Early model 26

[Bilgewater]

Greetings. I am looking at a couple of used Hunter 26s, one a 94, one a 95. Going through some of the archives seems to indicate potential problems with rudders and centerboards. Anyone have some experience with these? And are there any specific things I should look for. I had a 19' Lightning class boat some time ago, now I want a trailerable cabin boat. I really like the layout of the 26, and think it is a good compromise for size/price/accomodation. Mike aka Bilgewater

 

[George]

The rudder problems are more common with the H260, less so with the H26. There is a very nice mod for the H26 rudder sold by IdaSailor. I'd look into it.Go to: http://www.idasailor.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=41&products_id=454Older H26's will probably require replacement of the centerboard uphaul and maybe removal/recaulk of the compression post. H26 Boats this age probably need replacement of sails and rigging but these upgrades are well worth it.Check the H26/H26 KnowledgebasesH26: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?model=15H260: http://kb.sailboatowners.com/brand?model=20To compare the H26/260 go to this link:http://h260.com/h26vsh260/h26.vs.h260.html

 

[dave condon]

looking at boats

IF you need advice on what to look at when looking at boats, email me at davecondon@mindspring.com Things to look at would beHull to deck jointCenterboard and ruddermast particulary at the hole in front where mast raise pole inserts intoOverall appearenceTrailer particulary leaf sprngs, brakes, welds, bearings, tiresstanding riggin and sailsOne thing to suggest if the boat is in the water, it needs to come out and inspect the hull. Also, see the boat when it is raining to see if there are any leaks.The motor is most important too. Ask about the maintenance history if in salt water. IF the bracket is wood, then replace with the metal brackets and starboard. I hope this is a start for you.

 

[Bilgewater]

Early model 26 inspection

Thanks for the info. As for the hole in the mast where the raising system pole goes, what should I look for?I have already considered replacing the centerboard uphaul as part of the deal if they will go for it ( the boat is at a Hunter dealer in Cincinnati).The motor is a 9.9 Tohatsu that has been in fresh water only. I don't know the year of the motor at this time.The boat is on the trailer at this time, so hull inspection will be easier.I don't know about the product Starboard for the motor mount. Can you educate me?What is the norm for engine controls? It seems the motor sits rather low on its mount. I have read of hooking up an interconnect between the rudder and motor so that both can be steered by the tiller, but what about throttle and shifter?Thanks again for your input.Mike

 

[Robin]

only problem for me was..

Hi Mike It would be difficult to find a more accommodating and easy sailing boat than the 26, The rudder does have issues.. it will creep no matter how hard you crank the wingnut bar that compresses the rudder between 2 rubber lined plates, IF you are sailing in challenging winds OR you hit obstacles (kelp etc). This issue can be mitigated by drilling through the rudder and plates in the down position, and installing a sacrificial wood or plastic pin..I am still messing about with mine to come up with a good system using the stock components that does not rely on a sacrificial part.. (the idasailor is over 700 boat bucks)The other more ominous and scary problem I found with my rudder was the stripped bolts that held the lower rudder mount to the hull, I believe Hunter uses an aluminum backup plate glassed into the hull in this area, and the mount bolts are screwed into tapped holes, so no nuts are used inside the boat.. Problem is, as the rudder creeps the torsional stresses become tremendous and the aluminum can't take it, and although it does not outright fail, water starts to leak in around the stripped aluminum, Easy to diagnose if you have that problem..look for staining around the bolt threads where they protrude into that aft space behind the aft berth bulkhead.. An easy fix is a liberal dab of 5200, and installing nylock stainless nuts onto those threadsMore research will reveal leakage around the compression post.. (easy 5200 fix)and lots of owners modify/reduce the massive table..other than that, this is one heck of a lot of boat for a trailersailor..we love ours and live aboard for 2 months, sailing the puget sound area each summer..2 kids + a small dogafter a bit of messing about..you will be quite pleased with the Hunter 26

 

[BrianW]

I Love My 1994 H26, But.....

I sure wish it had the really cool stern rail seats that became standard later on. I've had replacement stern rails with seats on my Christmas list for 4 years but haven't had any takers. If you are looking at an H26 WITHOUT the sternrail seats, you owe it to yourself to look at one with them... or budget $800 for some replacements. BrianW

 

[Mergatroid]

Brian is Right.

Bought my 1994 h26 last year. Flew to New Bern, North Carolina to do it.Would not consider one without. Stern rail seats add $1000 value to the used boat. IMHO.