I am traveling to pick up my h26. Trading in my 1985 Mac 25. Looking for more room for the family. Also am interested in "must have" improvements to the h26. Regards
Buying a 1994 h26, any advice?
- Thread starter Mergatroid
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Get the little parts -
Assuming the mast will be down and boat on trailer you need to make sure you get several small parts - i.e. mast raising support wires(2),clip that fits mast pin and used to secure boom vang, main sheet system (two blocks + rope), plug for ballast tank, mast and boom pins. Many of these parts are removed during lowering of mast and in my case, when I bought my 1995 H26, had to be replaced. Also make sure you empty the porta-potti before long trailor trip as a spill is not fun to clean up. I also would make sure I had a bunch of bungee cords as they are very handy in securing the loose rope/wires. Enjoy your new boat - Mike T.
Assuming the mast will be down and boat on trailer you need to make sure you get several small parts - i.e. mast raising support wires(2),clip that fits mast pin and used to secure boom vang, main sheet system (two blocks + rope), plug for ballast tank, mast and boom pins. Many of these parts are removed during lowering of mast and in my case, when I bought my 1995 H26, had to be replaced. Also make sure you empty the porta-potti before long trailor trip as a spill is not fun to clean up. I also would make sure I had a bunch of bungee cords as they are very handy in securing the loose rope/wires. Enjoy your new boat - Mike T.
TRAILERING
make sure you have enough truck for the tow. i recently bought a 86 hunter 25.5,on a great shoreland'r trailer,elevateh to fit the shoal keel. i drive a 2002 chev hd2500,with duramax diesel,extended cab model. up to 55 all is well. over 55, the boat begins fishtailing the truck,. sway bars are being added but a bigger,longer truck with more lbs. han the boat is the answer. good luck.
make sure you have enough truck for the tow. i recently bought a 86 hunter 25.5,on a great shoreland'r trailer,elevateh to fit the shoal keel. i drive a 2002 chev hd2500,with duramax diesel,extended cab model. up to 55 all is well. over 55, the boat begins fishtailing the truck,. sway bars are being added but a bigger,longer truck with more lbs. han the boat is the answer. good luck.
Read the archives and knowledge base here
We sail a 2004 260 and did many of the improvements posted in the archives/knowledge base and Georges site. Some upgrades may be less useful depending on your area. Some people cuss the large table while we find it adequate when rotated fwd for the V-berth, others add fans, pres water sys and electronics. I'd update the safety items first like radios/PFDs/rigging. Then sail it to figure out what you'd like for your sailing style. Other than safety, don't sweat it and have fun. Gary, As to your towing issue. The 25.5 sure puts the CG much higher and heavier than us but from my experience of pulling loads larger than our boat your issue sounds like low tire pres and not enough tongue weight(or both). Just a thought. Michael
We sail a 2004 260 and did many of the improvements posted in the archives/knowledge base and Georges site. Some upgrades may be less useful depending on your area. Some people cuss the large table while we find it adequate when rotated fwd for the V-berth, others add fans, pres water sys and electronics. I'd update the safety items first like radios/PFDs/rigging. Then sail it to figure out what you'd like for your sailing style. Other than safety, don't sweat it and have fun. Gary, As to your towing issue. The 25.5 sure puts the CG much higher and heavier than us but from my experience of pulling loads larger than our boat your issue sounds like low tire pres and not enough tongue weight(or both). Just a thought. Michael
H26
I agree with Michael, the archives are packed with great tips and things to look out for. I spent a lot of time there before buying my boat, and I'll always grateful to people like Crazy Dave, Jim Seamans, John Baumgartner (a legend in his own time), and many many others. Here's some links that will get you started: Towing the H26/260: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/travel/travel.html H260 Knowledgebase: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?model=20 H26 Knowledgebase: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?model=15 Ideas to make your sailing life easier: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/index.html Have fun with your new purchase and get used to it. However, unless they have been replaced since the boat was new, your sails are probably blown out and should be checked carefully by a qualified sailmaker. In addition, I'd plan on replacing the standing and running rigging fairly soon. Welcome aboard and let us know how things are going....
I agree with Michael, the archives are packed with great tips and things to look out for. I spent a lot of time there before buying my boat, and I'll always grateful to people like Crazy Dave, Jim Seamans, John Baumgartner (a legend in his own time), and many many others. Here's some links that will get you started: Towing the H26/260: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/travel/travel.html H260 Knowledgebase: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?model=20 H26 Knowledgebase: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?model=15 Ideas to make your sailing life easier: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/index.html Have fun with your new purchase and get used to it. However, unless they have been replaced since the boat was new, your sails are probably blown out and should be checked carefully by a qualified sailmaker. In addition, I'd plan on replacing the standing and running rigging fairly soon. Welcome aboard and let us know how things are going....
Congratulations
I purchased a '94 26 located in New Jersey in April of 2006 and towed it home to Atlanta with a 2006 GMC Envoy without incident. I purchased a big bag of long cable ties and used many of them to secure the shrouds and the jib furler to the mast during transport. Two ratcheting nylon tie down straps worked great to secure the the boat to the trailer using the aft cleats. I recommend buying a swimming noodle - the type with the hole in the center. I cut two nice sized sections that I then sliced open lengthwise (think hotdog bun) and used them around the spreaders (fastened with cable ties) so they wouldn't mar the deck during transport. Be sure that the mast raising pole, a mast crutch, and two mini shrouds are included. My boat was well equipped by the previous owners, so I have done little to it. I purchased the professional Loos rigging gauge and can't say enough good about how easy it makes tuning the rigging. It's a tender boat when the rigging is not properly balanced. Make certain to keep the kick-up rudder as far forward as possible while sailing or motoring. And, don't be afraid to reef the main early. I am about to add a Simrad TP10 Tillerpilot and a CDI Mainsail Reefing System, both sheer luxuries. My first boat was a Mac22 and my next an Ericson 25. I think back fondly on both of them but, like you, we wanted more room. It took some time to get used to how it handles and before I got the rigging balanced with the Loos gauge, I wondered if I'd made the right decision. Now my answer is a flat out, resounding YES. I was out yesterday afternoon, sitting in the stern rail seat, admiring my decision making ability!! I hope you will too. Any questions, if you need help in any way, don't hesitate to ask. This forum is a treasure trove of knowledge. Fair winds, Jan Delbert S/V Tickled Pink, '94 H26 Lake Lanier, GA
I purchased a '94 26 located in New Jersey in April of 2006 and towed it home to Atlanta with a 2006 GMC Envoy without incident. I purchased a big bag of long cable ties and used many of them to secure the shrouds and the jib furler to the mast during transport. Two ratcheting nylon tie down straps worked great to secure the the boat to the trailer using the aft cleats. I recommend buying a swimming noodle - the type with the hole in the center. I cut two nice sized sections that I then sliced open lengthwise (think hotdog bun) and used them around the spreaders (fastened with cable ties) so they wouldn't mar the deck during transport. Be sure that the mast raising pole, a mast crutch, and two mini shrouds are included. My boat was well equipped by the previous owners, so I have done little to it. I purchased the professional Loos rigging gauge and can't say enough good about how easy it makes tuning the rigging. It's a tender boat when the rigging is not properly balanced. Make certain to keep the kick-up rudder as far forward as possible while sailing or motoring. And, don't be afraid to reef the main early. I am about to add a Simrad TP10 Tillerpilot and a CDI Mainsail Reefing System, both sheer luxuries. My first boat was a Mac22 and my next an Ericson 25. I think back fondly on both of them but, like you, we wanted more room. It took some time to get used to how it handles and before I got the rigging balanced with the Loos gauge, I wondered if I'd made the right decision. Now my answer is a flat out, resounding YES. I was out yesterday afternoon, sitting in the stern rail seat, admiring my decision making ability!! I hope you will too. Any questions, if you need help in any way, don't hesitate to ask. This forum is a treasure trove of knowledge. Fair winds, Jan Delbert S/V Tickled Pink, '94 H26 Lake Lanier, GA
H26 Main Reefing System
jandelbert : Way cool! What's a CDI Mainsail Reefing system? Is this an in-mast main furler? Sounds expensive. Always looking for new ideas tho.
jandelbert : Way cool! What's a CDI Mainsail Reefing system? Is this an in-mast main furler? Sounds expensive. Always looking for new ideas tho.
Hi George!
You were SO helpful to me and my dad when we got our 26's. You may not remember me - the father/daughter pair sailing 26s. You assumed we were father/son!! The CDI Mainsail system is alot like the headsail furler. It's certainly not a necessity... but I SURE am looking forward to getting it and then getting it rigged. I never had a furling jib prior to my H26 and do I EVER like the convenience. That's what I'm after with this. Check it out. Link provided below.
You were SO helpful to me and my dad when we got our 26's. You may not remember me - the father/daughter pair sailing 26s. You assumed we were father/son!! The CDI Mainsail system is alot like the headsail furler. It's certainly not a necessity... but I SURE am looking forward to getting it and then getting it rigged. I never had a furling jib prior to my H26 and do I EVER like the convenience. That's what I'm after with this. Check it out. Link provided below.
Reefing System
Just checked out your link to the mainsail reefing system. You would have to do away with your battens, and to me that would seem like a major compromise as the B&R rig on a H26 gets its major power from the mainsail (not the Jib) and having battens is a major part of shaping the main. Plus on this size boat, if it is set up correctly, the main can be both reefed and lowered from the cockpit with little effort.
Just checked out your link to the mainsail reefing system. You would have to do away with your battens, and to me that would seem like a major compromise as the B&R rig on a H26 gets its major power from the mainsail (not the Jib) and having battens is a major part of shaping the main. Plus on this size boat, if it is set up correctly, the main can be both reefed and lowered from the cockpit with little effort.
Charisma - reefing system
When my dad got his 96 H26 the sail wasn't to specs, didn't have battens, and he had to have it cut down. Our local sail loft convinced him to go footless and it performs just great. I got a great deal on a furling mainsail specifically for the H26 on Ebay and the furling system, though brand new, is priced WAY below msrp. I'm more of a cruising mind set rather than a racer, so I think it will be okay. I'll let you know.
When my dad got his 96 H26 the sail wasn't to specs, didn't have battens, and he had to have it cut down. Our local sail loft convinced him to go footless and it performs just great. I got a great deal on a furling mainsail specifically for the H26 on Ebay and the furling system, though brand new, is priced WAY below msrp. I'm more of a cruising mind set rather than a racer, so I think it will be okay. I'll let you know.
H26 Main Furler
This is a first for me so I'm sure all of us would like to see how it works for you. Once you are up and running take pics and post them to the knowledgebase.
This is a first for me so I'm sure all of us would like to see how it works for you. Once you are up and running take pics and post them to the knowledgebase.
New Boat
Mergatroid, We bought a 98 260 last November and really love the boat. Agree that getting the rigging tuned right makes a HUGE difference in how the boat sails. But for me, the biggest headaches are the engine controls and manuvering in the harbor. So, make sure the engine controls work smoothly (mine don't and I have to work on them) and look into some of the engine-rudder linkages. The 26/260 has a lot of freeboard and it doesn't take much wind to push it around while trying to dock. Keeping steerage speed is tough if the engine controls aren't easy to use and you're fighting the rudder and motor. Good luck on your boat. We love ours for the ability to take out friends in comfort. Not easy to do on a trailerable sailboat. Deucer
Mergatroid, We bought a 98 260 last November and really love the boat. Agree that getting the rigging tuned right makes a HUGE difference in how the boat sails. But for me, the biggest headaches are the engine controls and manuvering in the harbor. So, make sure the engine controls work smoothly (mine don't and I have to work on them) and look into some of the engine-rudder linkages. The 26/260 has a lot of freeboard and it doesn't take much wind to push it around while trying to dock. Keeping steerage speed is tough if the engine controls aren't easy to use and you're fighting the rudder and motor. Good luck on your boat. We love ours for the ability to take out friends in comfort. Not easy to do on a trailerable sailboat. Deucer
Welcome Aboard
Welcome to the H26 club. I have had my H26 for 6 years now. I bought it well equipped by the previous owner so all I can add is that I have enjoyed my boat very much and have had very few problems to deal with. There are a lot of good people on this website with lots of helpful information. Check out the archives and don't be afraid to ask questions. Many people (too many to name) have been helpful to me and I hope you find the same. Welcome aboard and best of luck.
Welcome to the H26 club. I have had my H26 for 6 years now. I bought it well equipped by the previous owner so all I can add is that I have enjoyed my boat very much and have had very few problems to deal with. There are a lot of good people on this website with lots of helpful information. Check out the archives and don't be afraid to ask questions. Many people (too many to name) have been helpful to me and I hope you find the same. Welcome aboard and best of luck.
Rudder Hold Down
Welcome - the H-26 is a beautiful boat. We came from a Catalina 22 - the volume of the cabin is amazing. One problem I've had on my 1994 H-26 is holding the rudder down. If it swings up at the wrong time it will be difficult to steer and could be dangerous. I found the stock method of a line on the tiller to raise and lower and hold the rudder down did not work. What I did was drill a hole through the rudder and it's surrounding aluminum brackets and inserted a hold down pin (I got the ones made for a Hunter 260). Works like a charm. Only when you are in really shallow water will the rudder now kick up. Regards, Tom Grass Grasshopper II H26 - #174
Welcome - the H-26 is a beautiful boat. We came from a Catalina 22 - the volume of the cabin is amazing. One problem I've had on my 1994 H-26 is holding the rudder down. If it swings up at the wrong time it will be difficult to steer and could be dangerous. I found the stock method of a line on the tiller to raise and lower and hold the rudder down did not work. What I did was drill a hole through the rudder and it's surrounding aluminum brackets and inserted a hold down pin (I got the ones made for a Hunter 260). Works like a charm. Only when you are in really shallow water will the rudder now kick up. Regards, Tom Grass Grasshopper II H26 - #174
Yada Yada Yada....
Here is the one "must have"... buy a shower curtain rod... I know you all are thinking "Huh?" but we pop up our table and open the cabin and that has been the bomb of mods. $8. If you havent done it, do it. The cabin turns into a flippin living room from a kitchen. The only other thing I recommend is a storage item... We fought over how to keep our clothes organized for the trips we take. It is so difficult to find what you want and to put cloth bags in and out of the storage areas. We bought 2 "Rubbermaid Keepsake" 18.3X9.1X6.8 inch bins per person in the family and we pack the bins before leaving and just drop them in when we get there. One Pants and underwear, one shirts and socks. They slide into and out of the slots like a glove. If I could only get my wife to bring just the essentials. I finally convinced her most marinas will have a washer and dryer...
Here is the one "must have"... buy a shower curtain rod... I know you all are thinking "Huh?" but we pop up our table and open the cabin and that has been the bomb of mods. $8. If you havent done it, do it. The cabin turns into a flippin living room from a kitchen. The only other thing I recommend is a storage item... We fought over how to keep our clothes organized for the trips we take. It is so difficult to find what you want and to put cloth bags in and out of the storage areas. We bought 2 "Rubbermaid Keepsake" 18.3X9.1X6.8 inch bins per person in the family and we pack the bins before leaving and just drop them in when we get there. One Pants and underwear, one shirts and socks. They slide into and out of the slots like a glove. If I could only get my wife to bring just the essentials. I finally convinced her most marinas will have a washer and dryer...
Monkey, Need More Information!!!
I understand raising the table, but how do you use the shower rod? To prop it up?
I understand raising the table, but how do you use the shower rod? To prop it up?
H26 Improvements
Go to this link and start planning: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/upgrades1.html
Go to this link and start planning: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/upgrades1.html
Replacing the water and fixing the table
are definitely a big first step. Buy 5 gallow water jugs and replace the 2 Gallon Jugs currently in the cabintes under the sink. You will have to fill them while they are in the sinks but if you are like us, we spend a few days on the shore somewhere and running out of water for cleaning and such is a bad idea. I replaced the hoses too. The shower curtain is used to hold the table up. Since it is expandable it will fit no matter what. We use a bungie around it to make sure it stays in place. Soling 42 has done the bomb of mods NO doubt. But investing in the GPS and having it handy has been very useful so we can get someplace quickly.... Rudder to motor would be nice but I havent done that yet. But I did buy a throttle extender which makes using the motor for turning and power wayeasier... and cost $10.
are definitely a big first step. Buy 5 gallow water jugs and replace the 2 Gallon Jugs currently in the cabintes under the sink. You will have to fill them while they are in the sinks but if you are like us, we spend a few days on the shore somewhere and running out of water for cleaning and such is a bad idea. I replaced the hoses too. The shower curtain is used to hold the table up. Since it is expandable it will fit no matter what. We use a bungie around it to make sure it stays in place. Soling 42 has done the bomb of mods NO doubt. But investing in the GPS and having it handy has been very useful so we can get someplace quickly.... Rudder to motor would be nice but I havent done that yet. But I did buy a throttle extender which makes using the motor for turning and power wayeasier... and cost $10.
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