You can't judge a book by its cover, and the same goes for boats. When it comes to the Ebbtide 2600 SS, you have to forget everything you know about deck boats. Although it's labeled with the deck boat moniker, it's immediately clear as you creep down the dock that this boat is in a class of its own.

Thinking that you were going to spend the day putzing around Lake Lanier in what you figured would be a boring, boxy hybrid boat, the sleek look and unique design of the Ebbtide 2600 SS is a refreshing shock. The coolest, and most noticeable, feature of the Ebbtide 2600 SS is the gigantic integrated swim platform. The transom is actually more of an entertainment center than just a functional boarding station. First, there are two rear-facing seats that flank the center walk-through. This is an ideal spot when you want to drop anchor and spend the day chilling out in the sun while you watch the family swim and float. Add in the stereo remote control that's positioned on the stern telescoping boarding ladder, and you might never have a reason to move forward.

As with traditional deck boats, entertaining is a theme that's carried throughout the Ebbtide 2600 SS's interior. There's a smartly positioned convenience center behind the driver's seat equipped with a sink and cooler. You can prepare refreshments and clean up without having to leave the action of the cockpit. Aside from the convenience center, there's a self-bailing bow cooler that drains overboard (instead of into the bilge) and a removable portside aft cooler. There's storage everywhere - under every seat, in the oversized in-floor locker - no nook or cranny is overlooked. The head is also huge, and can double as another large storage compartment or a great changing area.

The Ebbtide 2600 SS also offers a lot of different seating options. Moving forward from the rear-facing transom seats, there's the cushioned engine hatch and the more traditional, U-shaped stern lounge. With its wide seat and comfortable back cushions, you could easily sit on the aft lounge all day. Then, there are the extreme driver and passenger bucket seats that look more like they belong on a tournament ski boat. They're spring-loaded with flip-up bolsters, and engulf you when you sit down, providing ultimate support. When you sneak up to the bow, that's when sitting around gets really fun. There are all kinds of configurations wrapped into one area - reclining cushions in front of the consoles, slanted side cushions that act as arm rests, rounded seats that support the legs and put your knees at just the right height, and optional fill-in cushions to turn the whole thing into a lounger's paradise. All of the upholstery is hand-stitched with striking racecar-inspired graphics. The test boat has a lime green and black-checkered theme throughout that's definitely an acquired taste, but there are plenty of other colors and patterns to choose from.

One major characteristic that sets the Ebbtide 2600 SS apart from other deck boats is its power. This boat is not meant to idle. The exterior graphics and sporty curved windshield alone make it look fast. But it's the power options that really make this deck boat fly. The base engine option is a 300-hp MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI; that's a whole lot more punch than a typical deck boat. The test boat is outfitted with the monster 375-hp, 8.1L Volvo Penta Gi MPI, and you can feel the power even at idle. There's no traffic today on Lake Lanier, about an hour north of Atlanta, but on a beautiful weekday morning, you feel grateful you're included among the select few who can skip out of the office to get out on the water - and the wide-open lake leaves you all the room you want to open up the Ebbtide 2600 SS. The host of the daytrip, Chris George of Dream Marine in Buford, Georgia, generously hands over the wheel so you can fly.

The test boat is equipped with the optional captain's call exhaust - and although it hasn't been proven to increase speed by more than 1 mph, the captain's call adds a real machismo sound to your ride, and you'll certainly turn some heads. It's an interesting performance feature to see on a deck boat, but most families will probably forego this option. Needless to say, the small crew opts to turn it off for their purposes. Without the exhaust, the engine is a low 57 decibels at idle. The Ebbtide 2600 SS gets on plane very quickly, in just 4.5 seconds, and accelerates to 30 mph in just about 8 seconds. Add that to the low bowrise and vented chines, and the Ebbtide 2600 SS makes for a pretty solid ski boat that will stay flat and steady while towing. Those race-inspired graphics are proven true as the Ebbtide 2600 SS reaches a top end of just more than 56 mph, impressive for a deck boat.

The base price for the Ebbtide 2600 SS, with the 300-hp MerCruiser 350 MAG, is $57,556. If you include options like the checkered flag graphics, the captain's call exhaust and the almighty 375-hp Volvo Gi, you'll be looking at spending closer to $80,000. For the money, you'll enjoy extreme power and comfort. There aren't many other deck boats that can move effortlessly from quiet onboard entertaining to all-day watersports or a weekend poker run - the Ebbtide 2600 SS is hopefully the beginning of a whole new breed of family boats.

The Verdict

The Ebbtide 2600 SS is a highly stylized, high-performance deck boat that can meet all of your boating needs. It has the strength to get you anywhere and the comfort to accomodate anyone. The beefed-up power and price isn't for everyone, but it's definitely one-of-a-kind.

Ebbtide 2600 SS Specifications:

LOA 26'6"
Beam 8'6"
Weight 5,200 lbs.
Fuel 70 gal.
Top Speed 56.2 mph
(w/375-hp, 8.1L Volvo Penta Gi MPI)
Time To Plane 4.5 seconds
0-30 mph 8.1 seconds
Decibels @ Idle 57 dB-A
D ecibels @ 30 mph 85 dB-A
Decibels @ WOT 95 dB-A
Base Price $57,556
(w/300-hp MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI)
Price As Tested $70,000-$85,000
(w/375-hp, 8.1L Volvo Penta Gi MPI)
Hull Warranty Limited Lifetime Transferable
NMMA Certified? Yes

Ebbtide Corp.
2545 Jones Creek Rd.
White Bluff, TN 37187
(615) 797-3193
www.ebbtideboats.com