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When Commander’s 2500LX blew
through the pack at our 1993 performance evaluations to capture the
coveted 1994 Boat of the Year honors, it signaled a company direction that
has picked up a full head of steam in recent years. Commander, which now
offers a full menu of models ranging from 17 to 34 feet, had invested the
lion’s share of its resources and efforts during the past three years in
developing a quality line of full-size family cruisers that are up to the
task of recreating in crowed, choppy waters.
Sure, Commander’s still very much in the business of econorider 21- and
22-foot I/Os, custom entities that compare in size and design to the
family performance mainstream. But, including the release of the heralded
2500LX, Commander has tooled four full-size models in the last two years.
The new 2600LX, released on the heels of Commanders latest accolade (the
2600 Signature was designated our Family Boat of the Year in ’95), was
inspired by the award-winning 25-footer. The 2600, in fact, borrows freely
from the effective technology of the 25-footer, with its 20-degree bottom
lengthened to accommodate the larger cabin and expanded beam (from 96 to
100 inches). The newcomer is offered in three deck variations: traditional
hard-decker and open-bow versions as well as the midcabin version we
recently tested.
Our Test Boat
Price is more often than not a consideration among Commander’s clientele,
and the 2600LX is quite possibly the least expensive legit custom of its
size. Powered with the 300-horse (rated at the prop) MerCruiser 7.4L (454)
engine, the 26-footer bases out at $38,200 and tows out with an impressive
war chest of standards. The standard boat includes unlimited gelcoat
graphics, and ours was neatly dressed with six colors and three individual
fades that interwove. Designer Interiors consistently produces one of the
finest cockpit upholstery ensembles in the business, and its expertise is
self-evident and standard on the Commander. Cutting corners isn’t in the
company vernacular, and splendid color work is combined with high-density
foam that is as supportive as it is comfortable. Forward- and rear-seat
height and positioning were excellent, and the 2600 is one of the rare
boats that possess a truly effective windshield. Front passenger comfort
could have been enhances even more by making the footrests a little
larger.
The front buckets were placed to allow for maximum visibility of the
gauges. The gauges and controls were basic, including side-mounted
throttle/shifter with an internally mounted trim switch and gauge, tact,
fuel gauges and voltage meter. There were no trim tabs in the rigging, and
a few hours in the boat revealed that they were not missed.
Swim steps, available in either teak or gel coated fiberglass, were
conveniently and practically placed and were large enough for easy use.
Casual overnighting is definitely within the capabilities of the new
Commander. Cabin standards include a complete illumination system, an
icebox, a sink, facing love seats, a deck hatch and port windows. The
cabin is very roomy, and there is plenty of headroom inside. Our bow rider
conversion ($2,000 extra) diminished the cabin area somewhat, but the
space was put to more practical use with the bow seating area.
The midcabin bow rider may be concept too offbeat for many to fully
embrace, but Commander makes the combinations work fairly well. Both cabin
and bow areas were practical and suited to real-world use, which hasn’t
always been the case in some of these hybrid efforts. Commander does need
to address, however, some unique concerns that result from the unusual
configurations. One irritant was the inadequate method of securing the
cabin hatch, which was blown open by the torrent of air blowing through
the bow.
Base-boat hardware includes stainless-steel railing around the perimeter
and smartly placed interior grab handles located on the dash and on the
backs of the front bucket seats.
Our tester was equipped with the vase motor packages, and the 300-horse
mill was linked to a Bravo Three counter rotator –a superb investment at
$1,000 over base. For our money, we’d recommend buying as much motor as
you can afford for any boat in this size range. After a few get-acquainted
hours in the boat, we blipped of a 54.1-mph number from the gun, and
mid-50’s is definitely respectable in this loaded, 4,000-pound cruiser.
But 60-plus would definitely be better, and it’s fairly easily attainable.
The 502 EFI, which adds $8,000 to the sticker, gives up 115 more
horsepower, which theoretically brings the 2600 into the 65-plus range.
For $2,000 less that, the dynamite 454 EFI train serves up 385 horsepower.
Though our experiences with the 2500LX gave us good cause to believe this
boat would respond to more power, the base boat was a pleasant surprise.
It was snappy to plane and plenty stout to yank an industrial-size skier.
It hit 20 mph in 3.75 seconds and didn’t physically feel like it was
running out of pull until it moved into the mid-40s. Its 0 to 40 ET of
9.59 seconds was well within the respectable range, though it turned
sluggish to 50 mph (17.66). Furthermore, though it cruised nicely at 4,000
rpm (43.5 mph), it gained only another four mph to 4,500 and used up to a
full 1,000 rpm to move from 43 to 50 mph.
MerCruiser’s counter rotating Bravo Three has revolutionized big-boat
handling around the docks, and this Commander is a prime beneficiary of
this magnificent drive. No longer is low-speed maneuverability to
cumbersome a prospect for the beginning boater to attempt, even around the
crowed gas docks. The Commander was positive and responsive in all
directions, and it is particularly sensitive to trim.
Though running the boat up from a fully tucked position produced a slight
vibration, this dissipated as we found more throttle. The LX remained
completely stable and predictable throughout its power curve, which began
with an instant set that was void of any bowrise. Moving into midspeed
gallop, the Commander remained responsive, and its ride cloud-like.
Satisfyingly responsive to wheel and trim, the Commander is one if the
best-handling of the full-size breed we’ve tested. Its gentle nature on
the big end, easy and predictable turns and overall handling make it an
excellent choice for a wide range of boaters, including the beginners who
don’t want to start at the bottom of the boat ladder and work their way up
the rungs. This is a boat that will satisfy the experienced hand with its
outstanding feel but with handling demands that are also with easy reach
of the beginning custom boater.
At full speed, the platform felt as if it could use more trim (it cried
for more muscle), but gunning the button all the way up resulted in
blowout; the Three drive had been placed at maximum practical height.
For a large boat, the LX turned relatively well, though its radius at 20
and 25, mph was considerable at 35 feet (in both directions). It did so
with minimal lean, and only the slightest blowout (on the port sided only)
occurred during extremely demanding high-speed turning drills –the likes
of which the typical family boat will never experience. This boat was bred
for the family, and shi outings will be served by it in fitting style.
The 2600 also proved to be an extremely capable wake cutter, and the
softening of its bottom angle (compared to the offshore-oriented Signature
model) didn’t seem to adversely affect its ride in normal lake conditions.
Indeed, it was particularly effective in the limited amount of rough water
we could find and helped deliver a consistent ride.
Bottom Line
Once more Commander has scored great marks for value with this latest
full-size custom. Those who didn’t appreciate the angled good looks of the
Signature and who want a bit more practicality and lake presence will find
the 2600 typical of Commander’s latest series of releases in its stylish
cosmetics, efficient underside and overall excellence for the family.
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