I just bought a 1999 velocity 260 with a mercury 500 bulldog and bravo one drive I paid $25000 which I thought was a good deal the boat doesnt have tabs are they something I should look into getting and any other info that is nice to know about the 260 would be greatly appricated.

Sounds like a good buy. Does it have full hydraulic steering? If not, then I would add that first, then tabs. I put Eddie Marine 24" on my 280 and they made a world of difference. I boat in alot of confused water so tabs are a big +

Frank

I agree with hydraulic steering first, it will need the precise feel when running at the speeds you should be able to achive.
Tabs would be secondary. If running in sloppy conditions you will miss them but in a little chop or flat water its no problem.
In the Atlantic I used tabs a lot now I live on the St. Johns river in Fla and use them rairley.
Sounds like a great buy if all is in nice condition.
Good luck with the new toy and welcome to the family.