Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 vs Checkmate ZT 280 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 or the Checkmate ZT 280 2013?

The Checkmate ZT 280 2013 is the longer of the two at 28,1 feet overall. The Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 comes in at 27,0 feet, making it roughly 1,1 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 or the Checkmate ZT 280 2013?

For trailering, the Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 has the edge at 4 000 lbs dry weight versus 4 900 lbs for the Checkmate ZT 280 2013. 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.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 has a documented max rating of 525 hp. Engine specifications for the Checkmate ZT 280 2013 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many passengers can the Checkmate ZT 280 2013 carry?

The Checkmate ZT 280 2013 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.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 and Checkmate ZT 280 2013 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.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 and Checkmate ZT 280 2013?

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.

Q: Are the Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 and Checkmate ZT 280 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 and the Checkmate ZT 280 2013 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.

Boat Comparison

Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 vs Checkmate ZT 280 2013

Checkmate

Checkmate Convincor 270 2008

2008

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Checkmate

Checkmate ZT 280 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 vs Checkmate ZT 280 2013: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 vs Checkmate ZT 280 2013 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 2008 at 27,0 ft versus Checkmate ZT 280 2013 at 28,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Checkmate ZT 280 2013 tips the scales at 4 900 lbs - 900 lbs less than the Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 at 4 000 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 carries a rated maximum of 525 hp. Engine data for the Checkmate ZT 280 2013 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 75 gal and 75 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Bottom line: The Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 and Checkmate ZT 280 2013 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeCheckmate

ModelConvincor 270

ModelZT 280

Model Year2008

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam103 in.

Beam - Meters2.62

Beam - Inches103

Deadrise24℃

Weight - Detail4,000 lbs.

Weight - Detail4,900 lbs. (approximate)

Weight - kg1814.37

Weight - kg2222.6

Weight - lbs.4000

Weight - lbs.4900

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 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 - Gal75

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max525 hp

Engine maxnot available

Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 vs Checkmate ZT 280 2013 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 or the Checkmate ZT 280 2013?

The Checkmate ZT 280 2013 is the longer of the two at 28,1 feet overall. The Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 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 2008 or the Checkmate ZT 280 2013?

For trailering, the Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 has the edge at 4 000 lbs dry weight versus 4 900 lbs for the Checkmate ZT 280 2013. 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.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 has a documented max rating of 525 hp. Engine specifications for the Checkmate ZT 280 2013 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many passengers can the Checkmate ZT 280 2013 carry?

The Checkmate ZT 280 2013 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 2008 and Checkmate ZT 280 2013 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 2008 and Checkmate ZT 280 2013?

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 2008 and Checkmate ZT 280 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 and the Checkmate ZT 280 2013 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.

← Checkmate Convincor 270 2008 full specs ← Checkmate ZT 280 2013 full specs