Coastal cruising the H26

[PBzeer]

Looking for info from those who have coastal sailed their H26/260. Specifically, Mobile, AL to the Pamlico Sound areas. Want to keep my H26 for a year or two while I wait for retirement money to kick in, but do intend to live on it in the interim. Not looking for a marina to sail out of, just the practicality of using my "paid for" boat to learn about what I want when I move up to something bigger. I intend to live on the hook during this time, wintering in Florida and either going up the East Coast during summer (read ICW ), or back to the Tennessee River system ( will be starting from Kentucky Lake ).So, any info from those who have used their boats in these areas would be appreciated.Fair winds,John

 

[Sean Coerse]

Live aboard

I sail a H240. I've cruised it for 5 days without going to a marina. I couldn't imagine living aboard on the hook for extended periods of time. I relize your H260 has more room but even with the camping enclosure it lacks little standing headroom down below. I think you could coastal cruise your boat if you maintain accurate weather information. I'm looking at doing the Delmarva next year on my H240. A boat this size I would prefer a couple of days out followed by a couple in a marina with a pool and hot shower. Just my 2 cents.

 

[John Baumgartner]

My 2 cents

The wife and I have sailed Lake Erie, Niagra River, Up and down the coast of NC, encluding Pamilco Sound inside and out side the ICW. St Johns River in Fl, Mimia Fl to Binima. We have stayed on the hook for 12 days without a Marina, water is the first thing to run out. Wash dishes in salt water and use a spray bottle with fresh to rince. use salt water to wash and then take a sponge bath with fresh. Have a refridgerator and freezer on board that runs on DC or AC, have a 1k Honda generator with 3 type 27 gel batteries that can run everything for two days without recharging. Carry 20 gal of fuel (for out board 2-cycle and gen.4 cycle) mostly under the Captains seat. Also have heatting and Air but have to run the gen to power. Have floresent lightting below decks... saves power. Early to bed ... early rise. have a secure anchorage where you don't have to run lights all night (looking into diodes LEDs). Please excuse spelling, sailor not poet, LOL might want to look into Photo fourm for 260 John Baumgartner

 

[PBzeer]

Some good suggestions....but

My main concern is how the boat itself will handle these sailing venues, since they could be considered somewhat out of it's intended use. Time won't be a problem, so waiting on good weather won't be one either. But being an inland sailor to this point, I'm unsure of the boats suitablity for these waters.Fair winds,John

 

[MABell]

Do it!

You said the key words yourself – waiting for the right weather.Can it be done?Of course.And think of the places you can get in the H26 that others can't.