I will be purchasing a new 260 in the next month or two. I was wondering what current owners of a 260 have perceived as their best option(s) / upgrade(s)that they have either had dealer installed or have installed themselves shortly after purchase. We will be sailing on the St. John's River in Jacksonville, with plans to overnight at least a weekend a month. We do plan to do some coastal cruising as well once we are more experienced. I will probably be single-handed quite a bit as well. Thanks for your input. Darren
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One more thing
I am an instrument nut, so I will want instruments for depth / speed / wind speed / direction. I will eventually want an automhelm / with a short wired remote so that I could sit on the stern rail seat and manage the autopilot if desired. What instrument pack would you suggest that I get to make it easy to add the autohelm and interface it with the instruments. Thanks again, Darren
I am an instrument nut, so I will want instruments for depth / speed / wind speed / direction. I will eventually want an automhelm / with a short wired remote so that I could sit on the stern rail seat and manage the autopilot if desired. What instrument pack would you suggest that I get to make it easy to add the autohelm and interface it with the instruments. Thanks again, Darren
Get an autopilot with the boat!
I get the 260 with the tiller and get the tiller autopilot with it. That will add more ease of use and sailing pleasure than any instrument. Even if you get the wheel instead if the tiller I'd definately get the autopilot, because you will be sailing short handed a lot. I like having a tiller , because it is lower maintenace, more robust, and more responsive. after that I'd add just the basic instruments needed in this order for the St Johns River: GPS,Compass, Depth finder. Also get a nice handheld VHF and make sure your sails have the tell tales needed for trimming them properly. Since the 260 is not a race boat, I would pass on the wind instruments and start saving for a Assym Spinnaker or a drifter for the lazy days of summer.
I get the 260 with the tiller and get the tiller autopilot with it. That will add more ease of use and sailing pleasure than any instrument. Even if you get the wheel instead if the tiller I'd definately get the autopilot, because you will be sailing short handed a lot. I like having a tiller , because it is lower maintenace, more robust, and more responsive. after that I'd add just the basic instruments needed in this order for the St Johns River: GPS,Compass, Depth finder. Also get a nice handheld VHF and make sure your sails have the tell tales needed for trimming them properly. Since the 260 is not a race boat, I would pass on the wind instruments and start saving for a Assym Spinnaker or a drifter for the lazy days of summer.
WELCOME ABOARD!
Darren, I just purchased a new 2002 H260 @ the Denver Boat Show last month. It's my first boat and I'll be putting the Drunkards Dream in the water for the first time in March. She will be going into Lake Pueblo, Colorado. Obviously I can't do any coastal sailing...I not sure I be able to call what I'm doing sailing! But, I'll get back to the sea someday! I knew that before I put her in the water I wanted Wind, Depth, and Speed Instruments. I have done a lot of surfing (on the net) and concluded this, I hope it helps. I chose the Raytheon Wind, Depth, and Speed ST40 series. Check with previous post a about ST40. 1) Those units are at a great price right now at www.sailnet.com....$625.00 for the three. 2) I am chosing to have the dealer install the Depth and Speed. In Colorado they are getting $70.00 an hour (ouch). I don't make that much and I build houses! My H260 has a water balast. Therefore there is not much room for the two transducers which (I'm told) have to be in stalled in the bottom at the stern of the boat, not in front of the centerboard and centered, where the transducers should be install (because 0f the water balast). Boating...always a sacrifice. I'm nervous abouting cutting 2 - 2 1/8 holes in my boat. I'll leave that up to the pro's. I beleive that I can do the Wind instrument myself, along with the VHF and stereo sytem. If you look thru older posts, there's is a guy name Brigg who is doing and done work himself on a H260. I hoping to learn from him, how he did his wind instruments. One hand washes the other that's how they both stay clean! Now my circumstances are a lake. You may want to get the Raytheon ST60 or even an other manufacture depending on your needs. The price was a factor for me, I build house not boats. Peace of mind was a big factor too. I'm told my H260 does not have any THRU-HULL HOLES under the water line, and therefore I do not want to be the first one to put one there! At least if the dealer screws it up I can hold him responsible (I hope). Best of Luck with your new boat! BLUESKIES&HIGHTIDES....RB
Darren, I just purchased a new 2002 H260 @ the Denver Boat Show last month. It's my first boat and I'll be putting the Drunkards Dream in the water for the first time in March. She will be going into Lake Pueblo, Colorado. Obviously I can't do any coastal sailing...I not sure I be able to call what I'm doing sailing! But, I'll get back to the sea someday! I knew that before I put her in the water I wanted Wind, Depth, and Speed Instruments. I have done a lot of surfing (on the net) and concluded this, I hope it helps. I chose the Raytheon Wind, Depth, and Speed ST40 series. Check with previous post a about ST40. 1) Those units are at a great price right now at www.sailnet.com....$625.00 for the three. 2) I am chosing to have the dealer install the Depth and Speed. In Colorado they are getting $70.00 an hour (ouch). I don't make that much and I build houses! My H260 has a water balast. Therefore there is not much room for the two transducers which (I'm told) have to be in stalled in the bottom at the stern of the boat, not in front of the centerboard and centered, where the transducers should be install (because 0f the water balast). Boating...always a sacrifice. I'm nervous abouting cutting 2 - 2 1/8 holes in my boat. I'll leave that up to the pro's. I beleive that I can do the Wind instrument myself, along with the VHF and stereo sytem. If you look thru older posts, there's is a guy name Brigg who is doing and done work himself on a H260. I hoping to learn from him, how he did his wind instruments. One hand washes the other that's how they both stay clean! Now my circumstances are a lake. You may want to get the Raytheon ST60 or even an other manufacture depending on your needs. The price was a factor for me, I build house not boats. Peace of mind was a big factor too. I'm told my H260 does not have any THRU-HULL HOLES under the water line, and therefore I do not want to be the first one to put one there! At least if the dealer screws it up I can hold him responsible (I hope). Best of Luck with your new boat! BLUESKIES&HIGHTIDES....RB
Outfitting a 260
Darren, I have one of the earliest 260's, having launched it in May 1998. I recommend the following - bimini (a must); wheel steering (gives more cockpit room); extra battery, if you don't have a marine head; Honda 9.9hp four stroke with electric start and generator (keeps batteries charged); companionway cover (for overnights - gives shaded headroom); a couple of 12-volt outlets in the cabin and one at the helm (for accessories and the GPS); and instruments (speed, depts, compass, level-o-meter, and handheld GPS). My transducers are under the main berth. Dealer installed, and never had a drop of water leak in. I even remove the speed wheel and clean it while the boat is in the water. I get a few ounces of water in the bilge, at worst. Welcome to the H260 club. Ray
Darren, I have one of the earliest 260's, having launched it in May 1998. I recommend the following - bimini (a must); wheel steering (gives more cockpit room); extra battery, if you don't have a marine head; Honda 9.9hp four stroke with electric start and generator (keeps batteries charged); companionway cover (for overnights - gives shaded headroom); a couple of 12-volt outlets in the cabin and one at the helm (for accessories and the GPS); and instruments (speed, depts, compass, level-o-meter, and handheld GPS). My transducers are under the main berth. Dealer installed, and never had a drop of water leak in. I even remove the speed wheel and clean it while the boat is in the water. I get a few ounces of water in the bilge, at worst. Welcome to the H260 club. Ray
What's already on the boat
Here is what the boat is already equipped with: Wheel, bimini, 9.9, porta-potty, and the rest of the usual hunter gear. I already have handheld GPS and VHF radio as well. Darren
Here is what the boat is already equipped with: Wheel, bimini, 9.9, porta-potty, and the rest of the usual hunter gear. I already have handheld GPS and VHF radio as well. Darren
Sails??
Not one word about sails. I have to do a lot of single handing. Last summer I added a 135% Genoa with roller furling. There has been a lot of nay sayers on this site, but it works great for me. Particularly on those still days. I sent my sails into Doyle to have them worked on this winter. I'm having them converted to "StackPack". That combines the Lazy Jack and sail cover all in one. Should make taking sails down when alone or dropping them if a storm pops up a lot easier. I, also, put a small auto pilot on so that I could go below or just relax.
Not one word about sails. I have to do a lot of single handing. Last summer I added a 135% Genoa with roller furling. There has been a lot of nay sayers on this site, but it works great for me. Particularly on those still days. I sent my sails into Doyle to have them worked on this winter. I'm having them converted to "StackPack". That combines the Lazy Jack and sail cover all in one. Should make taking sails down when alone or dropping them if a storm pops up a lot easier. I, also, put a small auto pilot on so that I could go below or just relax.
For single handed sailing
In addition to the other posts, I would suggest that you have the jib roller furling added at the factory. Being able to furl the jib really helps when the wind picks up quickly and conditions get real rough (in addition to reefing the main early). A battery charger is good to have on board. For creature comforts, rail seats are real popular, and having a 120 volt system is nice but can be added later after the wallet recovers. We have a 2001 H-260 and enjoy it on the water from April to December. Then it's great to be able to work on it (i.e.,adding more creature comforts) during the winter in the back yard. Great boat, enjoy it!
In addition to the other posts, I would suggest that you have the jib roller furling added at the factory. Being able to furl the jib really helps when the wind picks up quickly and conditions get real rough (in addition to reefing the main early). A battery charger is good to have on board. For creature comforts, rail seats are real popular, and having a 120 volt system is nice but can be added later after the wallet recovers. We have a 2001 H-260 and enjoy it on the water from April to December. Then it's great to be able to work on it (i.e.,adding more creature comforts) during the winter in the back yard. Great boat, enjoy it!
Welcome!
The most useful addition to our 2001 H260 are an autopilot, outboard/rudder linkage, remote outboard control, CD player with cockpit speakers, extra battery with valtage meter, removable solar panel, and some 12v adapters.
The most useful addition to our 2001 H260 are an autopilot, outboard/rudder linkage, remote outboard control, CD player with cockpit speakers, extra battery with valtage meter, removable solar panel, and some 12v adapters.
Get a flexible solar panel
One of the nicest additions to our boat has been a flexible solar panel which we keep on the top of the bimini. Never need to worry about having enought juice. If you get a tiller a good adjustable tiller extender is a must. ( the one that came standard on our 99 260 was less than satisfactory). It seems to me that there are plenty of electronics that work just fine when installed to work thru the hull rather than actually going thru the hull.
One of the nicest additions to our boat has been a flexible solar panel which we keep on the top of the bimini. Never need to worry about having enought juice. If you get a tiller a good adjustable tiller extender is a must. ( the one that came standard on our 99 260 was less than satisfactory). It seems to me that there are plenty of electronics that work just fine when installed to work thru the hull rather than actually going thru the hull.
All good ideas
All of the ideas described so far are good. How much money do you have? I started with the dodger to give more head room when anchored, a VHF with antenna up the mast, I added a two burner propane stove with tank in the stern locker and rail mounted BarBQ. An inflatable tender with small 3 Hp outboard, and on and on. I have a list of projects on my personal sailing web site with lots of pictures and projects here on the photo/project page. The thing I have enjoyed most is my asymmetrical spinnaker. I've added a picture of it. Just surf these pages for hundreds of great ideas. Brigg
All of the ideas described so far are good. How much money do you have? I started with the dodger to give more head room when anchored, a VHF with antenna up the mast, I added a two burner propane stove with tank in the stern locker and rail mounted BarBQ. An inflatable tender with small 3 Hp outboard, and on and on. I have a list of projects on my personal sailing web site with lots of pictures and projects here on the photo/project page. The thing I have enjoyed most is my asymmetrical spinnaker. I've added a picture of it. Just surf these pages for hundreds of great ideas. Brigg
Live with it a while...
Darren, Congratulations! You will love the boat. Is it your first? You may want to use the boat a season to get a feel for what you need and visualize where/how you want to have additons installed. Suggested Boat options: Wheel steering with Compass on Binacle and engine controls. Stern rail with seats Anchor roller Second anchor (different type than supplied)and rode My favorite gadgets are: Auto pilot (Simrad WP10, you'll need the WP30 for remote) GPS (I use a Garman handheld) VHF with RAM remote mike at helm Lazy Jacks Gaurhauer rigid boom vang (no topping lift) For canvas: Bimini Companion way hatch cover (to keep dirt/rain/snow out when stored) Helm cover Pop-Top canvas For overnights in marinas... You'll probably want window curtains. Sails: New mainsail reef point added below existing reef point. I'm not a fan of the roller furling jib for the H260 (I had one on my previous boat with a 135 genny). I use the Hunter supplied 100% jib and rigged a simple downhaul to pull it down from the cockpit. I have a sail cover that can be used with the jib hanked on the forestay. Main disadvantage is that the sail is in the way when anchoring or picking up a mooring, but its easily managed.
Darren, Congratulations! You will love the boat. Is it your first? You may want to use the boat a season to get a feel for what you need and visualize where/how you want to have additons installed. Suggested Boat options: Wheel steering with Compass on Binacle and engine controls. Stern rail with seats Anchor roller Second anchor (different type than supplied)and rode My favorite gadgets are: Auto pilot (Simrad WP10, you'll need the WP30 for remote) GPS (I use a Garman handheld) VHF with RAM remote mike at helm Lazy Jacks Gaurhauer rigid boom vang (no topping lift) For canvas: Bimini Companion way hatch cover (to keep dirt/rain/snow out when stored) Helm cover Pop-Top canvas For overnights in marinas... You'll probably want window curtains. Sails: New mainsail reef point added below existing reef point. I'm not a fan of the roller furling jib for the H260 (I had one on my previous boat with a 135 genny). I use the Hunter supplied 100% jib and rigged a simple downhaul to pull it down from the cockpit. I have a sail cover that can be used with the jib hanked on the forestay. Main disadvantage is that the sail is in the way when anchoring or picking up a mooring, but its easily managed.
First boat owned
This is the first boat that I have owned. My parents owned a 26 ft Chrysler when I was growing up - on the lakes of TN. So will be a bit different sailing wise here in Jacksonville having to deal with currents on teh river and ion the intercoastal. Darren
This is the first boat that I have owned. My parents owned a 26 ft Chrysler when I was growing up - on the lakes of TN. So will be a bit different sailing wise here in Jacksonville having to deal with currents on teh river and ion the intercoastal. Darren
Good advice Tom
Tom had a good point on getting to know the boat first before adding stuff. Once you get a feel for how you will use it (as opposed to how you think you will) you'll have a better idea of what would be useful. I do though, love the roller furling on my H26
. Fair winds John
Tom had a good point on getting to know the boat first before adding stuff. Once you get a feel for how you will use it (as opposed to how you think you will) you'll have a better idea of what would be useful. I do though, love the roller furling on my H26
. Fair winds Johnrecommendations
I have always recommended to my customers the following as basics: Roller furling Stern rail seats Mainsail cover Bimini Wheel steering Upgrade to interior cloth cushions Throtle/speed controls for engine on wheel steer Regarding the engine that will be a choice but most folks are going the route of a four stroke 9.9 with electric start. Order the engine with the tiller handle and then get the cable attachment kit to attach the cables running from the wheel steering. I suggest the cables be the 3300 series. Also, Honda does not offer a cable attachment kit for their 9.9 engines as of the 2001 model year unless you get their remote box stlye engine which does not have a tiller on it. I strongly suggest that whatever engine you get does have the tiller handle on it. You will be advised of many other items but I suggest that you ask what you are going to do with the boat for 5 years and then get the equipment that you feel will satisfy your needs. As you live in Florida, may I suggest that you get the gray versus blue sunbrella bimini as it is much cooler than the dark blue. You can also get the mainsail cover and any other canvas in the gray too. I suggest the Ameriseam products. Good luck and happy sailing. Crazy Dave Condon in never never land
I have always recommended to my customers the following as basics: Roller furling Stern rail seats Mainsail cover Bimini Wheel steering Upgrade to interior cloth cushions Throtle/speed controls for engine on wheel steer Regarding the engine that will be a choice but most folks are going the route of a four stroke 9.9 with electric start. Order the engine with the tiller handle and then get the cable attachment kit to attach the cables running from the wheel steering. I suggest the cables be the 3300 series. Also, Honda does not offer a cable attachment kit for their 9.9 engines as of the 2001 model year unless you get their remote box stlye engine which does not have a tiller on it. I strongly suggest that whatever engine you get does have the tiller handle on it. You will be advised of many other items but I suggest that you ask what you are going to do with the boat for 5 years and then get the equipment that you feel will satisfy your needs. As you live in Florida, may I suggest that you get the gray versus blue sunbrella bimini as it is much cooler than the dark blue. You can also get the mainsail cover and any other canvas in the gray too. I suggest the Ameriseam products. Good luck and happy sailing. Crazy Dave Condon in never never land
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