Chuck, how would you rate the 260 Defiance against a 26' Osprey or a
27' Sea
Sport? (Or the 24' Sea Sport, for that matter.)

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I wouldn't.

To make an accurate comparison you'd need to do a side-by side test on
the same day, under the same conditions, and rigged with similar or
identical engines. The most significant portion of a comparison that is
extremely subjective, (therefore subject to a variety of personal
opinions), is the degree of satisfaction with performance and handling
and the "feel" of the boat underway. Other subjective things are
ergonomics, overall appearance, etc....and reasonable people will come
to different conclusions, (explaining why so many different brands of
boats sell well).

Most of the objective differences will be outlined in the factory
specs.

As far as the subjective impressions and opinions go, consider me like
Faux News, John. I report- you decide. :-)