Stabicraft 2600 Pilothouse 8

Jan 19, 2013 by Tom Nelson

There’s a dirty, little secret in the boating industry that no one is willing to admit or even talk about. The fact of the matter is that the Florida and southern California boating markets are so large that they tremendously influence domestic boat designs.

If you want to appeal to warm weather markets…you build a warm-weather boat. So, here comes another Boat Show season and what do you get along with it? The endless array of plastic, “T-top” boats with “Clear Canvas” windows. Or, as they have been come to be called, “Florida boats”.

Friends, if the only time I used my boat here in the Pacific Northwest was during weather you could call “warm”…my boating season would be quite short indeed. The Northwest is hardtop boat country. Boats that will keep you -and your expensive marine electronics warm and dry. T-tops with clear canvas windows need not apply.

Stabicraft of New Zealand recognizes that most folks want to use their boats more than a couple of months per year and outfits their hulls with diesel heaters, insulated fishboxes and a ride that makes even winter waves whimper…

Introducing the Stabicraft 2600 Pilothouse

Stabicraft Marine pioneered positive buoyancy boats, turning out the first rigid hulled aluminum pontoon boat from a back street workshop in Invercargill, New Zealand. Word quickly spread about the reverse chine pontoon design boat that posessed a ride that had to be experienced to be believed.

The original Stabicraft design was a compilation of the wish list of local divers. They wanted an evolution of the traditional Rigid Hulled Inflatable boat – one that retained the RIB’s superior buoyancy, stability on the water and ease of handling, but within a sturdier construction framework to make it even safer in rough waters.

Need serious fishbox space? The 2600 Pilothouse will challenge any angler to fill these three fish coffins! The aft box (top of pic) even has cutting board lids!

 

We’ve been talking a lot lately about the ride, safety and stability of reverse chine hulls. Stabicraft has -without a doubt- the “gold standard” of reverse chine.

 

I actually got a shot of this Stabi 2600 before the top was attached to the hull. Here is a unique shot of the interior giving you a perspective of the “fisherman friendly” layout of this model.

Stabicraft 2600 Pilothouse Specifications

Length:  26 Feet
Max Adults – 9
Recommended HP – 225hp
Maximum HP – 300hp
Fuel Tank – 95gal
External Beam – 8ft 2in
Internal Beam – 6ft 8in
Deadrise (Transom) – 21.8
Tube Thickness – 5/32in
Hull Thickness – 1/4in
Reserve Buoyancy – 930gal*
Dry Hull Weight – 3858lb
Tow Weight – 6172lb
Length on Trailer – 31ft 2in
Height on Trailer – 10ft 3in

Tom Nelson
The Outdoor Line
710 ESPN Seattle
www.theoutdoorline.com

8 comments

Kevin on Aug 18, 2013 at 8:41 am said:

Tom, I just placed a order for a 2050 Supercab. What is your opinion on the need for scuppers? Looks like the option from Stabicraft is Self bailing Valves - Duckbills. I asked Boat Country about this option and they didn't think it was a good idea. I'm not overly excited about the idea of all the water draining into the bilge. I would appreciate your thoughts/opinion. The boat I ordered has not yet gone to production so I have a little time. Thanks! Kevin

Reply
Tom Nelson on Aug 20, 2013 at 1:54 am said:

Hey Kevin, I answered your question in our Boater's Forum. Thanks for hanging out on our site!

Alex on Mar 27, 2013 at 7:31 pm said:

Im looking at getting the 2050 this summer. Tom, have you spent any time on those and if so what did you think?

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Tom Nelson on Mar 28, 2013 at 9:27 pm said:

It's a great ride Alex and I've been in more than one of them! In fact, they stick to the water and the ride is soft, like a much larger boat. Stabicraft has done with design what many other boat manufacturers do with weight. Unfortunately, heavy hull$ Co$t you at the gas pump both in the boat's tank and in your tow vehicles tank! Head on down to Boat Country and they will get you a test drive ASAP!

William Brady on Jan 24, 2013 at 7:42 pm said:

16"ft. Boat With cabin,maybe 50 horse power. economical to operate.Send price in two parts.thanks.

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Patrick on Jan 22, 2013 at 5:06 am said:

That's a thing of beauty. I love my Weldcraft and it's only 2 years old, but if I was a richer man....

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Tom Nelson on Jan 21, 2013 at 3:10 am said:

Nope, that could be yours Shane!!!

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shane vanderlinda on Jan 19, 2013 at 1:55 am said:

Dream boat there. is that the new NELLY ride????

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