jmeng

I know there are a couple of 260 owners on the board and would appreciate some answers and opinions. I'll (hopefully) be buying a boat this winter. Looking for something 26 - 28', late model, low hour, used or new leftover. Been thinking about a lot of different models but I keep coming back to the Sonic. Seems like you can get a lot of boat for the price. I know they have great cabins but what about the cockpit. Is there enough room to stand up behind the bolsters? What about leg room when your sitting on the bench? What kind of performance can I expect with 502 or 496HO? Interested in top end and cruising speed (3500 - 3700 rpm).

Mark in So. MD

jmeng, as far as cockpit, definietly enough room to stand up behind the bolsters and there is plenty of leg room. As far as performance, i just sold my 2001 260 which had a 502 and my top speed was 67mph, i have heard from a reliable source that the HOs go 68mph. I cruised about 50 or so and that was about 4000 i guess, cant really remember exactly, someone will chine in and help with that though.

All and all, a great boat, just too slow for me, a cat is my next boat. Hope this helps, have fun.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

jmeng, do a search in the past 4 months or so in this forum. There are several posts with A LOT of info on the 260 Prowler. I have inputted on most of them about my 1999 260 Prowler with an HP500EFI. You will love the boat. I guarantee it. Also, check out my member gallery under the photos section to see what a 260P looks like airborne (mine).

jmeng

Thanks for the info. I've read every post I can find on the 260. The cockpit room was the thing that had me the most concerned. In some of the pictures that I had it looked pretty small.

Prowler

jmeng, I have a 98 Prowler I custom ordered from the factory, (wife sent a sketch of the paint job we wanted & they matched it). We love the boat. What are you planning on doing in the cockpit? It does seem smaller than some, but thats because the sun deck is much larger than most boats in the size range. You can stand behind the bolsters but if you want people sitting in the back bench at the same time, make sure they like each other You can sit in the back comfortably, no matter how tall, (unless your a pro basketball player) your knees sure won't hit the front bolsters. As for cruising, I can't help you out much because I have a 250 B&M blower on mine. I can tell you the faster you go the better the boat rides!!
It's a very safe feeling ride, no chinewalk at all, ever!!! don't tell anybody but, you really don't even have to hang on the steering wheel with the speedo pegged on 80 . So I like my non stepped traditional hull alot to say the least. She may be slower, than alot of boats with my comparable power, because of her weight and no steps, but I like to feel like I'm doing 30 mph when I'm actually doing 70+++ and everyone doesn't have to hang on for dear life. Hope this helps

jmeng

Prowler

Thanks for the info. As far as what I want to do in the cockpit, I just want to make sure 5 - 6 people can ride fairly comfortably and if the water gets rough they can stand up instead of sitting on the bench. I keep hearing people saying that the Sonic is slower than other boats in its size range but it it's running 67 - 69 with a 502 or 496 HO that puts it right there with other big single engine boats. As far as steps I'd just as soon have a traditional straight V

Prowler

I forgot to mention that the cockpit looks smaller also because of the walk around (you can walk around the entire boat). It's a great feature that you'll love. It looks deceiving because of that but, since it has a 102" beam, that pretty much makes up for it since most other boats have a narrower beam by 6" or more. You should fit 5 very comfortably, but 6 will fit.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

jmeng, I definately second everything Prowler said. I am 6'2; and have no problems in the cockpit or the cabin.

GO4BROKE

iTrader: (1)

As for Sonic building slow hulls, that seems to be a popular mis-conception. I raced a non-step Fountian 32 signature w/525's with a 31SS with 525's and beat it by about 2-3mph. You should have heard the excuses at the dock afterward!