The Shearwater 260, the newest boat in Shearwater’s line, is a product of two years of development to establish a new standard in bay boats. Built by American Marine Sports in Groveland, Fla., the 260 includes more fishing-friendly and creature-comfort features than any other bay boat.
The large front deck houses two full-length, quick-draw, rod-storage boxes with tilt-up backrests built into the lids, and multiple storage compartments. The front deck can be converted into a fully padded lounge with cushions that are designed to allow access to storage compartments. A front-deck table easily slips into place and securely holds four drinks while relaxing.
The console is large enough to house a head. A raked-back T-top makes shade, and its frame has a ski-tow pivot at the rear. The leaning post has a large recess to allow for comfortable seating facing aft. The seating continues with flip-up seating for four adults at the forward edge of the stern platform.
Shearwater listened to fishermen’s concerns with electrical systems that combine wiring or use common batteries. Shearwater boats have three separate electrical systems: the boat-wiring system, the accessory wiring system and the trolling-wiring system. The outboard’s alternator sends current to the starting battery to keep it charged. When the starting battery is fully charged, a Voltage Sensitive Relay diverts current to the house battery so it can charge while moving between fishing spots. The trolling wiring system is isolated from the two other electrical systems.
The Shearwater 260 has a new, dual-step, high-performance, running-pad hull design. It blends with a Carolina-flared bow and classic transom to create a hull that is fast, dry and smooth and sets the base for a bay boat with a lot of fishability and versatility.
Shearwater’s construction process delivers a durable product that is flex free and free from worry. The high-pressure injection process begins with a structurally sound outer hull bonded to a matching inner hull; the space in-between is filled with 100-percent waterproof closed-cell, foam-injected under high pressure. Add a bottom layer of Kevlar in hull laminations and a composite transom, and the 260 is as tough as it looks good.
Specifications:
Overall length: 25-foot-8
Beam length: 8-foot-6
Fuel capacity: 75 gallons
Horsepower range: 300-400
Livewells: 1 in leaning post and 2 in aft deck,
Baitwells: 1 in aft deck,
100-percent composite construction
Limited lifetime warranty
