2014 Sea Ray Sundancer 260 Boat in Milwaukee, WI 53204 US

• 2014 Phoenix Tandem Axle Trailer

he 260 Sundancer is not a new model in the Tennessee builder’s well-loved stable of high-end sport and express-style cruisers—it’s been around for more than a decade— but the 260 has benefitted from recent upgrades like larger hullside windows, and new interior linen wall materials. More importantly, it’s a noteworthy boat in that you can reasonably sleep two couples aboard in a compact, trailerable, 26-foot package.

Sea Ray has long prided itself on the quality of its boats, and the Sundancer 260 is no exception. The Sundancer 260 starts life in a female mold with sprayed gelcoat, then gets a fiberglass and vinylester resin laminate schedule. A one-piece liner with integral stringer grid (in lieu of separate, individual bulkheads and other interior supports) is set in place with adhesive before the hull is removed from the mold. Last comes the upper decks and superstructure. The result is an elegant, strong sport cruiser consistent with a Sea Ray’s typical good looks.

On deck you’ll find heavy-duty rails, stanchions, and hand holds with high-quality stainless-steel deck fittings throughout. A fiberglass arch accents the upper deck by the helm, and facilitates an optional canvas package for protection from the elements. Seating is plentiful on deck with an L-shaped bench and a clever swiveling double helm bench seat. There’s even a sink and under-sink stowage. Lounging happens on the expansive forward deck, and you can get as close to the water as you like on the integral swim platform. Options abound, including a wet bar, spotlight, power anchoring package, and more.

Where the 260 shines, though, is in its accommodations and layout, given the relatively small 26-foot footprint. Below is a well-equipped galley, replete with generous cherry-colored wood cabinetry, a stainless-steel microwave, and a stainless-steel sink with faucet. An electric cooktop and dual-voltage refrigerator are available as options. Forward is a V-berth that serves as a four-person dinette with the table up, and a two-person sleeping area with it down. The enclosed wet head to starboard has a sink and under-sink stowage. A mid-cabin berth is situated by the companionway steps aft of the head, and under the helm and mid-deck seating area. There’s not much headroom in the mid-cabin, but you can’t expect to find it on a boat of this size, and the berth is large enough for a couple to stretch out in comfort.