I'm very early in the "moving up from the 23.5 to the 260" game, and I'm really interested in the 260 with the wheel steering. My question is if you have the 260 with the wheel steering and a bimini - do you have enough headroom to stand and steer while the bimini is up? How much? (I'm 6') If you have to sit down, can you see over the top of the cabin? Thanks for the information! Bruce S/V Off Call H 23.5
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The Boom's The Thing
Bruce, I have a 1999 H260 with a tiller and bimini. The problem you'll face, however, is that the boom doesn't clear the bimini (assuming that my bimini is installed correctly). Tom
Bruce, I have a 1999 H260 with a tiller and bimini. The problem you'll face, however, is that the boom doesn't clear the bimini (assuming that my bimini is installed correctly). Tom
Doesn't clear?!
Bruce, I think there is just 6' (maybe a little less under the bimini), don't know about seeing over the cabin, haven't tried that yet (I have wheel steering). Tom, you say your boom doesn't clear? I was thinking that mine did, then realized that it was on the toping lift, which of course will clear cause it is adjustable. Have not sailed since getting the bimini installed, now I'm worried. Hope this is not another dealer oversight. While we're on the subject of biminis I have a question for those who store their boats on trailers in covered storage. I found that the common covered storage facility door/entry is not tall enough to accomodate the mast head sticking that far up in the air. The mast crutch is at a height such that it will hold the mast clear of the bimini which makes it stick way up in the air. Has anyone else had this problem? What I was thinking of doing is one of two things 1) disconnect the two bars/rails that hold the bimini up on the stern rail and see if it will lie down maybe across the the stern rail seats or even enough (1 -2 feet) to allow me to cut down the mast crutch to lower the mast a foot or two to allow me to get a covered storage spot. 2) otherwise remove and replace the bimini every time you setup/takedown, this would also allow me to cut down the mast crutch, although it would be more of a pain. Any thoughts? Tom
Bruce, I think there is just 6' (maybe a little less under the bimini), don't know about seeing over the cabin, haven't tried that yet (I have wheel steering). Tom, you say your boom doesn't clear? I was thinking that mine did, then realized that it was on the toping lift, which of course will clear cause it is adjustable. Have not sailed since getting the bimini installed, now I'm worried. Hope this is not another dealer oversight. While we're on the subject of biminis I have a question for those who store their boats on trailers in covered storage. I found that the common covered storage facility door/entry is not tall enough to accomodate the mast head sticking that far up in the air. The mast crutch is at a height such that it will hold the mast clear of the bimini which makes it stick way up in the air. Has anyone else had this problem? What I was thinking of doing is one of two things 1) disconnect the two bars/rails that hold the bimini up on the stern rail and see if it will lie down maybe across the the stern rail seats or even enough (1 -2 feet) to allow me to cut down the mast crutch to lower the mast a foot or two to allow me to get a covered storage spot. 2) otherwise remove and replace the bimini every time you setup/takedown, this would also allow me to cut down the mast crutch, although it would be more of a pain. Any thoughts? Tom
Bimini
Tom On thing I did with my bimini was to lay it forward before bringing the mast down. That is after disconnecting the struts. It was more or less out the way. Don't tow your boat with the bimini in this position, it will rub against the stays. Jim s/v Java
Tom On thing I did with my bimini was to lay it forward before bringing the mast down. That is after disconnecting the struts. It was more or less out the way. Don't tow your boat with the bimini in this position, it will rub against the stays. Jim s/v Java
to another tom
On the mast resting in crutch question- I have a H26 so this may be somewhat different but maybe not-I measured the highest spot and it's 11' 2" and I thought well I could get that down to about 9' if I took it out of the stern "sling shot" lookin holder so if I wanted to build a storage shed I could get it in easier but the problem is then you are putting all the weight on the spreaders laying on the cabin top, the way to do it is to raise up the front of the mast over the anchor locker with a well padded homemade saw horse and then you can lower the back of the mast so it sits level with another homemade crutch(also comes in handy if covering boat with tarp as then the tarp sets level). On the bimini question-with the 26 there were 2 choices from ameriseam a 3.5' one and a 6'one;I got the 3.5' one so I wouldn't have to move the main sheets,but the things I don't like about it as it has no window to visually check the mainsheets and when not in use for some activities it is in the way. I am not a seamstress so sowing in some isenglass for a better view of mainsail trim isn't doable. -just some thoughts.
On the mast resting in crutch question- I have a H26 so this may be somewhat different but maybe not-I measured the highest spot and it's 11' 2" and I thought well I could get that down to about 9' if I took it out of the stern "sling shot" lookin holder so if I wanted to build a storage shed I could get it in easier but the problem is then you are putting all the weight on the spreaders laying on the cabin top, the way to do it is to raise up the front of the mast over the anchor locker with a well padded homemade saw horse and then you can lower the back of the mast so it sits level with another homemade crutch(also comes in handy if covering boat with tarp as then the tarp sets level). On the bimini question-with the 26 there were 2 choices from ameriseam a 3.5' one and a 6'one;I got the 3.5' one so I wouldn't have to move the main sheets,but the things I don't like about it as it has no window to visually check the mainsheets and when not in use for some activities it is in the way. I am not a seamstress so sowing in some isenglass for a better view of mainsail trim isn't doable. -just some thoughts.
To another Tom from Tom the First
Tom II, I don't think you should be too worried. When I write that the boom doesn't clear the bimini, it is very close. I have not tried adjusting the topping lift to raise the boom since it hasn't been an issue for me; I only use the bimini while at anchor. I'd feel blind on the H260 sailing with the bimini fully extended. Besides, after 6 months of winter, I want all the sun I can get. I can extend the bimini at anchor merely by moving the boom slightly to either side. I do plan to experiment this weekend to see if the boom clears with some slight tweaking. I believe it should but I don't assume till I check it out. Fair Winds tom
Tom II, I don't think you should be too worried. When I write that the boom doesn't clear the bimini, it is very close. I have not tried adjusting the topping lift to raise the boom since it hasn't been an issue for me; I only use the bimini while at anchor. I'd feel blind on the H260 sailing with the bimini fully extended. Besides, after 6 months of winter, I want all the sun I can get. I can extend the bimini at anchor merely by moving the boom slightly to either side. I do plan to experiment this weekend to see if the boom clears with some slight tweaking. I believe it should but I don't assume till I check it out. Fair Winds tom
Sit on a boat cushion
Hi, I am 6 ft and find visibility reasonable from behind the helm (wheel steering) if sitting on a boat cushion. Tie a handle of the cushion to the stern rail so that you don't accidentally knock it overboard when you stand up. I find that you can sit port or starboard on the cockpit benches (aft end) and reach the wheel to steer, too. There are some Hunter 26 with bimini pictures in the photo forum that you will find interesting. Shows how the 6 foot Bimini can be up but not fully extended forward to avoid interference with the boom and mainsheet. I want a bimini that attaches to the stern rail instead of the hull/deck joint so will likely have a custom designed one. Am considering a 6 foot long "T" style that has a vertical support with bows extending forward and aft. Then I can leave the forward portion folded while sailing to avoid interference, and extend it at anchor or while motoring. If possible, I would like to set it up so that the whole bimini will slide forward/aft and maybe even have some adjustment on the height, too. I have seen pictures of a T style (On the hunter photo forum, I believe) where the forward section is 8 or 10 inches lower than the aft section to fit under the boom while allowing standing headroom at the helm. This opens a gap that allows visibility of sail trim and perhaps wind direction indicators. A removable filler could be made with zippers, if desired. Just a few thoughts to share. Fair winds, Tom
Hi, I am 6 ft and find visibility reasonable from behind the helm (wheel steering) if sitting on a boat cushion. Tie a handle of the cushion to the stern rail so that you don't accidentally knock it overboard when you stand up. I find that you can sit port or starboard on the cockpit benches (aft end) and reach the wheel to steer, too. There are some Hunter 26 with bimini pictures in the photo forum that you will find interesting. Shows how the 6 foot Bimini can be up but not fully extended forward to avoid interference with the boom and mainsheet. I want a bimini that attaches to the stern rail instead of the hull/deck joint so will likely have a custom designed one. Am considering a 6 foot long "T" style that has a vertical support with bows extending forward and aft. Then I can leave the forward portion folded while sailing to avoid interference, and extend it at anchor or while motoring. If possible, I would like to set it up so that the whole bimini will slide forward/aft and maybe even have some adjustment on the height, too. I have seen pictures of a T style (On the hunter photo forum, I believe) where the forward section is 8 or 10 inches lower than the aft section to fit under the boom while allowing standing headroom at the helm. This opens a gap that allows visibility of sail trim and perhaps wind direction indicators. A removable filler could be made with zippers, if desired. Just a few thoughts to share. Fair winds, Tom
Bimini installation needs tweeking.
I have the AmeriSeam 6’ bimini installed on my tiller steered H26. I followed the instructions for the placement of the fittings but found that the bimini was too high and interfered with the boom for sailing. The following steps were taken to allow for sailing with the bimini fully deployed: 1. I lowered the pivot screw about 4 inches to just above the rub rail flange. You have to play around with the position to make sure the bimini is tight when raised and can be lowered properly for storage when not in use. 2. Cut the boltrope free in the luff of the main so it now can be raised to the top of the mast. 3. Installed an additional bail on the boom forward of the original bail so the main sheet can be installed and not interfere with the forward edge of the bimini. I found that the bimini has to be released from the pivot screw and folded down when raising and lowering the mast or you will have trouble with the spreaders and shrouds resting on the bimini and the mast will not fit onto the crutch properly. I question the post about cutting the crutch to lower the mast during storage. On my boat with the mast in the crutch, the spreaders are just touching the toe rail on the deck. If the mast is any lower, you will have trouble with the spreaders and have to raise the mast at the bow. As far as head room is concerned, I am of no help since I am vertically challenged at 5’4” and the wife is just 5’ so it seems like wide open spaces to us. Standing up in the H26 is also no problem for us unlike the headroom in the Catalina 250. My boating neighbor has a C250 and I am constantly bumping my head in his boat. Good luck and I hope this has helped. Bob “Gravyboat”
I have the AmeriSeam 6’ bimini installed on my tiller steered H26. I followed the instructions for the placement of the fittings but found that the bimini was too high and interfered with the boom for sailing. The following steps were taken to allow for sailing with the bimini fully deployed: 1. I lowered the pivot screw about 4 inches to just above the rub rail flange. You have to play around with the position to make sure the bimini is tight when raised and can be lowered properly for storage when not in use. 2. Cut the boltrope free in the luff of the main so it now can be raised to the top of the mast. 3. Installed an additional bail on the boom forward of the original bail so the main sheet can be installed and not interfere with the forward edge of the bimini. I found that the bimini has to be released from the pivot screw and folded down when raising and lowering the mast or you will have trouble with the spreaders and shrouds resting on the bimini and the mast will not fit onto the crutch properly. I question the post about cutting the crutch to lower the mast during storage. On my boat with the mast in the crutch, the spreaders are just touching the toe rail on the deck. If the mast is any lower, you will have trouble with the spreaders and have to raise the mast at the bow. As far as head room is concerned, I am of no help since I am vertically challenged at 5’4” and the wife is just 5’ so it seems like wide open spaces to us. Standing up in the H26 is also no problem for us unlike the headroom in the Catalina 250. My boating neighbor has a C250 and I am constantly bumping my head in his boat. Good luck and I hope this has helped. Bob “Gravyboat”
Thanks guys!
Great responses! Oh yeah Bob, now that you mention it, the spreaders are right down there on the deck, huh. I have about 4-5" clearance (bungeed to the lifelines). Now I'm thinking of trying to raise the forward end of the mast to see if that can bring the aft end down a foot or two for storage. I am wondering about the mast struts now. I would think that if the mast is supported well, forward and aft, that the struts should be OK for storage, seems to be no different than it is now. For Boston Tom, my bimini is installed on the stern railing, it's the 6' one from Hunter (Ameriseam). This weekend I'll play with the mast and bimini and see what I can come up with. I'll post my findings. Thanks Tom(s) et al. Smooth Sailing.... Tom s/v Oasis (pending christening)
Great responses! Oh yeah Bob, now that you mention it, the spreaders are right down there on the deck, huh. I have about 4-5" clearance (bungeed to the lifelines). Now I'm thinking of trying to raise the forward end of the mast to see if that can bring the aft end down a foot or two for storage. I am wondering about the mast struts now. I would think that if the mast is supported well, forward and aft, that the struts should be OK for storage, seems to be no different than it is now. For Boston Tom, my bimini is installed on the stern railing, it's the 6' one from Hunter (Ameriseam). This weekend I'll play with the mast and bimini and see what I can come up with. I'll post my findings. Thanks Tom(s) et al. Smooth Sailing.... Tom s/v Oasis (pending christening)
Bimini
We have a 2000 H260 and ordered the Ameriseam Bimini with the boat. Bill is 6'2" and has standing and sitting headroom. No problem with the boom. either. Here in NM we have lots of sun and need the shade. But in winds over 15kts we fold it up. Bill and Nancy Berg s/v Zia, Albuquerque
We have a 2000 H260 and ordered the Ameriseam Bimini with the boat. Bill is 6'2" and has standing and sitting headroom. No problem with the boom. either. Here in NM we have lots of sun and need the shade. But in winds over 15kts we fold it up. Bill and Nancy Berg s/v Zia, Albuquerque
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