More GRM hole in the water fun

Yepper, after stealing the win on an eBay auction I drove the 300 miles in Black Betty through Chicago and picked up my new to me boat.

Nice condition, better than expected really, 1978 Checkmate inboard speed boat with a 460 and Berkeley jet Drive. (Yeah its a Berkeley)

Runs fine, everything works, trailer in good condition.

Interior is in great shape for the age.

Boat is original black with gold edged flaked gellcoat.

This one has been a long term goal, I am really excited to get it on the water.

Bigfoot gas pedal FTW. Nice boat!

That looks like a good time

Ah, a Checkmate!
Originally manufactured in Bucyrus, OH at the NE corner of US30 and Rt4.
They have changed hands and business is slower but they are still made there.
Recent article: http://www.pokerrunsamerica.com/component/k2/item/635-build-it-and-they-will-come

first one I ever saw that had the engine cover. Most of them have been modified with longtube headers that go to a collector that is -over- the engine

Cool boat! My dad had a red and black one with a 460 Ford, tunnel ram with two Holleys, over the transom open headers (I swear the collectors were 6" diameter!) and white interior. If it wasn't the fastest boat on Lake Murray it was certainly the loudest.

I have lusted after a BBF jet boat since my early 20s, a friend had a SBC powered Aussie built Salem back then, we did a lot of skiing behind that toy, years later I still miss those days

How fast can one of those go? (Asks the guy who knows nothing about jet boats) Are the limited by cavitation of the impeller like a jet ski?

Looks like fun...

No idea generally, but this one recently ran 63 mph on GPS, after a long sleep, with a stock 460.

Some work on the engine should easily go past 70 mph

water is very hard and unforgiving at 63mph. Be safe out there

that. boat. rocks. I haz teh envy. Well, except for the gas cost.

Sweet boat. Enjoy it.

There are lakes in NW Ohio? Who knew?

I love a boat with a loud pedal, don't see that too often.

60 mph plus on water is way exciting! And bumpy. I was never convinced that I was going to stay inside the boat when traveling at those speeds. That boat will not like rough water.

Jet boats make the best rooster-tails

mad_machine wrote: water is very hard and unforgiving at 63mph. Be safe out there

Yes. Make sure you have life and health insurance.

yes.. be very careful out there! Seven Person Boat Crash

Steelers colors, nice bonus. I love the sideways benches, what a great place for some bikini-clad friends.

Frickin sweet! Loving the color combo as well. Looks to be in pretty pristine condition from the pics.

That is way cooler than the one I just picked up.

mad_machine wrote: yes.. be very careful out there! Seven Person Boat Crash

The Harlem Shake version

I also look forward to your '72 Ranchero pulling your '78 Jet Boat.
I envision Grand Funk Railroad in the 8 track blaring out of some Craig speakers!

JohnRW1621 wrote: I also look forward to your '72 Ranchero pulling your '78 Jet Boat. I envision Grand Funk Railroad in the 8 track blaring out of some Craig speakers!

To complete this picture Steve will have to grow a mullet,too.

I'm surprised y'all haven't forced him to grow one already.

I used to describe offshore boat rides at 60-100 mph as "A two hour plane crash". That boat in rough water will keep you entertained. If driven properly women in bikinis never go for a second ride.