1981 260 is equivelent to a 2008 what?

[cwiert]

Hi...
I grew up in a Sea Ray boating family. We had a '78 or '79 22 footer i believe, and then went to a 1981 260. I loved that boat. So much room inside for a 26 footer. Anyway, if you were to compare that boat with a newer model, would you equate it to a newer 280 Sundancer? By looking at pics only, it seems like the new 280s are most like the older 260s. I'm assuming its because the swim platforms are now considered in the overall legnth.
Just curious. Any thoughts?

 

[JOHN R.316]

Sea Ray boats have a way of growing up! A old ''260'' became a ''268'' became ''270'' became ''290'' I had a 1988 ''300DA'' became ''310DA'' became ''330DA'' became ''340DA'' became ''380DA'' I now own a ''350DA'' which was a ''340DA'' became ''350DA'' became ''370DA'' became ''380DA'' is now ''400DA''
A little bigger a little wider!

 

[keokie]

Well, in LOA the 1981 260 is similar to the current 260. In fairness, the current 260 is a little wider. The whole swim platform thing seems to have run it's course and lengths are more accurate again.

There are some differences in how space is used. For example, the 1981 260 put more of it's LOA in the cabin which allowed room for a separate dinette. The current 260 puts more space in the cockpit which makes it more comfortable when used as a day boat.

 

[KRB64]

I've wondered the same thing. And also how storage, ergonomics and usability have changed or evolved. Are the newer boats better at this or has form won over function?