Buying a New 260

[Steven Broad]

I am thingking of purchasing a 260 with a wheel and would appreciate any feedback from exisitng owners.

 

[Tom]

Recommend it!

There have been a lot of discussions in the past, suggest looking it the Archives for a start. I would be happy to answer any specific questions. My email address is twarneke@cisco.comRegards,Tom

 

[Larry Barnes]

It sure looks good!

Hi,I can't wait until I can buy a boat that has wheel steering! All of the controls close at hand for heads up piloting. Even a pedistal so you can have the compass right in front of you. It just seems like that's how a boat should be.What does it cost?1. MONEY!2. Limits the position of the helmsman a. for flexability and comfort (it's a wet and windy rideback there) b. for ballast3. Requires the helmsman's seat locker on the transom restricting use of taff rail for mounting a barbeque. Reduces the size of the aft berth, by 6 inches.4. While stearn too mooring, provides akward access to the companion way. A real hindrance when loading and unload provisions and stores.5. Loss of feel in the helm of effort over resistance (potential speed).But I can't wait to get one on a 30+ boat

 

[Greg Sweitzer]

I like mine

I purchased a new 260 this Spring with a wheel and haven't looked back. Make sure you keep the steering cable tension tight. I neglected to do this and lost the wheel 4 miles out on Lake Michigan this summer while running before a storm. Limped back in using the emergency tiller. Although the emergency tiller is considerably shorter than the tiller supplied with the non-wheel model (and therfore has much less leverage), I sorely missed the wheel (but was thankful to still be able to maneuver the rudder, given the circumstances). With the wheel I find myself facing and looking forward much more, and it has a great "feel", like a larger boat. Looks cool, too!