Matching a deep vee Sea Ray 260 Sundancer 2012 against a modified vee Sea Ray 270 Select EX 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Sea Ray 260 Sundancer 2012 at 26,6 ft versus Sea Ray 270 Select EX 2009 at 28,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sea Ray 270 Select EX 2009 tips the scales at 5 555 lbs — 4 860 lbs less than the Sea Ray 260 Sundancer 2012 at 695 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Sea Ray 270 Select EX 2009 has a 125-hp advantage over the Sea Ray 260 Sundancer 2012's 300-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sea Ray 270 Select EX 2009 carries 91 gallons versus 75 gallons in the Sea Ray 260 Sundancer 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.