253 a reasonable weekend cruiser?

[PB1]

Looking at something in the 25 ft range and a 253 popped up that looks great, but have a few questions.

I'm very interested in this model as it seems trailerable, and is JUST big enough to use for a weekend cruising the islands, marinas on the St Lawrence.

My wife and I are comfortable back woods camping so a boat is a huge step up!

There are a few things I would like to know though.

Is it a pump out head?
Is the sink and stove useful (I can see it's a bit cramped, but I'd be boiling water for coffee or maybe pasta)
Enough room for 2 to average (both less than 6ft, less than 180lbs) peopl to sleep on for a weekend. Comfort can be improved if needed
Is there enough battery capacity to have a Dometic fridge on board off grid?

I'm very impressed that the transom/stringers are composite. That should reduce many of the age related issues with wood.

Also, would be interested in thoughts on anything to look for in general with model.

[AsLan7]

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So glad you found us PB1.

The 253 is a nice craft for sure. You may want to jump up to the 2000 and later 262/263 models. I believe wood transoms were the norm before that verses all fiberglass/composite construction after.

And welcome aboard mate.

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[Whippled263]

Hey! Welcome to the forum. I own a 2005 263 and its the perfect weekend boat. We have stayed many long weekends on it very comfortably. If you staying in a marina battery life wont be an issue if you can plug in. The boat doesn't have shore power so just install a quality marine 2 bank battery charger. Works perfect and you will never drain the battery's. If your staying on the boat anchored I would 100% have brand new high dollar marine battery's installed and a jump box ready just in case. The biggest thing you will want to have done is having a camper back canvas made. This literally was the best addition i have made. It can rain buckets and we stay dry and warm. Look into it! Pricey but worth every penny!!!

[PB1]

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So glad you found us PB1.

The 253 is a nice craft for sure. You may want to jump up to the 2000 and later 262/263 models. I believe wood transoms were the norm before that verses all fiberglass/composite construction after.

And welcome aboard mate.

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Thanks! I'll check those out.

[PB1]

Hey! Welcome to the forum. I own a 2005 263 and its the perfect weekend boat. We have stayed many long weekends on it very comfortably. If you staying in a marina battery life wont be an issue if you can plug in. The boat doesn't have shore power so just install a quality marine 2 bank battery charger. Works perfect and you will never drain the battery's. If your staying on the boat anchored I would 100% have brand new high dollar marine battery's installed and a jump box ready just in case. The biggest thing you will want to have done is having a camper back canvas made. This literally was the best addition i have made. It can rain buckets and we stay dry and warm. Look into it! Pricey but worth every penny!!!

Yes, we intend to anchor out a fair amount. We are in the 1000 islands so there is plenty of anchorages. That's why I was asking about things the make the boat, 'self contained'. I would include the camper, and solar of some kind as essential really. We've had good experience with a previous boat and 220W of flex solar on AGM's. Had plenty of power for a fridge.

Seems like the big difference between 253 and 263, is the walk thru, and cabin layout. Table, and sink and stove reversed.

Dumb question, where is the head, and is it a pump out? I have to say this is the ONE thing that has me looking at a Sea Ray 245 as well, but I think the Cobalts are probably better built and aged better. I'm looking at a 20 year boat afterall!

[PB1]

I should probably mention there is a 253 available that has the camper, stove, sink, AC/Heat. That's why I was asking.

[Whippled263]

The head on a 263 pulls out from under the cockpit deck. As soon as you step into the cabin it is directly behind you under the floor. Its on a track system. Its just a little toilet. Basically a porta potti size. Yes its a pump out.

[Kate]

". . . we intend to anchor out a fair amount."

To avoid the dreaded anchor drift, deploy a second anchor (off the stern). Or use an anchor alarm.