1981 260SXL / 260Vanguard XL

[Avenger]

I wanted to share a few pics of my 260 SXL. From what I know they are a fairly rare breed. This boat belonged to my dad (CSR Member26SXL) who passed away last year from pancreatic cancer. I was fortunately able to inherit his beloved boat and plan to hold on to it for a very long time.This model has twin factory 260's, drop down bolsters, and low windshield and bow rails. We found this boat back in the early 2000's sitting in a storage barn by Detroit Metro Airport. It had been sitting for at least 10 years and one of the engines was cracked due to incorrect winterization. Other than that the boat was dirty but in really good condition. At the time the boat only had 250hrs on it, more or less a time capsule. It was a really special find in that this was identical(within 2 serial #'s) to the first 26 SXL that he owned. The first one he bought in the mid-late 80's, basically totaled from coming of its lift in a storm on Grand Traverse Bay. He repaired the boat to new condition over a winter and at that time I remember it being one of the largest boats running on Torch Lake. When I reached 14 he would let me take it out by myself and you can imagine the feeling. Unfortunately my parent’s marriage ended in divorce and the boat and our lake house was sold.

Now, a few decades later my dad’s boat resides at my home on Torch Lake in Northern, Mi. It has been a great way to carry on my father’s legacy by living on the lake and giving his grand kids the same experience he gave to us. Albeit, I had to give up being on the open water and my big sea ray to afford this but seeing my kids playing in the water and doing what I did growing up is priceless.

 

[kybishop]

That is a nice looking boat. It must indeed be a rare model as you do not see them often.

It has the same interior color and style as our 1982 210 CC and 1982 260 DA. They are very well built boats during this time period, heavy and well laid out.

I was fortunate enough to have the 1982 210 Cuddy kind of fall in my lap at the time. It was in 2007 and came up for sale on the dock that we kept the 1982 DA. It was for sale by the original owner who took meticulous care of it, practically looked brand new. Anyway, times were a bit better for us government workers then and I was able to buy it. Now I just try to keep her in as good shape as he did and use it when I can.

Looks like you will have a lot of fun with it and create some great family memories. Thanks for sharing the pictures, it is a nice looking boat with nice lines. Reminds me a bit of the 260 weekender.

 

[Saverio]

I had a 31 vanguard same colors!!!! very heavy solid boat with twin 340's it would barley hit 20

 

[Avenger]

I had a 31 vanguard same colors!!!! very heavy solid boat with twin 340's it would barley hit 20

The 31 Vanguard is a nice beamy boat. I've seen GPS 55 out of this one.

 

[vernh59]

Nice boat and a cool story to go with it.

 

[SCORPIO]

My last boat was a 1982 260 SXL, mine had a single 260 OMC and was a bit underpowered. I can't imagine how cramped that bilge is with twin small blocks! I'll bet it flys though. That boat was ahead of its time in styling. Only problem was the cuddy wasn't big enough for my growing family.
I think I read that Sea Ray made fewer than 300 SXL's during the 1981-83 production run.
Enjoy that classic!