Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 boat specs
Checkmate
Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007
2007
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VS
Checkmate ZT 280 2011 boat specs
Checkmate
Checkmate ZT 280 2011
2011
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Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 vs Checkmate ZT 280 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 vs Checkmate ZT 280 2011 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 at 27,0 ft versus Checkmate ZT 280 2011 at 28,1 ft. At 4 lbs and 49 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 525 hp, the Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 has a 100-hp advantage over the Checkmate ZT 280 2011's 425-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 75 gal and 75 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 and its 525-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Checkmate ZT 280 2011 with its 425-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeCheckmate
MakeCheckmate
ModelConvincor 270 BR
ModelZT 28
Model Year2007
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam103 in
Beam103 in
Beam - Meters2.62
Beam - Meters2.62
Beam - Inches103
Beam - Inches103
Deadrise24℃
Deadrise24℃
Weight - Detail4,000 lbs
Weight - Detail4,900 lbs. (approximate)
Weight - kg1814.37
Weight - kg2222.6
Weight - lbs.4
Weight - lbs.49
Length - Feet27
Length - Feet28.08
Length [over all with swim platform]27 ft. 0 in
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 1 in
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Meters8.56
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Inches337
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMercruiser 6.2 MPI with Bravo I drive (320 hp)
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail75 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail75 gal. (approximate)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters283.91
Fuel tank capacity - Liters283.91
Fuel tank capacity - Gal75
Fuel tank capacity - Gal75
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max525 hp
Engine max425 hp

Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 vs Checkmate ZT 280 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 or the Checkmate ZT 280 2011?
The Checkmate ZT 280 2011 is the longer of the two at 28,1 feet overall. The Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 comes in at 27,0 feet, making it roughly 1,1 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 or the Checkmate ZT 280 2011?
For trailering, the Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 49 lbs for the Checkmate ZT 280 2011. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 is rated to a maximum of 525 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Checkmate ZT 280 2011 tops out at 425 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many passengers can the Checkmate ZT 280 2011 carry?
The Checkmate ZT 280 2011 has an official capacity rating of 8 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 and Checkmate ZT 280 2011 share an 103 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 and Checkmate ZT 280 2011?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 75 gallons and 75 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 and Checkmate ZT 280 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Checkmate Convincor 270 BR 2007 and the Checkmate ZT 280 2011 are built by Checkmate. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.