New 2010 260SD

chuck1

chuck1

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Oct 3, 2006
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Not in this real estate market(Grin). Good to hear from you Wesley. I'm still holding out for a 290SS (Gotta have a dream, (lol))

Just remembered they stopped making the 290SS in 09:smt089
 
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Chuck

Our dealer had one in stock that I looked at awhile ago. Even though I still prefer the 240SD for a number of reasons I think the 260SD will be a great boat for folks looking for this size boat. As far as storage goes, I can't say I saw much of a difference. What specifically do you think was compromised with the newer design?

Dave
 
The bow storage does look a bit smaller. I dont know how thrilled I would be with all the hinged storage access under the seats. I know I always get crud from my kids trapped behind the pads and I like to clean and condition the vinyl back there when I wash the boat down.
I do like the radio and the cooler storage relocated to the stern. Mine being right up under the console makes it harder to get to.
Trash bin access, cool idea for us family guys so no more trash bag in the head.
And I sooo like the lounge on the rear so the kids can put on their wake boards or just for watching the kids swim and sip a cold one!

Damnit, I can not afford to get boat fever! lol :)
 
Just to make sure I'm talking about the 2010 260SD. It appeared the storage under the seat has been reduced. The storage under the cockpit sink looks smaller and they moved the ice chest to there. In the old 240/260s the trash had a dedicated small place in the aft side and the rest was another huge storage area. They also moved the radio there. Not sure but on mine I rarely have to access the radio, i use the remotes. The trash has now been moved to under the helm plus you can't mount the amp in the front of that area do to the seat back not being fixed. Would also not be able to mount shore power controller there. Would loss a lot of space do to the way the trash is setup. The floor storage also looked small. About the only thing I liked about the new 260 was the aft seat on the swim platform.

Just my two cents worth. What can I say I think the older 240/260 was one of the best sport boats Sea Ray made.(Grin)
 
It looks like some of the forward underneath storage is gone, which may or may not be an issue, but we found it a great place to keep partially deflated inflatables and bumpers. It also looks like the rear facing seats come as something of a cost to the aft seating area, but everything is a compromise of some sort. Love the 90 degree hatch openings, the side opeing front anchor cover, the rear cooler insert, and relocating the rear cooler and radio. The waste receptacle with front access is great. Overall, damn nice work.

I wonder how the two biminis will look with a wake tower attached...there will be a lot going on up top. Also wonder if they re-engineered the tonneau cover connection so that we non basketball types can actually button it up from the inside.
 
Chuck

Wait until you see one before you form any conclusions. I understand everything you are saying but there are trade offs to the way the boat is set up compared to the 240SD.

The storage area forward of the helm is more usable now that it is unencumbered with the cooler. The area under the cockpit sink is smaller but I never used mine for anything anyway. Not sure about the storage under the seats or in the floor but I doubt that it would be significantly smaller. And don't forget you have the rear storage accessed from the swim platform, something the 240SD does not have. The head is also nicer and a bit roomier than the 240SD.

The only thing I don't like is the price. The 240SD was a bargain compared the 260SD. And for me personally the 240SD was a "simpler" boat too. I am not a fan of the rear facing seats and for that reason alone I like the 240SD better. But the reality of it is that most people will like this new 260SD better than the 240SD. I think Sea Ray has a winner with this one.

Dave
 
chuck1 said:
What's up with the dual Bimini setup?
Click to expand...

Doesn't make sense unless SR is making the aft bimini an option as a way to cut costs. The large single bimini with the side brace from the 240SD and previous 260SD was more functional in my opinion.
 
Likes......the swim platform seats as Kim & I set back there a lot. I also like the access to the storage area from there as well as the covering on the swim platform itself. I can see where the hinged seats would trap a little crud but it sure would cut down on any cushions blowing out while trailering. One of the things I really like about the Sea Rays is the concealed storage for the cooler regardless of where it is. The Crownlines had it shoved under a rear seat where it was not only visible but the sun would hit it as well. I also believe the 260 has a deeper cockpit than the 240 which would be nice.

Dislikes....the helm. I don't like the dark color & prefer the simpler layout on the 240. The double bimini just looks like more work to get some shade. The price.....mentioned numerous times here... you just can't beat the bang for the buck on a 240 :thumbsup:
 
SeaRide said:
Doesn't make sense unless SR is making the aft bimini an option as a way to cut costs. The large single bimini with the side brace from the 240SD and previous 260SD was more functional in my opinion.
Click to expand...

Charlie

I think they went to the dual bimini to allow rear seat passengers the choice to get some sun instead of having to lay in the bow. The rear facing seat on the transom probably drove that decision as well. However my personal preference would have been a single bimini as well.

Dave
 
I saw the 2010 a few weeks ago:

Dual Bimini's - I think it just looks odd. The sales guy told me that the area it is covering is too big for a single bimini so they had to have 2. So it must be longer from windshield to transom?
Floor locker storage has been reduced a lot, they put starboard as the floor and sides both forward and aft and it is probably half the depth it was on the 240.
Cooler - it seemed smaller and I think it would be more inconvenient to get a drink out of it now that it is tucked so far under the sink. When it was under the helm you just had to pull it forward a few inches to open it
Bow cushion storage - molded and it is a lot smaller...the same areas are huge on the current 240
Garbage can under the bow back rest - This is just not right under the sink in the 240 was perfect

Pros:
Engine access is amazing a lot more room around the engine this is a huge improvement over current 240.
Hinged cushions.. I just like this seems easier
Aft transom seat...I would buy the boat just for this feature

Overall I think the look of the boat is a big improvement over the original 260 design
 
I watched the video. Also the video for the 290SD.

A few thoughts:

1) A 5L engine seems mighty small for a boat this size. . and the top speed of 43mph, with cruise at 27mph/3500 rpm reflect that. On the Searay website, it appears most of the propulsion options feature the 5L. To me, I would think the 350mag would be a minimum power plant, and I am surprised not to see a 496.

2) I don't understand the rear rumple seats. Is it actually safe to use these while under way? The way I drive. . .anyone back there would wind up in the drink as soon every time I mashed the throttles. (maybe that isn't an issue with a 5L engine. . . .). I am sure the seats are great when on the hook. . but they sure chew up the precious cockpit space.

3) Not a huge fan of the blocky angular seats; particularly on the 290SD. The sliding p***enger lounger seat back on the 290SD, however, is to DIE for. That would be really, really useful.

4) Are aft hinged storage bays on the bow wise? If you tried to open those with the boat moving. . .I forsee trouble.

Honestly. . .I guess I need to see these boats up close and personal. I wasn't feeling the love here.

Now the 290SS. . . HUBBA HUBBA :) I tell you what. . .you would be amazed at what an extra foot of beam does for a boat :)
 
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