Larson Cabrio 260 vs Sea Ray 260 Sundancer

[vettev8]

I am new to the site and was hoping for some advice. I am in the process of buying a new boat. I have looked a several, but have narrowed it down to the Larson Cabrio 260 and the Sea Rea 260 Sundancer.

Anyone have any words of wisdom or advice for me? I really like both boats. Was hoping someone could throw some personal experiences my way with one or both boats.

 

[Larson 208 LXI]

Re: Larson Cabrio 260 vs Sea Ray 260 Sundancer

Larson all the way. Great support from the factory & Searay are so overpriced its just not funny.

 

[mhasha]

Re: Larson Cabrio 260 vs Sea Ray 260 Sundancer

The larson is a great boat. If you just look at the pictures of both cabins, the quality of the Larson is much better. The warranty that Larson offers just cannot be beat. If you have any questions on the Larson boat I would be happy to answer them for you.

 

[orion25]

Re: Larson Cabrio 260 vs Sea Ray 260 Sundancer

Well you are looking at 2 very different boats. The Larson is the better value up front by far. But the SeaRay will hold it's value better over time. The brand recognition of the SeaRay will make it easier to sell it when you decide that a 32ft cruiser is what you really want

If possible you should take a test ride in both and use test every feature. I'll bet that there will be something that you discover that will make you say "this is the one I want".

For example, I bought my Larson 208LXi after riding in a friends Caravelle. He did not have flip up bolsters on the seats or a walk thru transom. He also had fewer cup holders. I decided that these things were more important to me than his captains call exhaust and 350MAG engine (vs my 5.0 MPI).

 

[magster65]

Re: Larson Cabrio 260 vs Sea Ray 260 Sundancer

Firstly, I'm not a Larson basher. I like them. Yes... the Larson is cheaper. I don't know if I agree about the value though. A Sea Ray will cost more because they're nicer boats. Much like a Cobalt will cost more than a Sea Ray... because they're nicer boats... and so on.
It's a budget issue... how much do you want to spend is the question. The Sea Ray will give you a better return on your dollar. Quality retains value.
As for the Larson being a better quality than Sea Ray... uh... sorry, that's a no. Look at the gelcoat, the materials, canvas, hardware, railings, hinges, cleats, window frames... etc. It's quite apparent if you do a side by side comparison.
One thing I really like about the Larson is the stepped hull... they work great! My bud's 274 Cabrio (28') will go 46 mph fully loaded and it 'only' has a 5.7 mag mpi in it... that's very very impressive.
I said it in another thread, if the Larson were my budget, I'd be looking at them for sure.
Every boat is better than no boat!
Cheers.

 

[massonw]

Re: Larson Cabrio 260 vs Sea Ray 260 Sundancer

I own a 1996 Larson Cabrio 260. I also have friends that have the 260 Sea Ray. The one thing you will notice is the difference in the beam between the boats. The Larson has 9' beam which makes the cabin much roomier. Their is a huge difference "down below" in the two boats. Make sure you check the engine size of the Larson, nothing smaller than the 5.7 engine is acceptable, the boat is slow to plane because of the hull design.
One other thing to note is the 1996 boat had a recall because of a leaking fuel tank. I am the second owner of the boat and I contacted Larson and the paid for the entire repair. Great warranty and customer service!!!

Larson Boats, 320-632-5481 (Recall #020015S)

1996 Larsen Cabrio 260;1997-99 Cabin 270; 1994-96 Cabrio 280; 1997-2001 Cabrio 290: Water may collect under the fuel tank resulting in corrosion and leaking of the aluminum fuel tank. The tanks will be replaced with plastic tanks. Owners are being given a means to check for leaking fuel. Boats should not be used if leaks are detected. All tanks in the affected boats will be replaced.