Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions

Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
Battery Charger/Converter
CD Stereo
Head: Fixed
Power Steering
Shore Power
Trim Tabs
Washdown: Fresh Water
Washdown: Raw Water
Windlass
Exterior Features
Hardtop
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Transom Door

= Standard = Optional

Comfort, Performance, and Fishability Make up the Everglades 260 CC

By Capt. Bob Smith

New for 2006 is Everglades 260 Center Console. This exciting new model is much like the popular 290 Pilot I tested last year, except this one is a bit smaller and easier to manage. From the RAMCAP production that nearly insures an unsinkable boat to the generous fishing amenities, this boat is all about fishing….hardcore fishing.

Bow Features

The bow area of the 260CC is well organized with benches on both sides and a forward anchor locker. Storage under the seats can handle most of the gear you’ll bring on board. Behind the seats are lockers for rods to keep them organized and out of sight.

The forward 129-gallon capacity fish locker has a pump-out for easy cleaning, and gunwales around the 260 are wide and topped with aggressive grip surfaces, powder-coated rails, and pull-up cleats to keep the lines fair. In the front of the center console are signature Everglades seats with room for two, complete with headrests and grab rails for safety. Other than behind the wheel, these are the prime seats on board.

Complete Helm

The helm is truly designed for comfort, starting with the plush padded console seat. Our boat had the Honda engine digital gauges, which let you keep a close eye on the engines performance. A large space for flush mounted electronics is just behind the wheel, and the power-assisted hydraulic steering made handling smooth, even in the rough water.

Inside the center console is the head compartment, which has a deep-V design and provides a generous amount of headroom. It’s complete with a standard china toilet with macerator and holding tank, some storage for small items, and offers easy access to the connections for the electronics on the dash.

The T-top gave us a welcome cover from the Miami sun, and it also added more rocket launcher rod holders, trolling gear options, and more room for electronics.

More Fishing Features

The leaning post workstation is very impressive and easy to work with. The boat has more signature Everglades seating, a fire extinguisher properly placed where the captain can get to it immediately, and the sides have Plano tackle boxes. The back of the leaning post is bait central. Knife and tool organizers are placed across the top, keeping tips and blades safely away. To the right is a small sink to rinse off and to the left a cutting board top to prepare the bait. In the center is the 55-gallon baitwell with clear top and magnetic catch to hold it open while dipping bait from the well. The well has rounded sides and blue lights to keep the bait calm and lively.

Cockpit Layout

The aft cockpit is the prime casting space. Here you’ll fine three-rod storage racks, and under the gunwales is a stainless steel toe-kick board to anchor your feet while fighting a big fish. Coaming pads are also standard on this model. In the floor is a 66-gallon fish box with pump-out.

The aft bench is a real work of art. It deploys down easily, tips back up to add casting space, and when you need to check the batteries it flips-up from the bottom to reveal them neatly organized in a tray, and well out of the bilges. This is a very innovative and smart use of space. Another good use of space is the slide-out Igloo cooler drawer located in the port corner. On top of the stern wall is another station to prepare fish or more bait, and it has an overboard drain for easy clean up. Rounding out this cockpit is the lockable transom door, which is always useful, especially when hauling in a big catch.

Specifications

The 260CC has the same beam width as the 290CC and measures only 2 feet shorter at 26’ 7”. She weighs 4,700 pounds and carries 200 gallons of fuel and 25 gallons of water. When you want to drift close to the shallow running fish, the draft on this model is 20” with the outboards trimmed up.

Performance and Ride

Testing was a bit challenging after the Miami show simply because so many other boats were tearing up the water around us, but it allowed me to see just how dry a ride this 260 is, and how well she cuts the waves. Our test boat got up on plane in 4.4 seconds and was able to reach 30 mph in 7.6 seconds. She topped out at 51.4 mph at 6000 rpm, and cruised most economically at 3000 rpm running 25.3mph for a range of 432 miles.

The 260CC is well poised for success with great performance, good fishability features, and solid design. She delivered a great ride, which was both dry and comfortable. I believe this boat will serve the fishing family for many years.

Line drawing coming soon...