The Albemarle 262 is a trailerable sterndrive fisherman whose efficient center-mounted engine offered something different in the world of offshore center consoles. Introduced in 1998, the 262 is a relatively heavy boat for her size. Employing a six-foot jackshaft to deliver the power, her low center of gravity together with her aggressive deep-V hull (24 degrees aft deadrise) and heavy displacement result in a comfortable open-water ride. Standard features included an integral bow pulpit with roller, forward seating (with storage under), transom livewell, leaning post, tackle locker, removable in-deck fish box, bait boxes, fresh and raw water washdowns, trim tabs, and a console head compartment. The center-mounted engine location of the jackshaft model improves the boat’s overall handling characteristics and makes for a more stable fishing platform. No racehorse, the 262 will cruise in the low 20s with a 5.7L Volvo Duoprop. Those powered with a Volvo 260hp diesel cruise in the low to mid 20s. The outboard version—the Albemarle 260—will cruise in the mid 30s with twin 225hp bracket-mounted Mercury engines.