Open-bow runabouts have long been a staple of the marine industry as boaters continue to embrace their passenger-friendly layouts, sporty styling and spirited performance. Bowriders once had a reputation for being utilitarian boats with lots of passenger seating but few creature comforts. With the 260, however, Sea Ray took passenger comfort to the next level by including a lockable head compartment in the portside helm console—unusual in a boat of this size in the late 1990s. Built on a solid fiberglass deep-V hull, the 260 Bowrider’s trailerable 8-foot, 6-inch beam provides a roomy cockpit with swivel bucket seats forward and an aft bench seat with storage under. Just behind the rear seat is a sun pad that lifts on gas-assist struts for access to the engine compartment. Forward, inserts convert the bow seats into a second sun pad. The burled helm of the Sea Ray 260 is a sporty touch, and the integrated swim platform conceals a stainless steel boarding ladder. Additional features include a built-in ice chest, trash receptacle, ski locker, and tilt steering. A single 310hp MerCruiser sterndrive delivers a top speed of 35+ knots.