Both the Checkmate ZT 260 2009 and the Checkmate ZT 280 2010 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 ZT 260 2009 at 26,0 ft versus Checkmate ZT 280 2010 at 28,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Checkmate ZT 280 2010 tips the scales at 4 900 lbs - 900 lbs less than the Checkmate ZT 260 2009 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 425 hp for the Checkmate ZT 260 2009 and 425 hp for the Checkmate ZT 280 2010. 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 280 2010 at 28,1 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Checkmate ZT 260 2009 at 26,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking - a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.