261 Center Console

One of Mako’s more popular models for many years, the 261 Center Console is a trailerable offshore fisherman with a no-nonsense layout and superb open-water handling characteristics. Heavily built on a solid fiberglass deep-V hull, the 261 delivers one of the more comfortable rides available in a boat this size. The cockpit can handle a mounted chair, and there’s a large enclosure in the console for electronics. Storage is excellent with three big fish boxes forward and two in-deck compartments flanking the console. Additional features include recessed trim tabs, lift-out fish boxes at the transom corners, plenty of rod storage, and wide, flat gunwales all around. A factory T-top was a popular option and most were equipped with a leaning post with rocket launchers. On the downside, there’s no room in the small console for a portable head. Twin 200hp Yamahas will deliver top speeds in the neighborhood of 42–44 knots and an efficient cruising speed of 28 knots. Range is excellent, around 250–275 miles. A sistership model, the Mako 261B, is basically the same boat with a full transom and bracket-mounted outboards.