There
was actually nothing new about the pickle-fork concept as the Lake Como boat builder
Renato Molinari popularized them on the international racing circuit 40 years ago.
But what made the Four Winns SL 262 “revolutionary” is that they were the first
builder to sire a completely new breed of sportboat – one that had far higher freeboard
so that it would be comfortable, safe and very dry in big water. The designers brought
its hard chines forward to give it incredible stability on a 8’6” trailerable beam,
a huge forward bowriding area, and also more interior volume in the helm and head
area. BoatTEST.com debuted its videos of the SL 262 over a year ago, but now Four
Winns has introduced its own spectacular commercial video which captures the romance
and excitement of this breath-taking new design. We urge you to take a look at it
whether or not you are interested in a sportboat because it shows you how exciting
boat design can be when someone thinks out of the box (or in this case, the old
hull shape).
See Four Winns commercial
video of SL 262…
See BoatTEST.com's captain’s video take on
the SL 262 video with performance numbers…
Read Captain Ron Svoboda’s report on
the SL 262 and see detailed pictures…
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|
When Four Winns first introduced this radical pickle-fork design it was hailed
as “revolutionary” for sportboats. |
Cool Design and High Comfort Level
By Captain Ron Svoboda
When Four Winns unveiled their new boat to me, it was still in the prototype stage.
But it ran. And boy did it look wild. The SL 262 stands for “sport luxury” and this
boat covers those bases well. At 26 feet 6 inches long and weighing 5350 pounds
empty, the 262’s hull has the right foundation for a high-end runabout.
She comes with a bowrider front end that converts into one of the coolest playpens
I’ve ever seen, and has a cockpit that is pretty sharp too. While at the stern,
the SL 262 has a big, beam width swim platform, making it a water baby's dream. The
platform includes a soft rubber mat and a recessed, four-rung swim ladder.
The transom
features a small observer’s seat to port with access to the fresh water shower and
the stereo remote. A wide sun pad sits atop the transom and shares the space with
a walk through to starboard. Four Winns added a lot of class to this area by adding
a beautiful, acrylic gate that looks like thick glass. It uses magnetic catches
to secure it in both open and closed positions, a really cool touch.
Cockpit Layout
Inside the lavish cockpit an L-shaped lounge to port provides seating for at least
eight guests and offers the use of an oval snack table. There are storage compartments
below the seats and one of them converts into a little lounger. Directly across
from this lounger is a small single seat with easy access to a removable, insulated
beverage cooler that tucks under the seat. An optional mini-sink can be ordered
and is situated very cleanly into the starboard side gunwale.
The helm is another
classy item that sets this boat apart from the norm. The dash is covered in hand
stitched leather, and the steering wheel and trim panels are real wood, coated in
a beautiful high-gloss finish. All the buttons and accessory switches are done in
a classic, aero motif.
I loved the look, but struggled a bit with figuring out what
switches did what, as labeling and functions were not as cool as the looks. The
helm seat was great though. Nice and wide, with thick padding and a useful flip-up
bolster pad. The companion side gets the same deluxe seating as the captain, plus
access to a glove box in which to store small items and keep them dry.
Behind the
glove box console is a private head compartment with Porta-Potti. It’s a bit tight
for tall people, but is a great feature to have when entertaining guests.
Plush
Seating All Around
Up front is a square nosed bow with extravagant, wrap-around
seating. Articulating bow cushions lift to expose a wealth of storage space below.
The whole area converts into a comfortable sun pad by simply installing one board
and two filler cushions. At the leading edge of the boat, (there is no forepeak),
beach landings are aided by the square snout’s concealed ladder, and by a small
swim platform that supplies ample footing while boarding or when working the anchor.
Driving the SL 262 made me feel like royalty. So just for ego’s sake this runabout
delivers the status you're seeking. The boat's distinctive styling may not be for
everyone, but I bet the 262 will be a huge success.
One of the first hardtops (optional)
we have seen on a bowrider. |
Table can be placed in the cockpit or the bow. |
When
not configured as a playpen, the bow is conventional but much wider. |
See BoatTEST.com’s
complete test of the Four Winns SL 262 here.
