260 Open

The 260 Open, one of Shamrock’s most popular models, is a trailerable offshore center console with an expansive cockpit and plenty of storage capacity. By far, the 260’s biggest selling point is her unique Keel-Drive hull with its full-length skeg keel and protected prop and rudder—a design that all but eliminates the possibility of damaging a prop or rudder in shallow water. Arguably the best-looking model built on this popular hull, the deck of the 260 Open is flush from stem to stern. Many anglers are drawn to the reliability and low maintenance that inboard power offers as well as the absence of an aft engine box or outboard engines—no lower units or propellers protruding beyond the transom that interrupt fishing. The engine is located under the steering console which flips up for easy service access. A circulating livewell is built into the transom, and the large forward deck conceals three large storage boxes, the forward two of which are removable. A modest (but dependable) performer, a standard 5.7-liter gas engine will cruise the 260 Open efficiently at 21 knots and reach a top speed of around 30 knots.