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
Power Steering
Washdown: Fresh Water
Washdown: Raw Water
Exterior Features
Ice Chest
Transom Door

= Standard = Optional

Calcutta 263 Best of Both Fishing Worlds…Catamaran and Center Console

By Capt. Rob Smith

At first glance you may be fooled into thinking the Calcutta 263 is just like any other center console. Not so, the 263 is a center console catamaran, which gives avid fisherman both the room and rugged performance they rely on during tournaments. Calcutta has been marketed in house until recently, but now the demand is so high, they are now building two models and sell through Three Rivers Marine so the company can concentrate on building boats that meet the high demand. These are 100% composite built boats that are built to last, and carry a 10-year hull warranty.

Before climbing on board, the guys from Calcutta pointed out the underside of the bow. The area between the hulls is designed as a foam filled crash compartment that will help keep this boat upright and safe if you ever do run head-long into an object (heaven forbid!). All the topside surfaces have an aggressive grip surface for sure footing as you struggle to boat the big one.

Bow Fishing Features

The bow casting deck has a raised toe rail that helps you find the edge before going over it without having to take your eyes off the rod tips. Gunwale tops have stainless hawsers to lead the lines cleanly through to stainless cleats in the walls. The light and the anchor cleat on the bow pop up when needed and stow away to keep the topside clear when fishing. Two lockers topside have a raised deck inside to hold the anchor and deep lockers to either side for hundreds of feet of line and room for fenders. Stepping on down is a 350 quart fishlocker for your catch or to store gear when you have to go back to the office. The piano hinge is currently riveted in place, but Calcutta is upgrading to a screwed in hinge, and adding additional insulation to the already insulated lid. Additional storage is located in the sole lockers at the bow.

Our rig had a T-top that adds protection from the elements and is set up to add outriggers. Sturdy 2-inch aluminum framework gives you great handholds when underway. The back had six rod holders, spreader lights, and the soft top had life jacket storage.

At the Control Station

The huge center console sufficient room inside for any storage may need, or even adding a Porta-Potti, if you take the family along. The batteries and battery switch are located at the back. I would rather have seen this at the door, so I would not have to move stuff around to reach it. The console dash offers good room to outfit the helm with all the electronics you’ll need to hunt down your favorite sportfish. Our test model had the Honda digital gauges, a VHF radio and a GPS 3210 mapping unit in it. A standard three spoke stainless wheel with speed knob and Teleflex Sea Star Hydraulic steering made handling near effortless. This system also had the liquid tie bar between the engines in case you run with only one engine of the twins. The padded leaning post has a 50-gallon bait well in the back, convenient to the aft casting deck.

Stern Features

Under the gunwales, you get plenty of room to add rod racks of your choice. Our test boat had indirect lighting by red rope lights, which is effective and unusual for a center console boat. The large fishboxes in the stern have the fuel/water separators inside as well as pumps in the lower end to clear out the box.

Unusual Transom Helps When Fishing

One of the most unusual things on board was the clever drop down stern wall on this boat. When you want the safety of a stern wall, flip it up out of the recessed sole and two locks will hold it in place. When diving or dragging a big fish on board, drop it down and you have a clear path from the port or starboard aft end to the cockpit.

Specifications and Ride

The Calcutta 263 Center Console measures 26 feet 3 inches length overall with a beam of 8 feet 6 inches. She weighs in at a light 2,800 lbs. without the engines, and only draws 13 inches with the outboards trimmed out of the water. The Calcutta 263 carries 126 gallons of fuel and is rated for a maximum of 260 horsepower outboards.

The 263 handled very smooth and delivered a dry ride even in the rough chop of boat show traffic. She had no difficulties driving through big wakes and did not crash through them like many mono hulls would. The 263 was on plane in just 3.2 seconds and up to 30 mph in 7 seconds. Best cruise was around 19.9 mph and she reached a maximum speed of 39.5 mph with the twin 90 horsepower Honda outboards.

For no-nonsense, serious fishing or diving, the Calcutta 263 has much to offer. Solid ride, power catamaran space and performance.

Line drawing coming soon...