Tested by Capt. Bob Smith

Genmar and Larson introduced their new lineup for 2004 at the Vinoy in St. Petersburg, FL recently and invited us along to test one of their latest models of cruisers. The 260 Cabrio was a queen to us, both in performance and in amenities, especially when the summer rains decided to descend upon us as we were shooting the final part of the video. The on-board air conditioning made the hour and a half wait much more pleasant!

Cockpit Layout

We stepped onboard using the optional extended swim platform. After passing through a transom door you enter a large entertainment area with lots of seating. This area can be converted into a number of different seating arrangements to accommodate lounging, cruising or entertaining. The aft bench seat can be totally stored away in a pocket behind a vinyl cover to broaden the area at the stern. The port side seating can be set up for either back-to-back seating or it can be flattened out to become a huge sun lounging area. A big 25-quart cooler stores away under the port bench for easy access to cool beverages while cruising the beach lines.

Over on the starboard side, this model had a wet bar just behind the helm station bucket seat with a nested cooler just aft of that for more room to keep cold beverages and cold cuts. The port side bench next to the helm station has a sculpted back facing the stern so you can lounge away while the helmsperson takes you to your next destination.

Helm

At the helm, instruments are mounted high to give full view to all critical indicators while underway. Wood accents and rocker switches give a clean, upscale look to the helm. Topping this station is a shallow chart box with clear acrylic lid and a compass was mounted just to the right on my test boat. Just to the right of the wood accent tilt wheel, Genmar’s First Mate system stands ready to serve you. Below and to the right is a 12vdc adapter to keep the portable equipment charged and a cup holder for the driver. To the left of the wheel is room for flat panel displays to be added as you desire.

You can access the bow of the boat through three steps up the sculpted companionway door and through a flip over sturdy windshield.

Accommodations Below

Going below, you enter your paradise away from the elements. I really liked the way Larson angled the V-berth to one side and has the front portion of the bed flipped up for day use with a table and facing bench. This gives you room for two adults to stretch out on the bed at night without one having their legs hang over the end. The galley is mounted portside and included a cook top, sink with pull out sprayer, coffee maker, microwave and refrigerator along with lots of storage. The full wet head was mounted just behind the helm station on the starboard side of the boat and boasted the same headroom as the spacious cabin has. Another berth with queen sized bed is located under the cockpit and is entered from the port side of the cabin. According to my cameraman, this cabin was plenty comfortable to sleep in, as he personally tested it during our extended rain delay.

Specs

This regal ride comes in at 26’6” length overall and 8’10” in beam. She carries a weight of 5,850 lbs on a deadrise of 20 degrees. Her modified V hull can carry up to 84 gallons of fuel, and her fresh water capacity is 19 gallons with a waste capacity of 12 gallons before looking for the pump out station. Her maximum draft of 36” will get you into many favorite places and her interior headroom of 6’3” won’t have you bent over the entire time you are below. She gives you an option of eight different power plant packages from either MerCruiser or Volvo.

Performance

The 260 Cabrio handled easily around the marina and I was able to easily dock the boat in an oncoming storm without help. Underway, she was just as nimble and handled with the confidence of a larger cruiser. This 26-footer jumped on plane in only 2.2 seconds and was passing the 30 miles per hour mark in only 5.2 seconds. She cruised along at 3000 rpms and achieved 33.5 mph burning 9.1 gallons per hour. The 260 topped out at 49.4 mph burning 21.8 gallons per hour. With her 84 gallon fuel tank, you can expect to travel about 280 miles at 3000 rpms and 173 miles with her running wide open at 4400 rpms. Sound levels were acceptable at a low of 63 and a high of 93 dBa.

This modified Deep-V stepped hull is a capable family cruiser that is a great choice for those extended trips you have been planning. If you are ready for the longer trips but want to have more confidence and comfort underway, the 260 Cabrio with her wide beam and enhanced interior could be the right choice for you.

• Top speed for the Larson Cabrio 260 is 38.1 MPH (61.3 KPH), burning 24.3 gallons per hour (GPH) or 91.98 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Larson Cabrio 260 is 25.6 MPH (41.2 KPH), and the boat gets 2.56 miles per gallon (MPG) or 1.09 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 194 miles (312.21 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 280-hp Volvo Penta 5.7Gi gas sterndrive.

Larson Cabrio 260 Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
Air Cond./Heat
Battery Charger/Converter
CD Stereo	Sirius Satellite Radio
Head: Fixed
Power Steering
Shore Power
Trim Tabs
TV/DVD
Water Heater
Galley
Coffeemaker
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stove
Exterior Features
Arch: Electronics
Carpet: Cockpit
Ice Chest
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Transom Shower
Wet bar
Canvas
Camper Back
Cockpit Cover
Boats More Than 30 Feet
Generator

= Standard = Optional