Getting to Know Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE & Sportsman Open 262

Versatility Meets Style in the 26-Foot Class

When it comes to versatile center consoles, the 26-foot category has gained a reputation for delivering the perfect mix of offshore capability, family comfort, and affordability. Two models that often come up in discussions among boating enthusiasts are the Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE and the Sportsman Open 262. Both boats offer premium features, smooth performance, and a balance between fishing functionality and family-friendly design. But with such similar footprints and target audiences, how do they truly compare?

Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE: A Family-Focused Performer

Sea Hunt has built its name on producing dependable, versatile boats, and the Ultra 265 SE is no exception. Designed with a focus on family outings, this model seamlessly blends comfort and practicality. It features an inviting layout with plenty of seating and thoughtful amenities like a retractable bow table and a large hardtop for shade. But don’t be fooled by its family-friendly features—the Ultra 265 SE is just as capable on the fishing grounds, with ample rod holders, a large livewell, and insulated fish boxes. This boat is for the boater who wants to entertain in style but still demands fishing capability when the mood strikes.

Sportsman Open 262: Fishing DNA with a Dash of Comfort

The Sportsman Open 262 leans slightly more into its fishing roots while still keeping family needs in mind. The “Open” series emphasizes an uncluttered layout, giving anglers the space they need to move freely during a fight. That said, the Sportsman brand has also developed a reputation for luxury touches, and the Open 262 doesn’t disappoint. It features plush seating, a premium sound system, and a fully integrated Garmin electronics suite, making it as high-tech as it is functional. It’s a boat designed for those who prioritize fishing but appreciate the creature comforts that make family outings enjoyable.

Key Differentiators

While both boats aim to strike a balance between fishing and family, their approach differs slightly. The Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE tilts more toward versatility, offering a layout that feels ready for a range of activities, from lounging at the sandbar to trolling offshore. The Sportsman Open 262, on the other hand, focuses more on delivering a high-end fishing experience with a touch of luxury for family outings.

On the surface, their differences might seem minor, but for prospective buyers, these subtle distinctions can make all the difference. Whether you lean toward Sea Hunt’s all-around versatility or Sportsman’s fishing-first approach with refined touches, both boats promise a rewarding experience on the water.

Fishing Features

Offshore-Ready Platforms

When it comes to fishing, both the Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE and the Sportsman Open 262 are built to perform, but each brings its own flavor to the game. Both boats cater to offshore anglers with sturdy hull designs that can handle rough conditions, but their layouts and features reveal subtle differences in focus.

Fishing Deck Layouts: Open vs. Multi-Purpose

The Sportsman Open 262 lives up to its name with an uncluttered fishing deck designed for maximum utility. The layout prioritizes space, offering anglers ample room to move around the center console. The cockpit is optimized for fishing activities, with strategically placed rod holders, tackle storage, and a wide-open transom area that makes working lines or landing fish a breeze. It’s a setup that caters to those who want the freedom to move without tripping over seating or other obstructions.

The Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE, while also fishing-capable, has a more multi-purpose layout. Its fishing features are balanced with comfort-focused additions, which means you may have slightly less deck space to maneuver. That said, the Ultra 265 SE still packs plenty of angling utility, including rod holders integrated into the hardtop and gunwales, a large transom livewell, and generous fish boxes. The difference is that these features are carefully blended into a design that accommodates both anglers and passengers who may not be as fishing-focused.

Livewells and Storage

Both the Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE and the Sportsman Open 262 offer livewell and storage solutions designed to support a productive day on the water, but their setups cater to slightly different priorities.

The Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE features a 10-gallon transom livewell tucked under the aft seating, providing a compact yet functional option for keeping bait lively. While it’s sufficient for most recreational anglers, this smaller livewell size might limit bait capacity during extended trips or for those targeting larger species. To compensate, the boat offers generous under-seat storage and insulated compartments that can double as additional bait or fish storage, ensuring versatility for a variety of fishing needs.

The Sportsman Open 262, on the other hand, takes a more fishing-focused approach, boasting twin 30-gallon pressurized aquarium-style livewells at the transom. This setup is ideal for serious anglers who need a high-capacity bait system that can handle multiple types of live bait or larger quantities for longer trips. Additionally, the pressurized design ensures optimal water circulation, keeping bait healthy and active throughout the day. The Sportsman also includes expansive in-floor fish boxes and dedicated storage compartments for tackle and gear, creating a more tailored experience for dedicated offshore anglers.

While both boats deliver on storage, the Sportsman Open 262 clearly prioritizes fishing functionality, making it a better choice for those who need high-capacity bait systems and specialized storage for gear and catch. The Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE, by contrast, offers a more versatile setup that balances fishing needs with general-purpose usability, catering to anglers who appreciate flexibility and convenience.

Rod Holders and Fishing Amenities

Both boats come well-equipped with rod holders, but the Sportsman Open 262 offers a more fishing-dedicated configuration. With rocket launchers mounted on the hardtop and additional holders along the gunwales, the Open 262 provides a setup that accommodates a variety of fishing styles, from trolling to bottom fishing. The Ultra 265 SE, while also well-equipped, incorporates rod holders into a more versatile design, making them easily accessible for fishing while not overwhelming the boat’s multi-purpose feel.

Technology for Anglers

When it comes to electronics, both the Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE and the Sportsman Open 262 are equipped with high-end Garmin technology, ensuring anglers have access to advanced tools for navigation and fishing. Both boats feature the Garmin 1243xsv multi-function display and a Garmin VHF radio, providing crisp, reliable performance for chart plotting, fish finding, and communication.

Where the Sportsman Open 262 pulls ahead is with its Sportlink Electronics Integration System, a proprietary feature that enhances the overall functionality of the onboard electronics. Sportlink seamlessly connects all the boat’s systems, creating a unified and intuitive interface for managing everything from navigation to sound systems and lighting. This added layer of integration makes it easier for anglers to stay focused on fishing without having to juggle multiple controls or systems.

Final Thoughts on Fishing Features

If fishing is your top priority, the Sportsman Open 262’s more open deck layout, larger livewells, and dedicated fishing features give it a definitive edge. It feels like a boat designed with anglers in mind first and foremost. However, the Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE shouldn’t be overlooked—it offers a capable fishing platform with plenty of features for the recreational angler, plus the added benefit of a design that transitions seamlessly to family-friendly outings. It’s a matter of choosing whether you want a boat that prioritizes fishing above all or one that balances fishing with broader versatility.

Family Features

Designed for the Whole Crew

In the 26-foot center console category, family-friendly features are a key consideration, and both the Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE and Sportsman Open 262 deliver with thoughtful layouts and amenities. While their fishing capabilities shine, these boats also cater to families looking to enjoy relaxing days on the water, whether it’s cruising, island hopping, or lounging at the sandbar. Each model takes a slightly different approach to balancing family comfort with performance.

Seating: Comfort and Versatility

The Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE is designed with family outings in mind, offering ample seating throughout the boat. Its bow seating area is spacious, featuring removable cushions for lounging, and provides a comfortable space for passengers to relax while underway or anchored. At the stern, the boat includes a full transom bench seat with contoured backrests, offering secure and supportive seating for multiple passengers. The helm area features dual captain’s chairs with bolsters, ensuring comfort for both the driver and a companion during extended trips.

The Sportsman Open 262 also excels in seating with its well-thought-out layout. It offers plush forward loungers at the bow, creating a relaxing space for family and friends to enjoy. At the transom, the boat features a flip-down bench seat, which provides additional seating when needed but can be folded away to open up deck space for fishing activities. Like the Sea Hunt, the helm area includes dual captain’s chairs with bolsters, providing a comfortable and supportive setup for the captain and a co-pilot. The Open 262’s cockpit design has a slightly more open feel, making it easy to navigate even with a full crew on board.

Shade and Protection

Both the Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE and the Sportsman Open 262 are equipped with integrated fiberglass hardtops and full glass enclosures with a vent, offering exceptional protection from the elements. These features are crucial for keeping everyone cool and comfortable during long days on the water, whether cruising or fishing.

The Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE goes a step further in passenger comfort with an integrated mister system, providing a refreshing way to stay cool during hot summer outings. This thoughtful addition enhances the family-friendly experience, especially when spending hours under the sun.

The Sportsman Open 262, while lacking a misting system, focuses on fishing functionality with kingfish rod holders integrated into the hardtop, making it easier to manage rods while trolling. The hardtop also includes built-in speakers, allowing passengers to enjoy music or entertainment seamlessly while on the move or anchored.

Entertainment Options

Keeping the family entertained is effortless on either boat, with premium sound systems and convenient amenities. The Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE offers a high-quality Fusion head unit with JL Audio sound system with multiple speakers throughout the boat, delivering great sound whether you’re cruising or anchored at the sandbar. Similarly, the Sportsman Open 262 includes a premium JL Audio system, which pairs beautifully with the Sportlink integration for seamless control. Both boats also feature USB charging ports and cup holders conveniently placed for passengers’ comfort.

Storage for Family Adventures

Storage is another area where both boats shine, with plenty of room for all the gear families bring along. The Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE includes under-seat storage, in-floor compartments, and a spacious console that doubles as a head, perfect for stowing personal items. The Sportsman Open 262 provides similar storage options, but its slightly more open layout makes accessing those compartments easier, especially when the boat is packed with gear or water toys.

Which Boat Wins for Families?

For families, both the Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE and Sportsman Open 262 offer thoughtful designs that prioritize comfort and convenience, but the Sea Hunt emerges as the better choice for family-focused outings. Its spacious bow seating, full transom bench seat with contoured backrests, and integrated misting system create an environment tailored to relaxation and all-day comfort. These features, combined with the versatility of its seating arrangements and ample shade from its fiberglass hardtop with full glass enclosure, make it an exceptional option for families who want to balance leisure with adventure.

While the Sportsman Open 262 offers great amenities for fishing and family use, the Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE puts family comfort front and center, ensuring everyone—young and old—has a fantastic time on the water. It’s the boat for those who value thoughtful touches and versatility, making every trip enjoyable for the whole crew.

Final Thoughts

Two Boats, Two Personalities

The Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE and the Sportsman Open 262 both bring exceptional versatility and performance to the 26-foot center console category, but they cater to slightly different priorities. Choosing the right boat depends on how you plan to use it and which features matter most to you.

For the Family-Focused Boater

If family outings and comfort take center stage, the Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE is the clear winner. Its full transom bench seat with contoured backrests, spacious bow seating, and integrated misting system create a welcoming environment for everyone on board. Add in its thoughtful storage, reliable shade, and versatility for leisure activities, and it’s easy to see why this model stands out as the ultimate family-friendly boat. It balances performance and relaxation in a way that ensures every outing is enjoyable, whether you’re anchored at a sandbar or cruising with the kids.

For the Fishing Enthusiast with a Touch of Luxury

On the other hand, the Sportsman Open 262 leans more into its fishing DNA while still catering to family needs. Its twin pressurized aquarium-style livewells, open cockpit layout, and Sportlink electronics integration system are a dream for serious anglers. While it offers family-friendly touches like plush seating and premium sound, its design prioritizes fishing functionality, making it a top choice for anglers who occasionally bring their families along.

The Bottom Line

Both boats offer a mix of fishing capability and family features, but the choice ultimately comes down to your priorities. The Sea Hunt Ultra 265 SE is the better option for families who want a boat designed with their comfort and enjoyment in mind, while the Sportsman Open 262 is ideal for those who want a fishing-first platform that still provides a touch of luxury for passengers.

Whichever you choose, you’ll be investing in a high-quality center console that delivers unforgettable experiences on the water.