2008 260 vs 2006 280

[jrm005]

We are looking to upgrade (already) and were looking at the 260s with generators, a good size entry level cruiser for the family to overnight on our local lakes. But after reading and some feedback from the great members on the site, we started looking at 280s.

I know there are a lot of posts on this, but I wanted to get some updated thoughts on this as well as some updated thoughts on price. The 2008 260 was bought new in 2010 and has 25 hours on it, really great condition and still under warranty, the only thing we will need is bottom paint as we will wet slip. The 2006 280 has 150 hours on it and is in good condition, just needs some cleaning. (Of course both need a survey, etc).

First I would like your thoughts on 260 vs 280 in general.

Second, your thoughts on 2008 vs 2006 (newer vs older).

Finally, your thoughts on if $65K is too much for the 08 260 or $75 is too much for the 06 280. Neither come with trailers.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ch435]

I went from a 240 to a 280 and I can tell you the handling is far superior on my 280. That 9'6" beam vs the 8'6" (which is what a 260 has) makes a huge difference. It is so much more stable, handles rough water so much better.

I wouldn't let the age difference factor in too much. Both are fairly new, and how they were cared for is more important, and neither one really has that many hours.

Price is hard to gauge without knowing all the options they have, and how motivated the seller is. I have seen 280's in that year range from 50K-90K, but 75K seems to be around average for what many are asking in that age.

 

[jrm005]

I went from a 240 to a 280 and I can tell you the handling is far superior on my 280. That 9'6" beam vs the 8'6" (which is what a 260 has) makes a huge difference. It is so much more stable, handles rough water so much better.

I wouldn't let the age difference factor in too much. Both are fairly new, and how they were cared for is more important, and neither one really has that many hours.

Price is hard to gauge without knowing all the options they have, and how motivated the seller is. I have seen 280's in that year range from 50K-90K, but 75K seems to be around average for what many are asking in that age.

The 260 is pristine, as it was really never used. Used 4 times and kept in dry storage, nothing above it to leak. The 280 was stored in a wet slip and now is stored at the dealer on a trailer (for the past few months), needs a good detailing, especially on the vinyl, but seems to be in good condition.

As for options, they are both loaded. Generator, camper canvas, tv/dvd, gps, snap in carpet, windlass, etc. The 260 would need bottom paint, that is it.

 

[winnipesaukee280da]

These are two completely different boats. The only similarity is they are close in weight.

You didn't mention the engine/drive combo, but in general the 260 typically has a 350 MAG B3 which some consider marginal power when loaded with passengers. The 260 also has been noted for tender handling due to 21 degree deadrise, 8' 6" beam relative to its center of gravity. You need to use trim tabs a lot.
The 260 has a great cockpit layout and storage space. I think it's better for water sports.

The 280 has a 9'6" beam, either dual engines or a single 496, both provide good power. Twin screws give better handling around the dock. IMHO, the 280 lacks cockpit storage space and has an inconvenient fold down seat. Berth has separate dinette table, very different layout from 260.

They're both excellent boats. Try them in the water, and see which best fits your needs.

Good luck.

 

[jrm005]

These are two completely different boats. The only similarity is they are close in weight.

You didn't mention the engine/drive combo, but in general the 260 typically has a 350 MAG B3 which some consider marginal power when loaded with passengers. The 260 also has been noted for tender handling due to 21 degree deadrise, 8' 6" beam relative to its center of gravity. You need to use trim tabs a lot.
The 260 has a great cockpit layout and storage space. I think it's better for water sports.

The 280 has a 9'6" beam, either dual engines or a single 496, both provide good power. Twin screws give better handling around the dock. IMHO, the 280 lacks cockpit storage space and has an inconvenient fold down seat. Berth has separate dinette table, very different layout from 260.

They're both excellent boats. Try them in the water, and see which best fits your needs.

Good luck.

The 260 has Merc Cruiser 6.2 Sea Core, B3. The 280 has Twin 5.0 MPI. I did like the 260 cockpit layout better, but I liked the 280 separate dinette (as you mentioned on both).

Any thoughts as to value vs price?

 

[magster65]

They're completely different boats. The 260 is considered trailerable still where as the 280 is not with the wider beam. We need a permit to tow anything over 8'6" here... maybe your area too?
Since you're already looking at them... get the 280 now. If you go for the 260 you'll be trading it in within a year on the 280 anyways. :thumbsup:
Also, I think the 280 / 2 x 5.0's will outperform the 260 / 6.2...

 

[jrm005]

Trailering is not really a concern, as we are going to wet slip, and my truck will not handle either of these boats anyway.

We also want to take into consideration maintenance and upkeep costs, will they be that different?

 

[Groucho]

Your engine (s) will cost twice as much to maintain with twins...but frankly in the overall scheme of things will not be that much. I think you will be very happy with the 280 and the extra size.
Both prices are about right.

 

[magster65]

Yup... what Groucho says plus if you're going to have it at a slip... it's a no-brainer I think.

 

[Tonka Boater]

These folks are steering you to the 280 for good reason. It has a wider beam, larger cabin and it handles way better than the 260. The twins vs. single are a no brainer too. Price is right for both.

How long have you been looking? How many have you looked at? Don't get attached to either of these boats....if one of them works for you, great. If not, don't sweat it. Do your homework and look around. Patience pays off -- see this thread for an example.

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37050

 

[jrm005]

These folks are steering you to the 280 for good reason. It has a wider beam, larger cabin and it handles way better than the 260. The twins vs. single are a no brainer too. Price is right for both.

How long have you been looking? How many have you looked at? Don't get attached to either of these boats....if one of them works for you, great. If not, don't sweat it. Do your homework and look around. Patience pays off -- see this thread for an example.

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37050

Only been looking for about 2 weeks. Looked in person at the 2, but have reviewed a number of others online trying to find the right year/model, setup, option/feature set, hours, etc. Not in a hurry, but want to move when I find the right boat.

I have been reading about the handling, is it really that noticeable?

 

[winnipesaukee280da]

The 260 has Merc Cruiser 6.2 Sea Core, B3. The 280 has Twin 5.0 MPI. I did like the 260 cockpit layout better, but I liked the 280 separate dinette (as you mentioned on both).

Any thoughts as to value vs price?

I was almost in exactly the same position a few months ago. I was comparing a new leftover 2008 260 to a 2006 280. I can't comment on price, as so much has to do with condition and geographic region. On Lake Winnipesaukee in NH, we're geographically somewhat isolated and a pristine 2006 280 goes for about 90K. If you don't buy from the local dealer, you won't have a slip available.

I think the 280 is definitely the better boat and best engine choice. However, you mentioned you were in a lake, so the 260 will generally be more than seaworthy enough and you don't need twin engines for safety. I personally didn't like the handling of the 260 when I did a sea trial. I really liked the 280, but didn't think I could live with the cockpit, without wanting to trade up soon. I ended up going with a new 2010 280, which is somewhat of a merger of the two models in size and design. You know, I hadn't seen the new 310 until a couple of weeks ago, and thought it looked great. It had twin engines. I hope I don't end up with two footitis!

 

[Kendall]

We chose our 260 because the wife did not like the interior or exterior layout of the 280 when we were looking. These prices sound within reason but having been on both boats if I was gonna slip and not trailer I would want a 340 for Lake Wylie/Norman.

We love being able to trailer our 260 to the coast without too much pain. Our 260 is just right for us although I like both boats.

Kendall

 

[ch435]

I think you will notice a huge difference in handling. Hopefully you can get a trail on both to compare for yourself. The extra width on the beam really helps. I rarely use the trim tabs.

The twin 5.0's will be ample power. I have twin 4.3 bravo III's and feel they do well, I can only imagine 5.0's. I can get up to about 42-43 mph with mine.

As others said, if you're already contemplating the 280, do it now, so you won't feel the need to upgrade too soon. (I lasted almost 2 years with my 240)

 

[jrm005]

I think you will notice a huge difference in handling. Hopefully you can get a trail on both to compare for yourself. The extra width on the beam really helps. I rarely use the trim tabs.

The twin 5.0's will be ample power. I have twin 4.3 bravo III's and feel they do well, I can only imagine 5.0's. I can get up to about 42-43 mph with mine.

As others said, if you're already contemplating the 280, do it now, so you won't feel the need to upgrade too soon. (I lasted almost 2 years with my 240)

Well I was not considering a 280 until people started mentioning it, and then I started wondering if I was not thinking of something important. At some point we may like to trailer, but we cannot at this point, since we don't have a large enough truck. Handling and comfort is important, but so is maintenance and upkeep costs.

 

[ch435]

Well I was not considering a 280 until people started mentioning it, and then I started wondering if I was not thinking of something important. At some point we may like to trailer, but we cannot at this point, since we don't have a large enough truck. Handling and comfort is important, but so is maintenance and upkeep costs.

Ya, I can understand the maintenance aspect. It sounds like the only major added maintenance costs will be associated with having a second engine since they have they same equipment otherwise. Insurance may be a bit more too. So far, I have found it all worth it.

As far as trailering, I trailered my 240 everywhere quite easily. I will trailer the 280 once in a while up to Lake Superior, and back home to store for winter, otherwise, I plan to slip it on a local lake. My old 97 diesel seemed to pull it just fine though. I just have to get permits because of the 9'6" beam. (which I already did)

 

[jollymonsrv]

Ya, I can understand the maintenance aspect. It sounds like the only major added maintenance costs will be associated with having a second engine since they have they same equipment otherwise. Insurance may be a bit more too. So far, I have found it all worth it.

As far as trailering, I trailered my 240 everywhere quite easily. I will trailer the 280 once in a while up to Lake Superior, and back home to store for winter, otherwise, I plan to slip it on a local lake. My old 97 diesel seemed to pull it just fine though. I just have to get permits because of the 9'6" beam. (which I already did)

i have a 2004 260..bought it in 2006 with 35 hours on it..now 210 hrs. keep it wet slip..love the layout/cockpit/cabin...found the 280 old style..smaller cockpit..cramped cabin..but 1'wider looking@ 29-32' now...both boats are nice..you gotta be happy with your fianl decision. IMHO All the best