265-268 Express

One of the more offshore-capable boats in her class, the trailerable 265 Express is best known for her jackshaft power system — although outboard power was also offered — and exceptional headsea performance. Construction and finish are above average throughout. Standard features include bait boxes, tackle locker, removable fish box, and a functional cabin with a convertible V-berth/dinette, galley, and enclosed head. In the jackshaft model, the engine is mounted amidships and the engine is connected to the Duo-Prop outdrive via the jackshaft. With the engine located under the bridge deck, service access is especially good. After many years of production as the 265 Express, Albemarle designers reworked the hull in 2003, reducing the transom deadrise from 24 to 21 degrees in an effort to introduce greater low-speed stability to the slender hull. The boat's center-engine location keeps the cockpit free of the intrusive engine box common to most sterndrive boats. Called the 268 Express since 2003, a single 7.4L Volvo DuoProp gas engine will cruise in the mid 20s (30+ knots top). A single 285hp Volvo diesel tops out in the mid 30s.