73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

redstrat · Feb 10, 2013

Hi all, I've been working on my Checkmate for 2 years and posting to the checkmate site. I've been on Iboat for the motor work but last night was the first I looked at the build/restoration forum. This is AWESOME! It will take me months to read through the information I am interested here. Here are a couple of pics of my mate, my first boat restore. I took the deck off, replaced floor, stringers, transom, formed a modified splash well, algrip paint, stitch n glue seats and consoles, and now stitching up the upholstery. Hope you enjoy, I'll be reading your threads in the coming weeks.

crispins · Feb 10, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

I love it!!!!

Please post more!

That is the boat I want so much!

redstrat · Feb 11, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

crispins said:
I love it!!!!

Please post more!

That is the boat I want so much!

Thanks, here are a couple more

wolfsmurf · Feb 11, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

That looks like professional work the brother, if my project looks half as good ill soooooo happy.

tpenfield · Feb 11, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

I have always liked the Checkmate boats . . . particularly the older ones. Excellent restoration.:thumb: I'd like to find one like that to do some restoration upon . . . maybe someday

redstrat · Feb 24, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

I finished up the seats and the small dog house that covers the cooler and provide access to the fuel tank. Here are a couple of pics.

redstrat · Mar 4, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

I got a PM asking for some more details on the seat build. I copied the shape off an existing seat I had. I cut the sides from 1/4" ply and tacked them to the base and back with finish nails leaving the nail heads up about 3/8". I spread the sides apart with a stick cut to length and started with epoxy and cabosil mixed to fillet the seams, then went over it with 3 layers of mat. After it dried I pulled the nails out, and epoxy/matted the outside of the seams. Then I completely covered them for water proofing. I then covered them with 1/2" foam on the outside and 1" on the inside wings. I used paper to make my patterns and stitched them up myself. I used to do upholstery work for a living. The construction really isn't that hard and any good upholsterer can make covers that fit. They are surprisingly strong and light. Here are a few more pics.

tpenfield · Mar 4, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Awesome work, thanks for the additional pictures.

redstrat · Apr 15, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

I've been away from this site for a while. Seems when I have spare time, I work on my boat. Here are some picture of my side panels and front console. I put the whole interior together just make a pattern for snap in carpets. I marked the pattern, punched holes where I want the snaps, then marked the floor. I will epoxy the snap studs to the floor and then Algrip it. I need the weather to warm up a bit for that part.

zool · Apr 15, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Wow, I luv the seats...I just recently saw an mx-16 on craigslist for cheap, like 1k with a running OB, I thought about picking it up, but im buried in work already. That one has the left hand steering from Cali.....

redstrat · Apr 15, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Here are some more.

redstrat · Apr 15, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

zool said:
Wow, I luv the seats...I just recently saw an mx-16 on craigslist for cheap, like 1k with a running OB, I thought about picking it up, but im buried in work already. That one has the left hand steering from Cali.....

Thanks, If it's white. I know the boat you're talking about. (The dude abides)

zool · Apr 15, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Yep, haha, I think it was, the only pic was it speeding along. The creamsickle combo you chose does it justice....I like it better than the flake paint they were known for. I search regularly for a donzi 2+3 or early sweet 16....that will be my next project. Good luck man, looks like your almost there!

ezmobee · Apr 16, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Man that interior and upholstery are just unbelievable! Amazing work.

81 Checkmate · Apr 16, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Beautiful boat………Gota love those Checkmates……Very, Very nice workmanship!

P.S. – Want to come over to my house..... Paint and Redo the interior in my Checkmate?

sphelps · Apr 16, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Wow ! From top to bottom what an incredible job ! I love the color combo and the seats are awesome ! Makes my first time rebuild look like junk .LOL!
Thanks for sharing it with us !

redstrat · Apr 16, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Thanks to all for your encouraging words. I'll keep posting, hoping to get this thing wet this spring/early summer.

bluewavecaptain · Apr 17, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

What an amazing job! I love the paint scheme. Did you lay out the design yourself? Looks very professional!

bobkyle2 · Apr 17, 2013

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

redstrat · Apr 17, 2013

Re: 73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

bluewavecaptain said:
What an amazing job! I love the paint scheme. Did you lay out the design yourself? Looks very professional!

Yes I did. I'm no professional, just a bit obsessive. Thanks

73 Checkmate MX-16 resto/mod

Petty Officer 1st Class

Seaman

Petty Officer 1st Class

Petty Officer 2nd Class

Moderator

Petty Officer 1st Class

Petty Officer 1st Class

Attachments

Moderator

Petty Officer 1st Class

Captain

Petty Officer 1st Class

Petty Officer 1st Class

Captain

Supreme Mariner

Lieutenant

Supreme Mariner

Petty Officer 1st Class

Cadet

Petty Officer 2nd Class

Petty Officer 1st Class