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Greetings everyone, I just pulled the trigger on a 2004, 262! That's the good news, the bad is she's headed to be winterized and stored until spring - so the anticipation and questions begin!
This is our first boat. I grew up with pontoons galore, but never a proper bow rider. This model is equipped with the Volvo 8.1 and was an absolute pleasure to drive (sea trial).
I'm a car enthusiast and active member on various forums. I was thrilled to see the activity and discussions on this forum. I've been reading through various threads all day, and I have a general sense to some of my questions, but I figured why not ask everything in one post and see what I get. I appreciate any feedback in advance!
Immediate changes needed:
- stainless steel cup holders
- snap in flooring, the boat didn't come with anything. I've been researching all day. I'd like to find a snap in product that looks like faux teak. How does the seagrass material feel? Clean? The plasdeck or seadek looks sharp, but does the cushion material absorb dirt and stain? In the end I'd like something that looks nice and hold up to the elements. Feel is important but not primary.
- I'd like to replace the fold out ladder.
- I'd like to find a bow walk thru door (it's missing)
It seems like finding parts will not be easy!
Secondary wish list:
- filler cushions for the stern walk through area
- replace the wood panels
- replace stereo with a Bluetooth capable system
What about installing fender clips/locks on the side of the hull?
Anything else you can suggest? What about ideas on how to detail the hull and bring the paint back to life? I'm used to clay barring my car, but I'm not sure the best method for boats.
Thanks so much, cheers!

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Welcome G21...and yeeeehawwww...another 260 series owner.

I'm a carpet fan but am in the minority.
Any unique parts will be very difficult to source...especially filler cushions.

I'm a big 3M / Meguiars fan.

That throttle is not stock. How is she powered?

And welcome aboard mate!

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AsLan7, thanks so much for the welcome and feedback! She's powered with the Volvo 8.1

gehmjc21 wrote: Sun Sep 12, 2021 8:12 pm AsLan7, thanks so much for the welcome and feedback! She's powered with the Volvo 8.1

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GI or GXI?

Welcome and congratulations! I'll take a shot and see if I can give you some answers
When you replace your cup holders, look at LED or rings. Just a thought..
Like A7, I'm a carpet fan. Anything that sticks and can't be removed will be harder to clean. It can be done, it's just not as easy as taking it out to clean. Carpet can come out and be power washed.
I'd add an aftermarket swimdeck and remove the stock ladder. Obviously the stock extended swimdeck is better but nearly impossible to find. I did see a 262 that a guy had adapted a deck with the swing down platform he had found off a salvage boat, and it was a clean install and looked factory. So it can be done..
The door may be a unicorn. You're going to have to find a parts boat somewhere.
Filler cushions are an absolute unicorn. VERY hard to find. It may be easier to get a set from someone to be used as a template.
I found the company that made the original panels but they are super expensive. Look at wraps or alternate coverings.
There are.. mmm. maybe 500 threads on stereo replacement. The remotes can be matched or changed.
Fender clips are a cool concept, but if you don't tie up at the exact same spot every time chances are they'll be to high or to low. Be careful when you tie off the back bumper, because if it's too low you might knock off some letters.
Feel free to pm me if you have any other questions, and again congratulations!

No advice here.
Just wanted to say welcome and thanks for the pictures.
This group has helped me tremendously in the past.
Where do you boat?

Welcome! If your interested in carpet I have a complete set for the cockpit area that came out of my 2005 263 id sell you. Its in perfect shape

Congrats, beautiful boat, great intro post.

More to the point - what kind of cars?

- Mark

AsLan7 wrote: Sun Sep 12, 2021 8:45 pm

gehmjc21 wrote: Sun Sep 12, 2021 8:12 pm AsLan7, thanks so much for the welcome and feedback! She's powered with the Volvo 8.1

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GI or GXI?

It's a Gi. What is the difference?

gehmjc21 wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 5:18 am

AsLan7 wrote: Sun Sep 12, 2021 8:45 pm

gehmjc21 wrote: Sun Sep 12, 2021 8:12 pm AsLan7, thanks so much for the welcome and feedback! She's powered with the Volvo 8.1

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GI or GXI?

It's a Gi. What is the difference?

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About 35 horses. (375 vs 420 respectively)

AsLan7 wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 6:35 am

gehmjc21 wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 5:18 am

AsLan7 wrote: Sun Sep 12, 2021 8:45 pm

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GI or GXI?

It's a Gi. What is the difference?

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About 35 horses. (375 vs 420 respectively)

Huge diff in performance. I had both.

AsLan7 wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 6:35 am

gehmjc21 wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 5:18 am

AsLan7 wrote: Sun Sep 12, 2021 8:45 pm

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GI or GXI?

It's a Gi. What is the difference?

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About 35 horses. (375 vs 420 respectively)

A7, is that some of that new math? 420 - 375 != 45 anymore?

okielaker wrote: Fri Sep 17, 2021 2:15 am

AsLan7 wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 6:35 am

gehmjc21 wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 5:18 am

It's a Gi. What is the difference?

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About 35 horses. (375 vs 420 respectively)

A7, is that some of that new math? 420 - 375 != 45 anymore?

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Doh. you got me brutha.
(at least I didn’t say exactly )
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AsLan7 wrote: Fri Sep 17, 2021 7:12 am

okielaker wrote: Fri Sep 17, 2021 2:15 am

AsLan7 wrote: Thu Sep 16, 2021 6:35 am

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About 35 horses. (375 vs 420 respectively)

A7, is that some of that new math? 420 - 375 != 45 anymore?

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Doh. you got me brutha.
(at least I didn’t say exactly )
.

The main thing that 27 years of working in a casino has taught me: most people are mathematically challenged.

mdadgar wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 7:21 pm Congrats, beautiful boat, great intro post.

More to the point - what kind of cars?

- Mark

My apologies for the delay!

Cars...I'm not a classic car guy by any means. Typically German, BMW, Porsche. My lease is upcoming and trying to figure out what to do. Can't find anything on the lots and 2022s are losing some tech from 2021 model year: due to chip shortage!

Boating....we're in the Finger Lake region, but will have the 262 up in the Adirondack Park. Can't wait until spring!