Both the Checkmate Convincor 2800 OBX 2011 and the Checkmate SFX 250 2012 are deep-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Checkmate Convincor 2800 OBX 2011 at 27,9 ft versus Checkmate SFX 250 2012 at 25,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Checkmate Convincor 2800 OBX 2011 tips the scales at 4 300 lbs - 300 lbs more than the Checkmate SFX 250 2012 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 SFX 250 2012 tops out at 175 hp. Engine specs for the Checkmate Convincor 2800 OBX 2011 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Checkmate SFX 250 2012 carries 140 gallons versus 130 gallons in the Checkmate Convincor 2800 OBX 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Checkmate Convincor 2800 OBX 2011 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Checkmate SFX 250 2012 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Checkmate Convincor 2800 OBX 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Checkmate Convincor 2800 OBX 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 8 passengers and at 27,9 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Checkmate SFX 250 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.