Sea Cat merged the best of a bay boat and an offshore catamaran, creating the Sea Cat 260 Hybrid.
There is more than 100 years’ combined experience in building high-performance offshore-racing boats under their roof, and they use a lamination schedule formulated by one of the industry’s top naval-engineering firms.
Sea Cat 260 Hybrid
Catamaran hulls come in pairs, but so do other features in the Sea Cat 260 hybrid: two fuel tanks of 60 gallons each, two livewells at 25 gallons per, as well as a pair of Suzuki outboards—up to 600 hp combined—each served by its own fuel tank and battery.
We drove one, and the ride is exemplary. Draft is a shallow 14 inches, ideal for bay fishing while using a bow-mount trolling motor. It planes easily on one of its dual outboards and is happiest in a brisk chop, ably sliding through it, giving the passengers a terrific ride. Then while fishing, it’s as steady as a Falcon 9 landing barge.
It has at least two distinctive skill sets too: fishing inshore or heading offshore. Of survey respondents, 77 percent fished inshore species in the previous year, 54 percent offshore. That’s a substantial overlap.
An aft foldaway seat meets the needs of 44 percent of offshore CC anglers. It’s flanked by a pair of lighted 25-gallon pressurized livewells, enough to please 96 percent of those surveyed. Six gunwale-mounted rod holders match or exceed what 68 percent need.
The massive bow fishing platform tops cavernous storage compartments. In-deck fish boxes in wide passages between helm and gunwale are 7 feet long. One can become a rod locker with an added rack; the other can be divided for more-efficient ice use.
Fishing-friendly options include a fiberglass T-top, custom helm seating housing a custom tackle station, a (third) forward livewell, rod-locker seating with backrest, additional rod holders and T-top rocket launchers, and Llebroc bow cushions and bolsters, for the 40 percent who call it important in a CC fishing boat. Other options include MinnKota factory-installed trolling motor, Wet Sounds speakers, and Garmin or Simrad electronics.
With the twin Suzuki 300 hp motors that Sea Cat recommends, the 260 Hybrid tops out in the mid-60s mph.
Survey Says: On Target
- Massive and flexible storage for fish and gear
- Top-quality hardware, hinges, latches and cleats
- Good fuel efficiency for long range with dual Suzuki outboards
Owners Say
- There is a place for everything, and everything is in its place
Brand Says
- A dream come true for everyone involved
- A unique hybrid
Reader Response
- “Smooth riding in rough waters, roomy for fishing”
Specs
LOA: 26′
Beam: 8′6″
Fuel Capacity: 120 gal.
Dry Weight: 4,900 lb. plus power
Max HP: 600
More Info
seacatboats.com, (228) 206-4042