Opinions 270BR vs 260BR

[Lafuerza]

I am in the market for a single engine bow rider. I would prefer a 330 or newer 310 but storage is a major/very expensive proposition in Lake Tahoe even if your lucky enough to find a buoy/slip and not worth it for my use on a lake that size. Wondering what opinions are on the 260 vs 270. Is the 270 layout worth the extra cost along with weight and fuel penalty? I have a 252SS w/502 in process of selling and love the boat but the family needs are pushing for a larger bow rider. I was told the 270 due to being much heavier have weak top end and needs a alot of power to get her going. I would only be looking at big blocks due to altitude. I was also playing with the idea of a Baja Islander 277 but having had a Four Winns before my Formula I really prefer to stick with Formula or Cobalt based on reviews on quality and fit and finish.

Boat use is general family, towing, etc.

Any other pointers from owners are greatly appreciated.

 

[Sanmiam]

I have a 260BR, and while I have had a 270 side by side, I have no comment on the performance difference.

The 270 has a MUCH more modern interior design. If I were typically cruising with 4-5 people on board the 270 would be the choice I would make (assuring it was only 4-5 grand more). Once at your destination the 270 has nearly as much usable deck area as the 260 due to the flip style seating (the helm area of the 260 is not useful at anchor) However, if you use your boat to haul a bunch of friends all over the place the 260 has more seating to accommodate 8-10 people. This is typically the boating I do so the 260 works very well for me.

The 260 lacks a sun pad, so if that is an important feature your choice is already made for the 270.

EDIT: If you have little kids the 270 would make it much easier to keep grubby fingers away from the helm. I have to inflate a beach ball that sites shot gun to prevent my son from playing speed racer, radioing to coast guard, removing the key, etc etc.

 

[jjj]

I had a 2002 260ss (454 310hp) and now have a 2016 270br (8.2 380 hp). My feeling is the 270 has more bow rise on take off and requires more drive trim adjusting and is very sensitive to drive trim and will porpoise if slightly over trimmed. Overall, I liked the ride on the 260ss I had better, got on plane easier and required very little trimming if any between getting on plane & cruising.