Checkmate ZT 240 2012 boat specs
Checkmate
Checkmate ZT 240 2012
2012
View full specs →
VS
Checkmate ZT 260 2007 boat specs
Checkmate
Checkmate ZT 260 2007
2007
View full specs →

Checkmate ZT 240 2012 vs Checkmate ZT 260 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Checkmate ZT 240 2012 vs Checkmate ZT 260 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 ZT 240 2012 at 24,1 ft versus Checkmate ZT 260 2007 at 26,0 ft. At 36 lbs and 4 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 260 2007 has a 100-hp advantage over the Checkmate ZT 240 2012'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.

The Checkmate ZT 240 2012 is rated for up to 7 people. Passenger data for the Checkmate ZT 260 2007 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Checkmate ZT 260 2007 and its 525-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Checkmate ZT 240 2012 with its 425-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeCheckmate
MakeCheckmate
ModelZT 24
ModelZT 26
Model Year2012
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam95 in
Beam102 in
Beam - Meters2.41
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches95
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise24℃
Deadrise24℃
Weight - Detail3,600 lbs. (approximate)
Weight - Detail4,000 lbs
Weight - kg1632.93
Weight - kg1814.37
Weight - lbs.36
Weight - lbs.4
Length - Feet24.08
Length - Feet26
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 1 in
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters7.34
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches289
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches1
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 1 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail75 gal. (approximate)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail75 gal
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 max425 hp
Engine max525 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardMercruiser 5.7L 350 MPI with Bravo I drive (300 hp)

Checkmate ZT 240 2012 vs Checkmate ZT 260 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Checkmate ZT 240 2012 or the Checkmate ZT 260 2007?
The Checkmate ZT 260 2007 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Checkmate ZT 240 2012 comes in at 24,1 feet, making it roughly 1,9 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Checkmate ZT 240 2012 or the Checkmate ZT 260 2007?
For trailering, the Checkmate ZT 260 2007 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 36 lbs for the Checkmate ZT 240 2012. 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 260 2007 is rated to a maximum of 525 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Checkmate ZT 240 2012 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 240 2012 carry?
The Checkmate ZT 240 2012 has an official capacity rating of 7 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Checkmate ZT 260 2007 measures 102" wide, compared to 95" for the Checkmate ZT 240 2012. 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.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Checkmate ZT 240 2012 and Checkmate ZT 260 2007?
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 ZT 240 2012 and Checkmate ZT 260 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Checkmate ZT 240 2012 and the Checkmate ZT 260 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.