Who Is The Real Owner Of The Boat Checkmate?

The ownership of the boat named Checkmate has changed hands several times. The founder and original owner of Checkmate Powerboats was Bill Combs, who started the company in 1963 in Bucyrus, Ohio. In 2007, Doug Smith, the founder and former president of Baja Boats, acquired Checkmate Powerboats. Smith brought on board members of the Combs family, including Kip Combs as sales manager and Mike Combs as purchasing manager. More recently, a 44-metre motor yacht named Checkmate, built by Benetti SpA in Italy and launched in 2013, was listed for sale, but the owner's name was only available to subscribers.

Checkmate Yacht was built by Benetti SpA in Italy and launched in 2013

The Checkmate Yacht is a motor yacht built by Benetti SpA in Italy and launched in 2013. It is a luxury superyacht with a sleek, contemporary design and a range of impressive features. The yacht was built at the Benetti shipyard in Viareggio, Italy, and stands at 44.2 metres or 145 feet in length.

Benetti SpA is a renowned yacht builder known for its expertise and craftsmanship. The Checkmate Yacht is a testament to their skill, featuring a sophisticated design and exceptional attention to detail. The yacht's exterior was designed by Stefano Righini, while the interior styling was handled by the French designer design house Zuretti. The result is a chic and modern living space that perfectly complements the yacht's overall aesthetic.

The Checkmate Yacht offers comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests, including the ship's captain. It also has the capacity to accommodate 9 crew members, ensuring a luxurious and relaxing experience for all on board. The yacht's interior features a beach club, a deck jacuzzi, WiFi, and air conditioning, providing all the amenities and comforts one could desire while sailing on the high seas.

In terms of performance, the Checkmate Yacht is equipped with 2 Caterpillar Inc engines, delivering a top speed that allows it to cruise comfortably at 14 knots and reach a maximum speed of 15 knots. Its fuel capacity is impressive, with 60,000-litre fuel tanks giving it a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles at 12 knots. The yacht also boasts exceptional stability, with at-anchor stabilisers ensuring a smooth and enjoyable voyage.

The Checkmate Yacht is currently listed for sale and can be purchased through Superyacht Partners. It is an exceptional vessel, ranking 1669th in the world rankings for the largest yachts and standing as the 97th-largest yacht built by Benetti SpA.

The superyacht is 44m long and can accommodate up to 12 guests and 9 crew members

The superyacht Checkmate is a 44-metre-long motor yacht built by Benetti SpA in Italy and launched in 2013. It is powered by two Caterpillar Inc engines, which give it a top speed of knots. The yacht has a GRP hull and a GRP superstructure and can carry litres of fuel on board.

Checkmate can accommodate up to 12 guests and has room for a crew of 9, including the ship's captain. The yacht's interior design is by Zuretti Interior Design, while the naval architecture is by Stefano Righini Design.

In the world rankings for the largest yachts, Checkmate is listed at number 1669. It is the 97th-largest yacht built by Benetti SpA. The yacht was previously offered for sale through Superyacht Partners, but it is unclear if it has been sold.

Checkmate was founded by Bill Combs and is currently owned by Doug Smith, the founder of Baja Boats

Checkmate Powerboats was founded by Bill Combs and is currently owned by Doug Smith, the founder of Baja Boats. Combs founded the company in 1963 in Bucyrus, Ohio, and it spent its first 15 years concentrating almost entirely on O/Bs. In the mid-1970s, Checkmate expanded its operations to include I/Os and jets.

In 2007, Smith, a 36-year boat-building veteran, acquired Checkmate Powerboats. The sale included molds, inventory, manufacturing facilities, and related assets. Smith, who assumed the position of Checkmate Marine, Inc. owner and president, said, ""I think the recreational boating market is ready for some new direction and that's where we plan on taking future Checkmate product."

Smith has a long history in the marine industry, dating back to 1971 when he built and assembled his first Baja boat in an abandoned roller-skating rink in his hometown of Bucyrus, Ohio. He successfully grew Baja Boats into a nationally recognized brand before contemplating a return to the marine industry in early 2006.

Despite the change in ownership, Smith acknowledged the importance of the Combs family to Checkmate Powerboats' legacy, stating, "Checkmate Powerboats wouldn't be the same without a Combs on the organizational chart. Bill Combs and his sons have lived Checkmate Powerboats for nearly forty years. They're an important part of this legacy."

Checkmate Powerboats was acquired by Smith in 2007, who brought on Kip Combs and Mike Combs, sons of the former owner, as sales manager and purchasing manager, respectively

Checkmate Powerboats was acquired by Doug Smith in 2007. Smith, a 36-year boat-building veteran and executive, is the founder and former president of Baja Boats. Smith's acquisition of Checkmate Powerboats included the transfer of ownership of molds, inventory, manufacturing facilities, and related assets.

Smith, who assumed the position of Checkmate Marine, Inc. owner and president, expressed his intention to bring new direction to the recreational boating market with future Checkmate products. He emphasized the potential for growth and expansion of Checkmate, citing excellent people, motivated dealers, and exceptional products as key foundations for success.

As part of the new leadership, Smith appointed Dean Reynolds as Checkmate's general manager and brought on Kip Combs and Mike Combs, sons of former owner Bill Combs, as sales manager and purchasing manager, respectively. Smith acknowledged the importance of the Combs family to the Checkmate legacy, highlighting their four decades of dedication to the company.

With Smith at the helm, Checkmate embarked on building 2008 models, focusing on a range of outboard packages and leveraging advancements in outboard engine technology for enhanced fuel efficiency, dependability, and environmentally-friendly low emissions.

Checkmate boats have a reputation for durability and performance, with some models capable of speeds up to 100 mph

Checkmate boats have a rich history that dates back to 1963 when the company was founded in Bucyrus, Ohio, by Bill Combs, a speed boat racing enthusiast. Over the years, Checkmate Powerboats gained a reputation for their quality and performance, with innovative designs and craftsmanship that set a high standard in the powerboat industry.

Checkmate boats are known for their durability and performance, with some models capable of impressive speeds. The company initially concentrated on outboard boat racing, but eventually expanded into the development and manufacture of performance inboard and outboard boats. Checkmate Powerboats became well-known for their custom-built boats, sought after by both performance enthusiasts and professional racers.

One of their models, the Pulsare 2400 BRX, showcases their commitment to speed and comfort. This boat can be powered for 65 mph cruising or amped up to over 90 mph with a Mercury Racing 500R engine.

Checkmate boats have a dedicated community of fans, with online forums and discussions centred around the brand. Owners share restoration stories, modifications, and even the history of their boats, with some dating back to the 1960s and 1970s.

The company underwent a transition in 2020 when Pete Caldwell acquired it and relocated manufacturing operations to Washington, North Carolina. Despite the change in ownership, Checkmate Powerboats continued to uphold its legacy of quality and performance, solidifying its position in the market.

Today, Checkmate Powerboats maintains its focus on high-performance boating, offering a range of speedboats that combine cutting-edge technology with timeless design. With a skilled workforce and a favourable business environment, the company continues to build on its reputation for durability and speed, ensuring that Checkmate boats remain a top choice for boating enthusiasts seeking both performance and longevity.

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