Checkmate Boats recalls
Checkmate Boats boats have 2 recall campaigns on record across 5,611 reported units. Below is every campaign, what it covers, and how to confirm a specific hull was fixed before you buy.
Checkmate has two USCG recall campaigns on record: a 1982 bucket seat defect affecting approximately 5,600 units from the 1979 and 1980 model years, and a 2005 electrical and fuel system recall on 11 ZT 260 models. The 2005 campaign is the more safety critical issue, involving systems that could affect fire risk. If you are looking at a late 1970s Checkmate or a mid 2000s ZT 260, confirming remedy completion is essential.
All Checkmate Boats recalls
- ⚠ Recall
820029T2/8/1982BUCKET SEAT ON SOME 79&80; MODELS
What this means before you buy → - ⚠ Recall
05R0874S10/6/2005ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL SYSTEM
What this means before you buy →
What to check before you buy a used Checkmate Boats
- Decode the HIN to confirm the model year and check whether your boat falls within the affected production windows (1979 to 1980 for bucket seats, 2005 for ZT 260 electrical and fuel).
- Request documentation from the seller proving the remedy was completed, or contact the USCG recall database with the campaign number to verify status.
- For the ZT 260 electrical and fuel system recall, have a marine electrician inspect the wiring and fuel lines even if the recall was marked complete, as these are fire critical systems.
- Walk away if the seller cannot provide remedy proof on the 2005 campaign, as unresolved electrical and fuel defects present unacceptable safety risk.
Frequently asked questions
How many Checkmate boats have been recalled?
Two campaigns total: 5,600 units in 1982 for a bucket seat defect on 1979 and 1980 models, and 11 units in 2005 for electrical and fuel system issues on the ZT 260.
What was the Checkmate ZT 260 recall for?
Campaign 05R0874S addressed defects in the electrical system and fuel system that could create fire risk. Only 11 units were affected, all from the 2005 model year.
Should I avoid buying a used Checkmate because of recalls?
Not necessarily, but verify remedy completion before closing. The 1982 bucket seat issue is less critical, but the 2005 ZT 260 electrical and fuel defect is a deal breaker if unresolved.
How do I check if a Checkmate boat I am buying was recalled?
Decode the HIN to get the model year and compare it to the affected ranges (1979 to 1980, or 2005 ZT 260). You can also search the USCG recall database by manufacturer and campaign number to confirm status.