They Cast: The Seastrike 260B is as complete a fishboat as there is in this class-plus it’s fast enough for wakeboarding and spacious and stable for diving. ** **
We Cast: The 260B is one of the few center consoles this size to incorporate a berth inside the console-canyon overnighter, anyone? This is Seastrike’s largest offering, and it makes a splash on the fishing scene with four integrated fishboxes and a total fish-hauling capacity of 143 gallons. The largest box lies insulated under the foredeck and drains directly overboard. The bow pulpit has a roller and enough length to keep the hook away from the hullsides gel coat. Fishing features include a 26-gallon livewell, four gunwale-mounted rodholders, coaming bolsters, fresh- and raw-water washdowns, under-gunwale rodracks, and six rocket launchers. The T-top on my test boat wasn’t as stiff as I like to see them but Seastrike says it’ll beef them up. The boat’s support system comprises foam-filled fiberglass stringers, bonded to the hull. The hull-to-deck joint is sealed with fiberglass putty and through-bolted. I found a spring strut on the rigging station hatch and a standpipe drain in the livewell. ****
Who Will Fish It: Anglers looking for good bang for their buck and a mini cabin inside the console. ****
Another Choice: Sailfish’s 2660 CC costs a few grand more with the same power and claims a 60-mph top end. ****
The Numbers: $73,000.
Contact: 954/566-6320, www.seastrikeboats.com.
