Could anyone please tell me if there are any significant differences between the Hunter 26 and the Hunter 260. I am evaluating options before making a purchase and am interested to know if the newer model really adds any extra value. Many thanks.
- Status
Archives are a good source
The H26 I'm familiar with was the precursor to the 260 model, and is a water ballast boat. I believe there was a fairly recent, detailed comparison provided in a thread that should be available in the archives. I'm thinking it was George from Traverse City who provided a pretty good response. You might give that a try.
The H26 I'm familiar with was the precursor to the 260 model, and is a water ballast boat. I believe there was a fairly recent, detailed comparison provided in a thread that should be available in the archives. I'm thinking it was George from Traverse City who provided a pretty good response. You might give that a try.
Here's a link to the current H260 webpage king
He's documented more stuff on the 260 than I've found anywhere else and put it all on his very well done site. If you havn't already seen it spend some time at: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/index.html I'm sure he'll chime in here soon. As said, check the archives and model info here too. I'd think their similar models, 26/260 might have seen mfg improvements but can't say specifically. Age of the boat and needed maintenece might be deal breaker. A dealer might know too. We love our 2000 H260 for it shallow draft and portability being a WB boat. Good luck in your quest. Michael
He's documented more stuff on the 260 than I've found anywhere else and put it all on his very well done site. If you havn't already seen it spend some time at: http://kobernus.com/hunter260/index.html I'm sure he'll chime in here soon. As said, check the archives and model info here too. I'd think their similar models, 26/260 might have seen mfg improvements but can't say specifically. Age of the boat and needed maintenece might be deal breaker. A dealer might know too. We love our 2000 H260 for it shallow draft and portability being a WB boat. Good luck in your quest. Michael
H26 vs H260
The real expert on the H26/260 series is Crazy Dave but he's been silent lately. Jim Seamans is another knowledgeable person on this boat. Also, check the owners page and ask for candid opinions. My understanding is that the H26/H260 series evolved over time. Some changes were stylistic others like the rudder were functional. Overall I think the newer the boat, the more satisfied you'll be, but this is a judgement call on my part. Many people are very satisfied with the earlier models. As mentioned there is a wealth of information in the archives and I spent a lot of time there before deciding to purchase my H260. Can't find the previous discussion but here's a start: Both boats sail about the same and weigh about the same. H26 had mini-stays rather than the solid mast supports in the H260 Forward vent window in H26 eliminated in H260 because it leaks. Sliding hatch in H26 leaks - H260 pretty dry Very early H26 models were mostly tiller, H260 wheel option more common Earliest model H26 did not have stern seats option. Stern design of H26 changed in H260 Table in H26 drops down to make bunk Cockpit table in H26 Jib sheet/winch layout different H260 has a different non-slip pattern in cabin and cockpit. That's all I can think of now. My recommendation: Take a look at both and buy the latest model you can afford - plan on spending another 20 percent on changes.
The real expert on the H26/260 series is Crazy Dave but he's been silent lately. Jim Seamans is another knowledgeable person on this boat. Also, check the owners page and ask for candid opinions. My understanding is that the H26/H260 series evolved over time. Some changes were stylistic others like the rudder were functional. Overall I think the newer the boat, the more satisfied you'll be, but this is a judgement call on my part. Many people are very satisfied with the earlier models. As mentioned there is a wealth of information in the archives and I spent a lot of time there before deciding to purchase my H260. Can't find the previous discussion but here's a start: Both boats sail about the same and weigh about the same. H26 had mini-stays rather than the solid mast supports in the H260 Forward vent window in H26 eliminated in H260 because it leaks. Sliding hatch in H26 leaks - H260 pretty dry Very early H26 models were mostly tiller, H260 wheel option more common Earliest model H26 did not have stern seats option. Stern design of H26 changed in H260 Table in H26 drops down to make bunk Cockpit table in H26 Jib sheet/winch layout different H260 has a different non-slip pattern in cabin and cockpit. That's all I can think of now. My recommendation: Take a look at both and buy the latest model you can afford - plan on spending another 20 percent on changes.
We looked at both, bought the 260
When my best mate and I were looking we sailed both, but we didn't check out all the features of both. Both handled well, had water ballast, but the 260 was obviously newer and had a cabinet in the galley which we liked. We also liked the sugar-scoop transom of the 260.
When my best mate and I were looking we sailed both, but we didn't check out all the features of both. Both handled well, had water ballast, but the 260 was obviously newer and had a cabinet in the galley which we liked. We also liked the sugar-scoop transom of the 260.
A bit more
I have a H23.5 but my manual covers the H19/23.5/26. The H26 sail area was 290.1. George's web page says the H260 is 320. The ballast is the same for both at 2000 lbs. My manual says the H26 beam and LOA were 8' 11.5" and 25'9"; George says the H260 is 8.75 and 26.2'. Also, the H260 displacement seems to be 300 lbs more at 5000. The H260 has B&R rigging, whereas the H26 doesn't. The H26 was also backstay-less with swept-back spreaders, but it's the reverse diagonals on the H260 that makes it B&R. I have no idea what benefit that translates to once you're up and sailing. ...RickM...
I have a H23.5 but my manual covers the H19/23.5/26. The H26 sail area was 290.1. George's web page says the H260 is 320. The ballast is the same for both at 2000 lbs. My manual says the H26 beam and LOA were 8' 11.5" and 25'9"; George says the H260 is 8.75 and 26.2'. Also, the H260 displacement seems to be 300 lbs more at 5000. The H260 has B&R rigging, whereas the H26 doesn't. The H26 was also backstay-less with swept-back spreaders, but it's the reverse diagonals on the H260 that makes it B&R. I have no idea what benefit that translates to once you're up and sailing. ...RickM...
I think so
My buddy has a 1995 H26. It does _not _B&R rigging. George's H260 does. The link below describes the B&R rigging. Some folks believe that swept-back spreaders and no backstay means B&R, but I don't. B&R adds the extra diagonals. ...RickM...
My buddy has a 1995 H26. It does _not _B&R rigging. George's H260 does. The link below describes the B&R rigging. Some folks believe that swept-back spreaders and no backstay means B&R, but I don't. B&R adds the extra diagonals. ...RickM...
No diags
Well, you're right the 26 doesn't have the diagonals. I have a 26, and everyone has called it B&R -- including when I bought a new mast. But I guess it was not really accurate. Learn something everyday, as the old saying goes.
Well, you're right the 26 doesn't have the diagonals. I have a 26, and everyone has called it B&R -- including when I bought a new mast. But I guess it was not really accurate. Learn something everyday, as the old saying goes.
I had replied to this post but
but must have been trashed when they deleted the duplicate post. Agree with everything George and others have said about the H26/260 differences. One thing on the H260 the cabin table could not go down to make the bed. It had to be rotated 180 deg and increased the size of the V berth bed area. It was interesting thought that the indentations for the table being down was still there. Same Mold? We sailed it for 3 seasons before the 10foot bug bit us and we went to the H356. Did like the H260. Jim S/V Java
but must have been trashed when they deleted the duplicate post. Agree with everything George and others have said about the H26/260 differences. One thing on the H260 the cabin table could not go down to make the bed. It had to be rotated 180 deg and increased the size of the V berth bed area. It was interesting thought that the indentations for the table being down was still there. Same Mold? We sailed it for 3 seasons before the 10foot bug bit us and we went to the H356. Did like the H260. Jim S/V Java
Paul, we have a 2001 h260 for sale,
if you're interested. Located in Central New York state. My e-mail is PJRLMR@JUNO.COM. Good luck with your search. Paul
if you're interested. Located in Central New York state. My e-mail is PJRLMR@JUNO.COM. Good luck with your search. Paul
H-26 input
Paul, As George points out, the 260 has solid struts for the mast, the 26 actually doesn't at all - the 'mini stays' were meant to raise the mast, then be removed, or at least the dealer and my documentation states that. My forward hatch has never leaked and when I've had 260 owners on my boat they love that hatch for ventillation. Personal preference, I guess. Same with the companionway hatch - mine has never leaked, but I maintain my boat well. The cockpit table is nice (certainly not a reason to buy a boat though!
) I have a slightly different take than George - if you can find a boat that doesn't need that 'extra 20%', then be more flexible on the year. In the interest of full disclosure, I do have a loaded '97 h-26 for sale on this site. Dave Crowley h-26 Wind Dreamer
Paul, As George points out, the 260 has solid struts for the mast, the 26 actually doesn't at all - the 'mini stays' were meant to raise the mast, then be removed, or at least the dealer and my documentation states that. My forward hatch has never leaked and when I've had 260 owners on my boat they love that hatch for ventillation. Personal preference, I guess. Same with the companionway hatch - mine has never leaked, but I maintain my boat well. The cockpit table is nice (certainly not a reason to buy a boat though!
) I have a slightly different take than George - if you can find a boat that doesn't need that 'extra 20%', then be more flexible on the year. In the interest of full disclosure, I do have a loaded '97 h-26 for sale on this site. Dave Crowley h-26 Wind DreamerI agree with Dave
While having a new boat is nice, I recall a lot of complaints from the owners of the 260 when they first came out (the hull transom seam especially). As for having the option to have a wheel in the 260 – I wouldn’t give up the cockpit space. That’s the best thing about the 26 – the very spacious cockpit.
While having a new boat is nice, I recall a lot of complaints from the owners of the 260 when they first came out (the hull transom seam especially). As for having the option to have a wheel in the 260 – I wouldn’t give up the cockpit space. That’s the best thing about the 26 – the very spacious cockpit.
H26 vs H260
Here are differences that I recall in addtion to those already mentioned... H260 is a little longer and has more sail area. H260 has a sugar scoop transome, rudder post, fold flat swim ladder H260 had option for wheel steering and helm seat with storage under H260 has cabinet above galley, hatch in rear berth Here are seme HOW links that might help... Model info... http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?brand=2&fno=0 Archives: http://archives.sailboatowners.com/pviewarch.htm?fno=0&sku=2001288181957.18&id=65409&ptl=difference%20between%20hunter%2026%20and%20260&id=65409 http://archives.sailboatowners.com/pviewarch.htm?fno=0&sku=2000242181319.89&id=44700&ptl=h26/h260#2000246235656.61 http://archives.sailboatowners.com/pviewarch.htm?fno=0&sku=2000066103806&id=27143&ptl=H240%20or%20H260#2000067134403 Fair winds, Tom
Here are differences that I recall in addtion to those already mentioned... H260 is a little longer and has more sail area. H260 has a sugar scoop transome, rudder post, fold flat swim ladder H260 had option for wheel steering and helm seat with storage under H260 has cabinet above galley, hatch in rear berth Here are seme HOW links that might help... Model info... http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?brand=2&fno=0 Archives: http://archives.sailboatowners.com/pviewarch.htm?fno=0&sku=2001288181957.18&id=65409&ptl=difference%20between%20hunter%2026%20and%20260&id=65409 http://archives.sailboatowners.com/pviewarch.htm?fno=0&sku=2000242181319.89&id=44700&ptl=h26/h260#2000246235656.61 http://archives.sailboatowners.com/pviewarch.htm?fno=0&sku=2000066103806&id=27143&ptl=H240%20or%20H260#2000067134403 Fair winds, Tom
- Status