Hello there, fellow H-260 owners! I have been sailing a 26, then a 260 for about ten years on numerous inland lakes. (some of you will be familiar with our video series "Trailer Sailor"). Love it! We now are fortunate to have a place in Newport, OR, and have the opportunity to do some coastal cruising. I'm a little nervous about that in this boat, as it doesn't really seem set up for that, and frankly, can be tippy in bigger winds. What experiences have any of you in that regard? Do you consider this boat well-suited for coastal crusing, or would you recommend another model? Any tips/hints/or comments would be appreciated. Kevin
Coastal Cruising on the H260
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Day sailing?
If day sailing then you should know before hand if the wind is going to be a problem but from what I understand, as long as you don't run into a storm, then you should be fine. I've heard of people sailing in a 21' all the way down the west coast to south america. Most say for extensive sailing, the thing to determine if the boat is right is if it's comfortable for you given all you need to store for your trip. Day sailing that isn't an issue.
If day sailing then you should know before hand if the wind is going to be a problem but from what I understand, as long as you don't run into a storm, then you should be fine. I've heard of people sailing in a 21' all the way down the west coast to south america. Most say for extensive sailing, the thing to determine if the boat is right is if it's comfortable for you given all you need to store for your trip. Day sailing that isn't an issue.
for what it is worth
For what it is worth we aften sail in 20 to sometimes 30 mph winds. It is just what we have to do to sail in Kansas. I do not head out in 30+ mph winds sometimes have to sail in tehm to get home from anchoring out. ct
For what it is worth we aften sail in 20 to sometimes 30 mph winds. It is just what we have to do to sail in Kansas. I do not head out in 30+ mph winds sometimes have to sail in tehm to get home from anchoring out. ct
Moving to Newport
Yes, Bob, it looks like we might try Newport. It's shaping up to be another dry year at Detroit because of the low snowpack, and since we've now got that place there, I thoight I'd give it a try. By the way, we're working on the pilot now for a new TV series on sailing. It will be in HD. If things keep going the way they are, we'll shoot the pilot in may. Stay tuned!
Yes, Bob, it looks like we might try Newport. It's shaping up to be another dry year at Detroit because of the low snowpack, and since we've now got that place there, I thoight I'd give it a try. By the way, we're working on the pilot now for a new TV series on sailing. It will be in HD. If things keep going the way they are, we'll shoot the pilot in may. Stay tuned!
Been curious bout this...
Hey Kevin. I'm sorry we won't get the chance to sail with you on Detroit this year. "My Alibi", formerly your "Air Time" has been very good for me and my family. We just came back from Brookings and I was sure wondering what it would be like out there off the coast in the H26. We'll be trying it out some time this year. The San Juans were fun last year. I think that if I can handle the Columbia Gorge in 30+ winds I should be comfortable out on the ocean for a day sail now and then. Wouldn't want to try anything too rough though. Weather helm gets tricky sometimes. I'd like to hear how you fare out there. Shirleysound@bendcable.com.
Hey Kevin. I'm sorry we won't get the chance to sail with you on Detroit this year. "My Alibi", formerly your "Air Time" has been very good for me and my family. We just came back from Brookings and I was sure wondering what it would be like out there off the coast in the H26. We'll be trying it out some time this year. The San Juans were fun last year. I think that if I can handle the Columbia Gorge in 30+ winds I should be comfortable out on the ocean for a day sail now and then. Wouldn't want to try anything too rough though. Weather helm gets tricky sometimes. I'd like to hear how you fare out there. Shirleysound@bendcable.com.
Used mine in the ocean!
Kevin, I've sailed my H260 out of the Mystic, CT area in Long Island Sound, to Block Island, to Newport, and from Block to Newport. The boat has handled everything quite well. I'm looking to get to Cuttyhunk or Martha's Vinyard this year. Although the boat feels a little tender at first, if you either reef the main, or spill some wind, you'll be just fine. Of course common sense is always the order of the day.
Kevin, I've sailed my H260 out of the Mystic, CT area in Long Island Sound, to Block Island, to Newport, and from Block to Newport. The boat has handled everything quite well. I'm looking to get to Cuttyhunk or Martha's Vinyard this year. Although the boat feels a little tender at first, if you either reef the main, or spill some wind, you'll be just fine. Of course common sense is always the order of the day.
Enjoyed the videos, too!
Hi Kevin, I have your complete video collection and know several of the people interviewed in the L. Champlain edition (Bruce/Pam, Rodger/Barbara, Ron). I think the H260 is a good coastal cruiser and offers advantages over a larger boat: - No through hulls - Positive floatation - Prop or Rudder snags can be cleared from the cockpit instead of going for a dive. - Variable draft for thin water. A larger boat offers more comfortable motion and carries more stuff, but even a 32 footer gets small in rough conditions. You'll want to pick your weather conditions carefully whether you have a 26 foot or 36 foot boat. For a 26 foot boat, the H260 is hard to beat for comfort. And you can easily take it with you to explore distant cruising grounds. Please keep us posted on your new video production. Fair winds and roads, Tom
Hi Kevin, I have your complete video collection and know several of the people interviewed in the L. Champlain edition (Bruce/Pam, Rodger/Barbara, Ron). I think the H260 is a good coastal cruiser and offers advantages over a larger boat: - No through hulls - Positive floatation - Prop or Rudder snags can be cleared from the cockpit instead of going for a dive. - Variable draft for thin water. A larger boat offers more comfortable motion and carries more stuff, but even a 32 footer gets small in rough conditions. You'll want to pick your weather conditions carefully whether you have a 26 foot or 36 foot boat. For a 26 foot boat, the H260 is hard to beat for comfort. And you can easily take it with you to explore distant cruising grounds. Please keep us posted on your new video production. Fair winds and roads, Tom
Coastal Sailing
We have been sailing our 260 in and around the San Juan Islands, WA and Gulf Islands, BC for 2 years now and have sailed in every month of the year. Most of our cruising ground is very protected in and around the islands but we used to keep the boat in Point Roberts, WA and to get anywhere had to sail across the Straits of Georgia which can be challenging if there is a significant NW or SE blow. The only time I have ever been concerned was crossing the Straits from Suchia Island to Point Roberts in a 35 - 45 knot wind and 6 to 8 ft breaking seas (tide against wind), we surfed at 7 knots on the jib only (wind on our starboard stern quarter and following seas). Motor was useless as it was out of the water as we hobby-horsed as the waves passed underneath us. In retrospect we should have ducked for cover but there was a plane to catch. The boat handled everything better than the crew but its not something we wanted to repeat as we got tossed around pretty good. Otherwise our coastal sailing around the islands on the west coast has been fantastic and we totally recommend it.
We have been sailing our 260 in and around the San Juan Islands, WA and Gulf Islands, BC for 2 years now and have sailed in every month of the year. Most of our cruising ground is very protected in and around the islands but we used to keep the boat in Point Roberts, WA and to get anywhere had to sail across the Straits of Georgia which can be challenging if there is a significant NW or SE blow. The only time I have ever been concerned was crossing the Straits from Suchia Island to Point Roberts in a 35 - 45 knot wind and 6 to 8 ft breaking seas (tide against wind), we surfed at 7 knots on the jib only (wind on our starboard stern quarter and following seas). Motor was useless as it was out of the water as we hobby-horsed as the waves passed underneath us. In retrospect we should have ducked for cover but there was a plane to catch. The boat handled everything better than the crew but its not something we wanted to repeat as we got tossed around pretty good. Otherwise our coastal sailing around the islands on the west coast has been fantastic and we totally recommend it.
Sail the Bahamas
Last summer we sailed our 260 from Florida to Bimini (across the gulf stream), and then sailed the Bahamas. The shallow draft was great for island hopping. We got back to Florida and pulled out the boat just as hurrican Charlie was hitting. We routinely sail the Texas and Florida gulf coasts, but it does not compare with the Bahamas.
Last summer we sailed our 260 from Florida to Bimini (across the gulf stream), and then sailed the Bahamas. The shallow draft was great for island hopping. We got back to Florida and pulled out the boat just as hurrican Charlie was hitting. We routinely sail the Texas and Florida gulf coasts, but it does not compare with the Bahamas.
Coastal Crusing in a H26
Kevin, It's been a long time since we worked with oyu to make the film on Lake Champlain - what fun thank you. Before we moored Charis on Lake Champlain, Pam and I plus Golden Ret. Cruised the North East Coast extensively on our 1996 H26. We have covered most of the Maine Coast, NH, MA, Cape Cod and the Islands, RI and Long Island Sound and Many October sails exploring the Chesapeake Area. Yes you have to reef early compared to keel boats but we have always forund the H26 to be a sturdy and reliable cruiser. Plan ahead, be safe and go have fun with that sailboat. Fair Winds Bruce
Kevin, It's been a long time since we worked with oyu to make the film on Lake Champlain - what fun thank you. Before we moored Charis on Lake Champlain, Pam and I plus Golden Ret. Cruised the North East Coast extensively on our 1996 H26. We have covered most of the Maine Coast, NH, MA, Cape Cod and the Islands, RI and Long Island Sound and Many October sails exploring the Chesapeake Area. Yes you have to reef early compared to keel boats but we have always forund the H26 to be a sturdy and reliable cruiser. Plan ahead, be safe and go have fun with that sailboat. Fair Winds Bruce
WOW!
Ted - The ole eyes must be giving out (you know the 2nd thing that goes ... forgot what the first one was ...) - did you say you sailed your H-260 to Bermuda from Florida?? *pop Impressive! Did you trailer from Texas? How was the crossing? How long did it take? Here - I thought sailing in the western islands of Lake Erie was something - I stand in awe! Tom Grass Grasshopper II 1994 H-26 #174
Ted - The ole eyes must be giving out (you know the 2nd thing that goes ... forgot what the first one was ...) - did you say you sailed your H-260 to Bermuda from Florida?? *pop Impressive! Did you trailer from Texas? How was the crossing? How long did it take? Here - I thought sailing in the western islands of Lake Erie was something - I stand in awe! Tom Grass Grasshopper II 1994 H-26 #174
conch cruisers
There is a group of macgregor 25 and Mac 26 owners (should be comparable weight ratios to the Hunter 260) who leave every summer from Florida and sail the bahamas, regardless of weather(I believe). I have looked at their site and pondered, esp back when I had a macgregor. I have a Hunter 23 wing and a hunter 19 now, so I haven't considered joining them, but i hope to have a seaward 26rk built this summer with a retracting 6 ft bulb keel. The company claims it is "bluewater capable" which makes me feel a little better about a bahamas trip. I have thought about taking my little Hunter 19 down and island hopping in the keys for a couple weeks this summer but have not asked around for advice on it.
There is a group of macgregor 25 and Mac 26 owners (should be comparable weight ratios to the Hunter 260) who leave every summer from Florida and sail the bahamas, regardless of weather(I believe). I have looked at their site and pondered, esp back when I had a macgregor. I have a Hunter 23 wing and a hunter 19 now, so I haven't considered joining them, but i hope to have a seaward 26rk built this summer with a retracting 6 ft bulb keel. The company claims it is "bluewater capable" which makes me feel a little better about a bahamas trip. I have thought about taking my little Hunter 19 down and island hopping in the keys for a couple weeks this summer but have not asked around for advice on it.
stonekeep,
why not your h23? i would think it would sail be tter then those mcgregors, and be alot more fun!!! dont know much about the trip, is it about 40miles? have heard about it, sounds like a blast
why not your h23? i would think it would sail be tter then those mcgregors, and be alot more fun!!! dont know much about the trip, is it about 40miles? have heard about it, sounds like a blast
Videos?
Where can one get a copy of these videos? Especially the one flying the spinaker on a 260? Is there a link on the web to purchase them? Thanks!!!
Where can one get a copy of these videos? Especially the one flying the spinaker on a 260? Is there a link on the web to purchase them? Thanks!!!
George
Well, I decided to sell the Hunter 23 and get something smaller and something bigger. It was meant to do both, but wasn't much fun getting on and off the trailer every weekend, so I got the water ballasted (and swing keeled) Hunter 19, then we are going to have a Seaward 26rk built which should be really easy to get off a trailer. The Seaward is a lot better suited for the kind of sailing I want to do when I have lots of time, and the Hunter 19 suits me well for weekends. I completely redid the Hunter 23 including trailer, bottom, interior, sails, roller furling.. yada yada to make it completely ready to go coastal cruising, but then decided to just build this new boat. Its for sale at Austin sailboat Shop in Texas but I think they already have a buyer.
Well, I decided to sell the Hunter 23 and get something smaller and something bigger. It was meant to do both, but wasn't much fun getting on and off the trailer every weekend, so I got the water ballasted (and swing keeled) Hunter 19, then we are going to have a Seaward 26rk built which should be really easy to get off a trailer. The Seaward is a lot better suited for the kind of sailing I want to do when I have lots of time, and the Hunter 19 suits me well for weekends. I completely redid the Hunter 23 including trailer, bottom, interior, sails, roller furling.. yada yada to make it completely ready to go coastal cruising, but then decided to just build this new boat. Its for sale at Austin sailboat Shop in Texas but I think they already have a buyer.
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