73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

[redstrat]

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Wow, Nice boat!, I picked up one of these awhile back. I've never done anything with it.



I don't remember the year now.Its pretty trashed inside. I've always wanted to throw a small outboat on it and use it as a beach hopper lol

That appears to be a 73 to 76 by the picture. Mine will also have a Chrysler/Force motor when finished. If you want to bring it to NY and park it in my yard I'll figure out what to do with it. It a looks like my trailer is identical to yours

 

[bobkyle2]

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

That appears to be a 73 to 76 by the picture. Mine will also have a Chrysler/Force motor when finished. If you want to bring it to NY and park it in my yard I'll figure out what to do with it. It a looks like my trailer is identical to yours

Haha, I gave 20bucks for everything. Its got a 105 Chrys on it. Someone has rattle canned the engine and it looks awful. But under the top it looks in great shape. I sprayed some penetrating oil in the cylinders and let it set for awhile before i tried to crank it. And the motor is free, but starter is locked up. If you were closer i'm sure i could make you a sweet deal lol. I've thought about putting it all on craigslist, to get some money to start my transom and stringer fund on my Ebbtide. But i guess i will let sit intill i can pick through the boat some more and see how good of shape its actually in.

 

[Riley7]

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Beautiful boat, and great workmanship. Nice job!

I'm also going to be restoring a 1974 Checkmate MX 16, and you've set the bar pretty high here for bringing one of these classics back to life. Keep the pictures coming, I'm learning a lot just by following your progress. Thanks for sharing!

 

[redstrat]

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod



I've made some progress so I thought I'ld update. I painted the floor and motor last week. This week I mounted the fuel tank by epoxying wood strips to the floor, made up some straps and stapled them to the wood strips while the epoxy was still tacky. I mounted the battery box, dual ride-guide steering, fuel separator, bilge pump, and new aluminum rub rail. I got it back on the trailer for the first time in a year and half. Hoping to mount the motor and run control cables and wiring in the coming days.

 

[redstrat]

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod



Here are a couple more.

 

[redstrat]

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

I thought I'ld bring this old thread back with an update. I bought a new acrylic windshield for this boat last summer. The aluminum frame was pitted and full of holes from rivets and snaps. I took it to my local welder and he filled all the holes. I then spent many hours filing, sanding and buffing to get them in decent shape. I bedded the windshield in 1/8" closed cell foam and then siliconed it in the frame. I then made a gasket for the deck out of 1/4" foam, vinyl and welt. Here are some before and after pics.

 

[redstrat]

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Here are some more

View attachment 224047

 

[sphelps]

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Unbelievable job !! I have to say you have one of the sweetest looking restorations on the forum ! You have some great talent and an eye for some amazing detail . Can,t wait for the splash video !

 

[zool]

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Awesome man!..looks really good...di u coat the freshly polished aluminum with anything to hold off the oxidation?...

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Unbelievable transformation...there's no way you're not a professional boat restorer?! I love checkmates, yours is now one of my favorites! I normally wouldn't give a Chrysler OB a second look...somehow, yours is the perfect match for that boat...in a Speedracer kinda way!
Kudos!

~Brett

 

[jimmy wise]

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

I was looking at your seats and was like man awful nice for someone learning. I figured you had experience with the checkers. very clean work and a touch of steam would take out a few wrinkles around the top. you have a good eye and good talent. top notch work.....

 

[redstrat]

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Awesome man!..looks really good...di u coat the freshly polished aluminum with anything to hold off the oxidation?...

You know, I didn't even think of that. I was thinking I would just have to hit it with polish from time to time. What would be best to coat it with?

Thanks to everyone for the kind comments. My internet bros have helped a lot with this process. My wife and two daughters just glaze over when I talk about the boat. I am not a professional. I like to think I have a good eye and I can be very meticulous, and I'm not afraid to try (and mess up) anything. Here is a link to a test run video from late last summer. 1974 Checkmate MX-16 - YouTube I have under 6 hours on my rebuilt motor. Oh yea, the sound track is me as well. Any musicians out there?

 

[zool]

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

You know, I didn't even think of that. I was thinking I would just have to hit it with polish from time to time. What would be best to coat it with?

A regular waxing will help if not kept in a harsh environment....but you gotta keep up with it. On mine, being kept in salt water, ive been looking for something better, aside from the usual clear coat (awlgrip and such). I have a bunch of other aluminum trim to do, besides the windshield.

The resin type coatings seem to be effective over the long run, these are a few types ive been eying.


Sharkhide

Marine – Uses and Benefits :: Nyalic?

 

[redstrat]

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Thanks Zool, I'm making a full cover for it next and only plan on fresh water running.