260 Express

Introduced in 1996, the 260 Express marked a departure from earlier 26-footers from Shamrock in that she rides on an all-new hull with a wider beam and increased flare at the bow. Retained, however, is Shamrock’s exclusive Keel-Drive system with its single-inboard power and protected running gear—a time-tested design based on a full length keel married to a modified-V hull. While there are some compromises in this hull configuration (the inboard’s weight and the drag of the keel detract from performance), the added security of knowing that the Shamrock can survive a run-in with the bottom without damage is persuasive. The cockpit of the 260 Express is set up for entertaining or fishing with an L-shaped settee on the bridge deck and a livewell, cutting board and sink built into the transom. The cabin, which is nicely finished, includes a small galley, good headroom, four opening ports and an enclosed head. Engine access, via a hatch in the bridge deck floor, could be better. A stable fishing platform with good range, a standard 5.7-liter gas inboard will cruise the 260 Express at 17 knots and reach a top speed of around 26 knots.