TOPIC: 78 Checkmate with Merc 1400

Guess I am a sucker for this look. Nice looking rig.

chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/bod/5749588112.html

Nice boat with a very clean '72 140hp.

Same motor as your 1350 except the bottom of the block (and the mid-section as well) was designed to have (2) tuned exhaust chambers going out the mid, instead of a big, open exhaust dump like the 1350 and older motors.

The superior exhaust tuning gave the motor more power. Should be a 50+ mph boat if set up correctly.

Cool Boat. That was the model we wanted Dad to buy back in '75 with a 150. Being a wise father, he bought the larger 18' open bow that would run 50 instead of the higher speed chine walker...wise because us 2 sons were only 13 and 16 and he knew we needed more experience before wrecking due to speed, chine walk and inexperience. (well me anyway...my brother already had years of experience driving a twin 65hp 15T Powercat...he drove always - I skied always.

The ironic part is that THIS is the very dealer he bought if from

Crazier is that I have my 1978 20hp Merc in my garage that I also bought from this dealer. Maybe it is time to head down to "visit family" so I can see this boat...Hmmm always liked the 140.

Go for it!!!