Are there any significant differences between the 260 and the 26? I'm looking at both and the main difference seems to be about $8,000 in price between new and used. Anything else? Thanks
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Gary Barker
Differences 260 vs 26
Here are some differences in the 260 vs the 26: 1. Hull - the underbody of the 260 has been refined some from the 26 according to the designers. The transom on the 260 has been extended to provide more of a platform and a retractable swim ladder is built in to it. The starboard cockpit seat lifts to reveal a full size hatch to ventilate the aft cabin. 2. Rig - The 260 has solid struts at the base of the mast which help hold it in column and keep it stable during raising and lowering. They also help swing the mast up into the bow cradle. 3. Interior - The 260 has more teak than the 26, and has a cabinet over the counter in the galley. Most of the 26's were delivered with vinyl interior, and the 260 is available with optional cloth which is much nicer. The bottom line is that when you buy a new boat you can have it equipped exactly the way you want it, you get a full warranty, and you do not have any doubts about the way it has been maintained. If you are going to keep the boat a short time and trade up, you will be better off with a well maintained, late model boat that has already depreciated.
Here are some differences in the 260 vs the 26: 1. Hull - the underbody of the 260 has been refined some from the 26 according to the designers. The transom on the 260 has been extended to provide more of a platform and a retractable swim ladder is built in to it. The starboard cockpit seat lifts to reveal a full size hatch to ventilate the aft cabin. 2. Rig - The 260 has solid struts at the base of the mast which help hold it in column and keep it stable during raising and lowering. They also help swing the mast up into the bow cradle. 3. Interior - The 260 has more teak than the 26, and has a cabinet over the counter in the galley. Most of the 26's were delivered with vinyl interior, and the 260 is available with optional cloth which is much nicer. The bottom line is that when you buy a new boat you can have it equipped exactly the way you want it, you get a full warranty, and you do not have any doubts about the way it has been maintained. If you are going to keep the boat a short time and trade up, you will be better off with a well maintained, late model boat that has already depreciated.
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Gary Barker
Differences 260 vs 26
Here are some differences in the 260 vs the 26: 1. Hull - the underbody of the 260 has been refined some from the 26 according to the designers. The transom on the 260 has been extended to provide more of a platform and a retractable swim ladder is built in to it. The starboard cockpit seat lifts to reveal a full size hatch to ventilate the aft cabin. 2. Rig - The 260 has solid struts at the base of the mast which help hold it in column and keep it stable during raising and lowering. They also help swing the mast up into the bow cradle. 3. Interior - The 260 has more teak than the 26, and has a cabinet over the counter in the galley. Most of the 26's were delivered with vinyl interior, and the 260 is available with optional cloth which is much nicer. The bottom line is that when you buy a new boat you can have it equipped exactly the way you want it, you get a full warranty, and you do not have any doubts about the way it has been maintained. If you are going to keep the boat a short time and trade up, you will be better off with a well maintained, late model boat that has already depreciated.
Here are some differences in the 260 vs the 26: 1. Hull - the underbody of the 260 has been refined some from the 26 according to the designers. The transom on the 260 has been extended to provide more of a platform and a retractable swim ladder is built in to it. The starboard cockpit seat lifts to reveal a full size hatch to ventilate the aft cabin. 2. Rig - The 260 has solid struts at the base of the mast which help hold it in column and keep it stable during raising and lowering. They also help swing the mast up into the bow cradle. 3. Interior - The 260 has more teak than the 26, and has a cabinet over the counter in the galley. Most of the 26's were delivered with vinyl interior, and the 260 is available with optional cloth which is much nicer. The bottom line is that when you buy a new boat you can have it equipped exactly the way you want it, you get a full warranty, and you do not have any doubts about the way it has been maintained. If you are going to keep the boat a short time and trade up, you will be better off with a well maintained, late model boat that has already depreciated.
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Dave Oberholtzer
the stuff
I bought a used 26 and the only significent difference, besides a couple of cosmetic and the mast strut difference, is that the 260 comes with a wheel option if you prefer one. You can get a kit to convert a 26 to wheel steering but I would check with Edison Marine before I made my decision. There has been some talk here about the availibility of wheel steering kits from Edison. I am very happy I bought a used 26 mainly for the reason that I think you can find a nicely outfitted 26 for 22 or 23k and you can use the saved money to outfit your boat with almost anything. Just take your time and find a real clean used 26. Dave Oberholtzer Hydrotherapy
I bought a used 26 and the only significent difference, besides a couple of cosmetic and the mast strut difference, is that the 260 comes with a wheel option if you prefer one. You can get a kit to convert a 26 to wheel steering but I would check with Edison Marine before I made my decision. There has been some talk here about the availibility of wheel steering kits from Edison. I am very happy I bought a used 26 mainly for the reason that I think you can find a nicely outfitted 26 for 22 or 23k and you can use the saved money to outfit your boat with almost anything. Just take your time and find a real clean used 26. Dave Oberholtzer Hydrotherapy
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Larry Barnes
$ is big difference!
I love the 26 and have certainly enjoyed checking out the 260. It makes good business sence to change styling and create a demand for the new look. I will own a 260 if I remain in the situation (landlocked) that I am. I find that maximum value can be attained in the private purchase of a used boat. Most people are so enamurred with their boat that they will add all the bells and whistles within the first year. Very soon, however, the bigger boat bug will get them (not all of them) and they put their first dream on the market. Yes the boat is depreciated substancially, but the bells and whistles are almost a gift. This formula has worked for me, because I can sell the boat in a few years and not take a bath. Somebody has to buy the boats new so this might not be what you or they want to do, and that's good! The 26 is practically the same as the 260. As mentioned the transom has been modified with a longer swim platform & retractable ladder (looks good too!). The trade off is the rear birth has lost six inches of width. The wheel stearing also looks great but having enjoyed the freedom of space in the cockpit of the 26 w/tiller I don't think I would want to loose that. I've also learned to appreciate the feedback that I get from the tiller, underway. The Taff rail on the stern of the 26 is an ideal place to mount a barbeque (you can see my priority). The seat locker on the 260 reduces the space further and makes mounting the barbeque less appealing. There's nothing wrong with either of these boats, but these are the observations of a 26 owner who's always looking at the next boat. I'm sure that you will have a wonderful time sailing and enjoying what ever boat you decide to buy. Have fun on the H2O Larry Barnes "CNTRL SEA"
I love the 26 and have certainly enjoyed checking out the 260. It makes good business sence to change styling and create a demand for the new look. I will own a 260 if I remain in the situation (landlocked) that I am. I find that maximum value can be attained in the private purchase of a used boat. Most people are so enamurred with their boat that they will add all the bells and whistles within the first year. Very soon, however, the bigger boat bug will get them (not all of them) and they put their first dream on the market. Yes the boat is depreciated substancially, but the bells and whistles are almost a gift. This formula has worked for me, because I can sell the boat in a few years and not take a bath. Somebody has to buy the boats new so this might not be what you or they want to do, and that's good! The 26 is practically the same as the 260. As mentioned the transom has been modified with a longer swim platform & retractable ladder (looks good too!). The trade off is the rear birth has lost six inches of width. The wheel stearing also looks great but having enjoyed the freedom of space in the cockpit of the 26 w/tiller I don't think I would want to loose that. I've also learned to appreciate the feedback that I get from the tiller, underway. The Taff rail on the stern of the 26 is an ideal place to mount a barbeque (you can see my priority). The seat locker on the 260 reduces the space further and makes mounting the barbeque less appealing. There's nothing wrong with either of these boats, but these are the observations of a 26 owner who's always looking at the next boat. I'm sure that you will have a wonderful time sailing and enjoying what ever boat you decide to buy. Have fun on the H2O Larry Barnes "CNTRL SEA"
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Dave Condon
Difference
The differences have been noted and I will not expound except to say you have a better raising system, enhanced ventilation for the rear berth, and most notably the transom and helmsan seat. Edson will no longer sell the wheel steering for the Hunter 26. There were too many problems with the intallation by most folks. I installed quite a few but ended up fabrication my own parts and re-building the floor to accept the wheel steering. Even the guys from Edson liked my installation If you want wheel steering, go with the new 260. If keeping the boat for a year, look toward used. Crazy Dave Condon
The differences have been noted and I will not expound except to say you have a better raising system, enhanced ventilation for the rear berth, and most notably the transom and helmsan seat. Edson will no longer sell the wheel steering for the Hunter 26. There were too many problems with the intallation by most folks. I installed quite a few but ended up fabrication my own parts and re-building the floor to accept the wheel steering. Even the guys from Edson liked my installation If you want wheel steering, go with the new 260. If keeping the boat for a year, look toward used. Crazy Dave Condon
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