Checkmate ZT 260 2007 boat specs
Checkmate
Checkmate ZT 260 2007
2007
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Checkmate ZT 260 2008 boat specs
Checkmate
Checkmate ZT 260 2008
2008
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Checkmate ZT 260 2007 vs Checkmate ZT 260 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Checkmate ZT 260 2007 vs Checkmate ZT 260 2008 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 260 2007 at 26,0 ft versus Checkmate ZT 260 2008 at 26,0 ft. At 4 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 525 hp for the Checkmate ZT 260 2007 and 525 hp for the Checkmate ZT 260 2008. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 75 gal and 75 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Bottom line: The Checkmate ZT 260 2007 and Checkmate ZT 260 2008 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
MakeCheckmate
ModelZT 26
ModelZT 26
Model Year2007
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in
Beam102 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise24℃
Deadrise24℃
Weight - Detail4,000 lbs
Weight - Detail4,000 lbs
Weight - kg1814.37
Weight - kg1814.37
Weight - lbs.4
Weight - lbs.4
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet26
Length - Inches1
Length - Inches1
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 1 in
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 1 in
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMercruiser 5.7L 350 MPI with Bravo I drive (300 hp)
Engine/s standardMercruiser 5.7L 350 MPI with Bravo I drive (300 hp)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail75 gal
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 max525 hp
Engine max525 hp

Checkmate ZT 260 2007 vs Checkmate ZT 260 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Checkmate ZT 260 2007 or the Checkmate ZT 260 2008?
The Checkmate ZT 260 2008 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Checkmate ZT 260 2007 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Checkmate ZT 260 2007 or the Checkmate ZT 260 2008?
For trailering, the Checkmate ZT 260 2008 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 4 lbs for the Checkmate ZT 260 2007. 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Checkmate ZT 260 2007 and Checkmate ZT 260 2008 share an 102 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 ZT 260 2007 and Checkmate ZT 260 2008?
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 260 2007 and Checkmate ZT 260 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Checkmate ZT 260 2007 and the Checkmate ZT 260 2008 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.