I'd like to poll some folks out there that have a Hunter 260 but have also had a heavier fixed keel boat or had some considerable time spent on a heavier boat. I currently have a Hunter 25.5 and the boat is stable. The heavy full fixed fin keel really adds to the performance under heavier winds. She just digs in and doesn't get upset at 20 mph winds. But, I always ponder upgrading and the 260 with a wheel is ideal for me in terms of layout, comfort, overnighting and so much more flexible with the mast raising system and swing keel. I had a 240 swing keel though and it was too tender in heavier winds. It got annoying when I'd have a puff come along and everyone in the boat would get wide eyed as the boat would heel dramatically in response. I don't want that and I also don't always want to reef every time the winds are over 15 mph as I don't have to worry about that with my 25.5 now. So what have your experiences been with a 260 versus a heavier fixed keel boat? Does the boat move when someone simply crosses the cockpit? Is it comparable to the tenderness of the 240? Any comments would be appreciated.
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25.5 vs 260
Tim: Start with the numbers then consider the opinions you'll get from others. "Tender" is in the eye of the beholder, after all, a 26 foot boat is still just a 26 foot boat, and there is only so much a naval architect can do here. That said, there are some general measurements such as Displacement Ratio and "Motion Comfort" that might give you an idea of how she handles vs. other similar boats. Check out the sailing calculators at this link: http://www.cruising.sailingcourse.com/ For example, compare two boats I have considerable experience with; the Colgate 26 and the Hunter 260. Although the same length, these boats sail quite differently. The C26 has 2600lbs displacement which can give you a pretty bumpy ride at times while the H260 has a displacement of 5000lbs which means it is much more stable in rough conditions. I believe the H25.5 4500lb displacement compares favorably with the H260. On the other hand, the H260 does not point quite as well as the fixed keel Colgate 26, so sail trimming is more critical. Once trimmed however, the H260 is rock solid and tracks nicely even in high winds. The H260 sails are 320 s/f with a roach so it sails well in light winds or with a reef. As a result, reefing the H260 early is best because it wants to round up when overpowered. Because of the fixed keel, and less sail, reefing the C26 is usually an afterthought. In high winds the C26 will just continue to heel until your crew yells "enough" or you all get bounced out of the boat. I bought the H260 for the same reasons you mention -- more room below and easy trailering plus good sailing manners for. I'm glad to give up the quickness of the C26 for the stability, flexibility and roominess of the H260. This is the stuff we sailors live for - long discussions of the relative merits of our boats as we sip a cold one in front of a roaring fire in the middle of winter. It's 12F with blowing snow here on Thanksgiving Day 2005. Check this link for more info: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/specs.htm
Tim: Start with the numbers then consider the opinions you'll get from others. "Tender" is in the eye of the beholder, after all, a 26 foot boat is still just a 26 foot boat, and there is only so much a naval architect can do here. That said, there are some general measurements such as Displacement Ratio and "Motion Comfort" that might give you an idea of how she handles vs. other similar boats. Check out the sailing calculators at this link: http://www.cruising.sailingcourse.com/ For example, compare two boats I have considerable experience with; the Colgate 26 and the Hunter 260. Although the same length, these boats sail quite differently. The C26 has 2600lbs displacement which can give you a pretty bumpy ride at times while the H260 has a displacement of 5000lbs which means it is much more stable in rough conditions. I believe the H25.5 4500lb displacement compares favorably with the H260. On the other hand, the H260 does not point quite as well as the fixed keel Colgate 26, so sail trimming is more critical. Once trimmed however, the H260 is rock solid and tracks nicely even in high winds. The H260 sails are 320 s/f with a roach so it sails well in light winds or with a reef. As a result, reefing the H260 early is best because it wants to round up when overpowered. Because of the fixed keel, and less sail, reefing the C26 is usually an afterthought. In high winds the C26 will just continue to heel until your crew yells "enough" or you all get bounced out of the boat. I bought the H260 for the same reasons you mention -- more room below and easy trailering plus good sailing manners for. I'm glad to give up the quickness of the C26 for the stability, flexibility and roominess of the H260. This is the stuff we sailors live for - long discussions of the relative merits of our boats as we sip a cold one in front of a roaring fire in the middle of winter. It's 12F with blowing snow here on Thanksgiving Day 2005. Check this link for more info: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/specs.htm
I agree
I agree with what George says. I would had that yes above 12 knots the 260 will round quickly, but early reef takes care of that and you actually go faster. I cannot speak for the 25.5 since I have never sailed one but obviously heavier keel boat will keep you from reefing early. However as George I needed something that I could trailer and the 260 is the best compromise for room, performance and trailering. The key word is compromise. All boats are a compromise of some sort. You must decide the attributes that are important to you and pick the boat that is the best compromise of those attributes.
I agree with what George says. I would had that yes above 12 knots the 260 will round quickly, but early reef takes care of that and you actually go faster. I cannot speak for the 25.5 since I have never sailed one but obviously heavier keel boat will keep you from reefing early. However as George I needed something that I could trailer and the 260 is the best compromise for room, performance and trailering. The key word is compromise. All boats are a compromise of some sort. You must decide the attributes that are important to you and pick the boat that is the best compromise of those attributes.
Thanks guys.
I appreciate the feedback and link fellas. That makes me more interested in the 260. Now I'll have to begin talking to the wife...
I appreciate the feedback and link fellas. That makes me more interested in the 260. Now I'll have to begin talking to the wife...
I was visited at my slip by a 260 owner...
I have a 25.5. Anyway, he wanted to check my boat out. He commented that my cockpit was roomier and he liked the layout down below.
I have a 25.5. Anyway, he wanted to check my boat out. He commented that my cockpit was roomier and he liked the layout down below.
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