2026 Sportsman Heritage 261 Center Console

This is a boat that lets you cover Tampa Bay comfortably in the morning, settle into a sandbar in the afternoon, and still have the confidence to run home when conditions change.

Many owners at this stage are tired of choosing between fishability and family comfort, or between offshore confidence and inshore convenience. The Heritage 261 replaces those tradeoffs with a layout that works equally well around St. Pete, Clearwater, and Sarasota without feeling oversized or underbuilt.

Twin Yamaha F200 outboards deliver balanced power and redundancy, which matters when you're running farther or carrying family aboard. A deep 22° deadrise at the transom softens chop common in the Bay and nearshore Gulf, while the wide beam keeps the boat settled at rest. The dual 12" Garmin displays, digital switching, and integrated systems reduce helm workload so you spend less time managing systems and more time using the boat. Seakeeper Ride adds automatic trim and pitch control, helping the boat stay level as conditions or load change.

Comfort is built in, not added on. The electric bow sun deck converts quickly between seating, table, and lounge. Dual premium helm chairs, a flip-flop aft bench, and shaded cockpit seating make longer days easier for everyone onboard. The enclosed console with porcelain head and pump-out supports full-day use without planning stops.

Thunder Marine backs this Heritage 261 with local knowledge, delivery support, and long-term service access, so ownership stays simple after the excitement of purchase fades.

Meet with Thunder Marine to walk through this exact configuration, understand how it fits Tampa Bay's use, and review delivery and long-term support. Contact for Pricing.

Ownership with Thunder

• Local rigging, delivery, and walkthrough focused on Tampa Bay conditions

• Clear service access and warranty support after delivery

• Guidance on setup, electronics, and seasonal use

• A long-term relationship, not a handoff at closing

Key Specs

• Length Overall: 26' 6"

• Beam: 9' 5"

• Draft (Engine Up): 22"

• Deadrise at Transom: 22°

• Fuel Capacity: 182 gal

• Usable Fuel Capacity: 164 gal

• Freshwater Capacity: 20 gal

• Dry Weight: 5,668 lbs

• Bridge Clearance w/ Top: 9' 4"

• Passenger Capacity: Yacht Certified

• Number of Engines: 2

• Engine Make & Model: Yamaha F200XSA

Features

Helm & Electronics

• Dual Garmin 12" GPSMAP displays for clear navigation and sonar without screen clutter

• Garmin VHF radio and thru-hull transducer for reliable communication and bottom tracking

• Digital switching system simplifies control and reduces wiring complexity

• Wireless phone charging and USB/USB-C power keep devices secured and usable underway

Seating & Comfort

• Electric bow sun deck converts between seating, table, and lounge to match the day

• Dual premium helm chairs with slide and swivel for comfortable long runs

• Flip-flop aft bench supports cruising or cockpit-facing use at anchor

• Hardtop with integrated lighting and windshield vent for airflow and shade

Fishing & Utility

• Dual 16-gallon aquarium livewells support live bait without crowding the cockpit

• Macerated in-deck fish boxes for clean storage and easy washdown

• Raw and freshwater washdowns simplify cleanup after fishing or sandbar days

• Under-gunnel rod storage and flush-mount holders keep decks clear

Hull & Deck

• Twin side entry doors with ladders improve water access and dockside boarding

• Integrated swim platforms with dual ladders for safer reboarding

• Windlass with anchor and rode for controlled anchoring

• Self-bailing cockpit and advanced fiberglass stringer system for durability and confidence