260 OFFSHORE RUDDER

[Hal]

. It would be interesting to hear more from those who have taken a 260 through offshore conditions under sail or power. The 260 is not a full keel 10,000-lb low aspect ratio boat but is the 260 a lake daysailer? The CE rates The 260 a C. This design category includes. Force 6 wind and significant wave height of 2 meters. According to the CE the 260 is constructed to withstand these parameters in respect to stability, buoyancy and also must have good handling characteristics under these conditions. The rudder? Is the top of the rudder so poorly designed that we can expect a break after not too many hrs? Should we pay special attention to balancing the helm to relieve stress at this weak spot? Lift the centerboard for balance? Is this dangerous? Has anyone modified the existing rudder by making it shorter (does it still work) or by adding a stainless plate at the top or by any other means? Did Hunter do any internal strengthening on later model years? Newer ones float. It seems that broken rudders are not uncommon for all classes of boats. Carrying a spare rudder? It seems that changing the rudder in a seaway would involve considerable risk. Is there some sort of auxiliary rudder that is commonly deployed in rudder loss situations or is it “rigging up anything that works“. With motor steering one would think the 260 could make it about anywhere without A rudder.

 

[Sean Coerse]

Rudder

I have a 98 H240. I replaced the stock rudder with one from ida sailor. In my opinion its a much better rudder and you never have to worry about water intrusion into the core. I day sail, race, and weekend curise on my 240. As far as going off shore. A 240 or 260 in 6' plus waves is no place I'd like to be. I've been caught in large 4-5' waves with 25-35 knots of wind from the NE on the bay. Not an enjoyable time. If this is the type of sailing you plan to encounter often get another boat. Just my opinion. That being said I'm planning on circumnavigating the Delmarva which will make for a very long day off shore. I will only leave with a very good weahter window.

 

[Brigg]

Rudder repair

The rudder on the 260 is foam core with a thin glass shell. I wore through the bottom of mine the first time I touched a sand bar. Since I was having problems getting it down due to its floating quality I took it to a local boatworks and had them add 3 pounds of lead shot into the bottom. It now lowers into proper position easily, still just floats, and has six inches of lead and resin at the bottom. I would still not take it very far off shore or in any kind of weather. I have heard here of a group of 260s that sail in fleet from Miami, Florida over to the Bahamas each year. You can probably find information from them in the archives.

 

[Brad]

wave hight

I was in Lake Michigan for a month and encountered 12-14ft waves. The 260 handled them just fine, however remeber to TIGHTLY latch the bow hatch. I motored from Hammond IA to Chicago ILL in those conditions and while uncomfortable I was never nervous or concerned for the boat's(or my crews) safety. I dont know about the boats duribility though, every time we didnt slice through a wave properly the boat would shudder and shake when the hull "slapped" down on wave. I would recomend it but if you find yourself in that situation on accident dont worry too much either.Brads/v Kivalo

 

[BIGUMs]

oh yeah

also with my rudder up my 260 steers EXTREEMLY POORLYBrads/v Kivalo

 

[Mark]

Brad can you give more detail

Was it waves or swells??????