opens wide via two rather unique stainless steel cantilevered hinges to reveal MerCruisers new
popular performance engine the 425 hp, 496 Mag HO. While optional, the upgrade in horsepower from Checkmates standard MerCruiser offerings
is substantial and highly recommended for boaters who wish to fly at speeds beyond 65 mph.
Propped with a four-blade, 23-inch pitch Mirage Plus, the ZT 260 accelerated to plane in 4.48 seconds, and quickly reached 50 mph in 9.7 seconds. At a 42-mph cruise, the hull responded directly to steering commands and was well-balanced in turns.
Still, in rough conditions and not trimmed properly, the bow can hook if cranked hard-over. It takes practice to be perfect, and by the end of our test I had bumped up the cornering speed by 10 mph.
Turning up the wick proved how well MerCruisers new 8.1-L powerplant could pull through mid-range 30 to 50 mph in 6.5 seconds, 50 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds and 40 to a tweaked-out top speed of 67.8 mph on GPS (75 mph on the speedometer) in 16.2 seconds. While power is important, Checkmates new single, one-inch shingle stepped pad bottom runs free and clean.
The newly designed hull, with wide chines and a rail integrated into the sides, hangs in well while cornering.
At top-end, the boat is exciting to drive with a level angle of attack. The Kiekhaefer Zero-effort dual lever controls are positioned well for trimming and tabbing. Teleflexs torque-free steering comes standard, while Mayfairs hydraulic system is optional. Regardless, this boat tracks straight and true,
riding on its tail like all Checkmates do.
2002 Checkmate ZT 260 Test Specifications
-
Test boat engine:
MerCruiser 496 MAG HO, 425 hp,
8.1 litre (496-cid) V-8 gasoline engine,
pushing a four-blade 23-inch pitch Mirage
Plus propeller through a Bravo X sterndrive.
Acceleration
mph/sec
0-20/4.13 0-30/5.76
0-40/7.50 0-50/9.72
Top Speed (GPS)
rpm mph
5,200 67.8
Cruising Speed (GPS)
rpm mph
3,500 43.2
Speed testing by Garmin GPS
---
