Checkmate Convincor 300 2009 boat specs
Checkmate
Checkmate Convincor 300 2009
2009
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VS
Checkmate ZT 280 2007 boat specs
Checkmate
Checkmate ZT 280 2007
2007
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Checkmate Convincor 300 2009 vs Checkmate ZT 280 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Checkmate Convincor 300 2009 vs Checkmate ZT 280 2007 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 300 2009 at 29,0 ft versus Checkmate ZT 280 2007 at 28,0 ft. At 53 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 ZT 280 2007 has a 100-hp advantage over the Checkmate Convincor 300 2009's 425-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Checkmate ZT 280 2007 carries 75 gallons versus 13 gallons in the Checkmate Convincor 300 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Checkmate ZT 280 2007 and its 525-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Checkmate Convincor 300 2009 with its 425-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeCheckmate
MakeCheckmate
ModelConvincor 3
ModelZT 28
Model Year2009
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam99 in
Beam103 in
Beam - Meters2.51
Beam - Meters2.62
Beam - Inches99
Beam - Inches103
Deadrise24℃
Deadrise24℃
Weight - Detail5,300 lbs
Weight - Detail4,900 lbs
Weight - kg2404.04
Weight - kg2222.6
Weight - lbs.53
Weight - lbs.49
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet28
Length - Inches8
Length - Inches1
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 8 in
Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 1 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail130 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail75 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters492.1
Fuel tank capacity - Liters283.91
Fuel tank capacity - Gal13
Fuel tank capacity - Gal75
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max425 hp
Engine max525 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardMercruiser 5.7L 350 MPI with Bravo I drive (300 hp)

Checkmate Convincor 300 2009 vs Checkmate ZT 280 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Checkmate Convincor 300 2009 or the Checkmate ZT 280 2007?
The Checkmate Convincor 300 2009 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Checkmate ZT 280 2007 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Checkmate Convincor 300 2009 or the Checkmate ZT 280 2007?
For trailering, the Checkmate ZT 280 2007 has the edge at 49 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Checkmate Convincor 300 2009. 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 ZT 280 2007 is rated to a maximum of 525 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Checkmate Convincor 300 2009 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Checkmate ZT 280 2007 measures 103" wide, compared to 99" for the Checkmate Convincor 300 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Checkmate Convincor 300 2009 or the Checkmate ZT 280 2007?
The Checkmate ZT 280 2007 has the bigger tank at 75 gallons, versus 13 gallons on the Checkmate Convincor 300 2009. That 62-gallon difference translates to roughly 186–310 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Checkmate Convincor 300 2009 and Checkmate ZT 280 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Checkmate Convincor 300 2009 and the Checkmate ZT 280 2007 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.