I have almost made a decision about buying a 1994 H-26. My greatest concern is , after reading owner reviews, that the boat is very tender & tends to heel easily, due to the water ballast. I am a new sailor & the ability to have a stable boat is important, especially to my wife. The deal is so great ,I hate to pass it up, but everyone I know who has had sailing experiance , including the marina owner where I am now, has told me to stay away from it. They say you get what you pay for! How tender is tender? I am not comfortable at heeling over too much. I don't go out in wind greater than 15 knots. I appreciate any comments. Thanks, Joe
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Russ King
Not the ballast...
Water ballast doesn't make the boat tender, it's the location of the ballast. Remember the old riddle, "What weighs more, a ton of feathers or a ton of lead"? A ton of water is still a ton of weight. Almost all cruising sailboats have a deep keel, with the ballast weight down low, in the keel. A water ballast boat has the ballast weight much higher, up inside the hull. This isn't a bad thing; all the really big commercial boats (sail and power) have ballast weight (usually cargo) inside the hull. But the distance from the balance point (the 'moment arm') is a simple lever; the greater the distance (the deeper keel, or the deeper the ballast -- i.e., in a bulb keel), the more effective it is in resisting heeling (in resisting the effort of the wind to push the boat over). Keel boats out-perform water ballast boats in nearly every way (water ballast boats are better at shallow running and beaching). Water ballast boats haven't been around long enough to determine how long they will last(I'm talking decades, not years). I personally would think twice about buying a water ballast boat that is more than 5 years old, but that's because I don't know what shape it might be in another 5 or 10 years. There is only one reason to buy a water ballast boat: to trailer. If you don't plan to trailer it, don't buy a water ballast boat. For some (including me), trailering ability is more important than performance. There is only one type of boat I know that does not sacrifice performance for trailing capability: the trimaran. But you do sacrifice interior space, and trimarans are very expensive compared to keel and water-ballast boats. Another good compromise is the trailerable boat with a heavy (up to 600 lb) swing keel. That is the Hunter 212, the Catalina 22, and Ken Hankinson's Ensenada (if you want to build your own sailboat).
Water ballast doesn't make the boat tender, it's the location of the ballast. Remember the old riddle, "What weighs more, a ton of feathers or a ton of lead"? A ton of water is still a ton of weight. Almost all cruising sailboats have a deep keel, with the ballast weight down low, in the keel. A water ballast boat has the ballast weight much higher, up inside the hull. This isn't a bad thing; all the really big commercial boats (sail and power) have ballast weight (usually cargo) inside the hull. But the distance from the balance point (the 'moment arm') is a simple lever; the greater the distance (the deeper keel, or the deeper the ballast -- i.e., in a bulb keel), the more effective it is in resisting heeling (in resisting the effort of the wind to push the boat over). Keel boats out-perform water ballast boats in nearly every way (water ballast boats are better at shallow running and beaching). Water ballast boats haven't been around long enough to determine how long they will last(I'm talking decades, not years). I personally would think twice about buying a water ballast boat that is more than 5 years old, but that's because I don't know what shape it might be in another 5 or 10 years. There is only one reason to buy a water ballast boat: to trailer. If you don't plan to trailer it, don't buy a water ballast boat. For some (including me), trailering ability is more important than performance. There is only one type of boat I know that does not sacrifice performance for trailing capability: the trimaran. But you do sacrifice interior space, and trimarans are very expensive compared to keel and water-ballast boats. Another good compromise is the trailerable boat with a heavy (up to 600 lb) swing keel. That is the Hunter 212, the Catalina 22, and Ken Hankinson's Ensenada (if you want to build your own sailboat).
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Nancy Berg
15kts - No Problem
If you usually sailing light to moderate winds, the WB Hunter is very stable.In a gust, There is an initial heel and then stability. If you are used to sailing heavier keel models you notice it right away. But you soon get used to it. If you need a trailerable boat, WB is the way to go. We are on our 2nd WB boat and have no regrets. But in higher winds, say 15k +, if you prefer a flatter, less exciting ride, just reef early. Since you're new to sailing, start slow and work you way up to stronger winds. As you learn your boat and your confidence grows, you'll soon be pushing for more and more wind. Bill and Nancy Berg s/v Zia, H260 Albuquerque, NM
If you usually sailing light to moderate winds, the WB Hunter is very stable.In a gust, There is an initial heel and then stability. If you are used to sailing heavier keel models you notice it right away. But you soon get used to it. If you need a trailerable boat, WB is the way to go. We are on our 2nd WB boat and have no regrets. But in higher winds, say 15k +, if you prefer a flatter, less exciting ride, just reef early. Since you're new to sailing, start slow and work you way up to stronger winds. As you learn your boat and your confidence grows, you'll soon be pushing for more and more wind. Bill and Nancy Berg s/v Zia, H260 Albuquerque, NM
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Michael Bell
Reef early
The stability of the boat, and keeping it from heeling to much, is up to the person at the helm. I do agree it's the trailerability (sp?) that's the biggest consideration. The H26 is very easy to load and unload.
The stability of the boat, and keeping it from heeling to much, is up to the person at the helm. I do agree it's the trailerability (sp?) that's the biggest consideration. The H26 is very easy to load and unload.
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Mark Burrows
I wouldn't say tender...
I'd say my 26 needs a little more attention. Even that is putting it strongly. All Hunters with the big mainsails perform differently from boats with big genoas. As you sail your 26, keep an eye on the wind and its direction. As it get brisk, you have options: Let out the main or reef. You will see a lot of contemporary Hunters reefed earlier than other boats. The benefits in the 26 design outweigh most of the differences in performance and how to sail the boat. Mark PS. What is the great deal that you are getting on your boat? I'm selling mine now and would like to get a buyer's perspective. My email is proposal@earthlink.net.
I'd say my 26 needs a little more attention. Even that is putting it strongly. All Hunters with the big mainsails perform differently from boats with big genoas. As you sail your 26, keep an eye on the wind and its direction. As it get brisk, you have options: Let out the main or reef. You will see a lot of contemporary Hunters reefed earlier than other boats. The benefits in the 26 design outweigh most of the differences in performance and how to sail the boat. Mark PS. What is the great deal that you are getting on your boat? I'm selling mine now and would like to get a buyer's perspective. My email is proposal@earthlink.net.
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Jeff
Double Reef Early
Yes the boat does heal quickly, if you let it. I've had my 1996 H26 for three years now. The first waste of money was the level meter. Didn't need it with my wife on board. I would hear my name in 5 degree increments. It was a very accurate indicator. Two things you'll need on this boat. Two sets of reefing points on the main and a good furling system for the jib. Make sure all lines are lead back to the cockpit for easy adjustment. We had the second set of reef points added this season. Went out this weekend with 25 knot winds. We double reefed the main and pulled out enough of the jib to balance the helm. Didn't hear my audible level meter all weekend. Could have been the wine though. Seriously it is a very manageable boat for a beginner. Go for it. "Festivity"
Yes the boat does heal quickly, if you let it. I've had my 1996 H26 for three years now. The first waste of money was the level meter. Didn't need it with my wife on board. I would hear my name in 5 degree increments. It was a very accurate indicator. Two things you'll need on this boat. Two sets of reefing points on the main and a good furling system for the jib. Make sure all lines are lead back to the cockpit for easy adjustment. We had the second set of reef points added this season. Went out this weekend with 25 knot winds. We double reefed the main and pulled out enough of the jib to balance the helm. Didn't hear my audible level meter all weekend. Could have been the wine though. Seriously it is a very manageable boat for a beginner. Go for it. "Festivity"
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Ron Mehringer
Jeff...Double reefing
Jeff - Where on the sail was the second set of reefing points added? Also, if you don't mind, how much did it run you? Thanks Ron M s/v Hydro-Therapy
Jeff - Where on the sail was the second set of reefing points added? Also, if you don't mind, how much did it run you? Thanks Ron M s/v Hydro-Therapy
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Tom Myers
2nd Reef Points Location
Ron, I had the same question 1-2 weeks ago when the issue arose on a similar post. I emailed Hunter (figured I go to the mfr. for the best answer). I'll post their answer tonight. I'm at work now and their answer is on my home email. Fair Winds Tom s/v ANOVA
Ron, I had the same question 1-2 weeks ago when the issue arose on a similar post. I emailed Hunter (figured I go to the mfr. for the best answer). I'll post their answer tonight. I'm at work now and their answer is on my home email. Fair Winds Tom s/v ANOVA
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Onno Meijer
It is a bit tender....
The h-26 is a bit tender indeed. If the most important thing about your new boat is that it is trailerable, choose the h-26. You will have a boat that sails rather well and has numerous advantages for a trailer-sailor. But if, as in your case, the most important thing is that it is stable and doesn't heel too much, buy another type of boat. I wouldn't say that this is a weak point about the h-26, but it is also not its strongest point. If you never sail in winds of over 15 knots, it will probably never be a problem for you. Always keep in mind that you might want to sail in winds of over 15 knots as soon as you are a bit more experienced. In that case you (and/or your wife) might be uncomfortable with the tenderness. Regards, Onno <onno.meijer@introweb.nl>
The h-26 is a bit tender indeed. If the most important thing about your new boat is that it is trailerable, choose the h-26. You will have a boat that sails rather well and has numerous advantages for a trailer-sailor. But if, as in your case, the most important thing is that it is stable and doesn't heel too much, buy another type of boat. I wouldn't say that this is a weak point about the h-26, but it is also not its strongest point. If you never sail in winds of over 15 knots, it will probably never be a problem for you. Always keep in mind that you might want to sail in winds of over 15 knots as soon as you are a bit more experienced. In that case you (and/or your wife) might be uncomfortable with the tenderness. Regards, Onno <onno.meijer@introweb.nl>
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Tom Myers
For Ron - 2nd Reef Points' Location
Ron, Greg at Hunter says the first set of reef points should be at 7 feet and the second set at 10 feet. Thanks Tom
Ron, Greg at Hunter says the first set of reef points should be at 7 feet and the second set at 10 feet. Thanks Tom
It's not just the water ballast Hunters....
I just got back from four days aboard a Hunter 37, and I was surprised to find that its sailing characteritics were very similar to my 88 H23 (wing keel). The H37 owner told me that because Hunters are Florida boats, they are designed for the light air that is typical here (under 10 kts). They have a bit more sail area than most other boats of similar size and the mainsail tends to be larger than the jib. The popularity of the backstayless B&R rig on Hunters is an extrapolation of that design concept. Take a good look at a Hunter the next time it passes another boat and you will see the difference in sail sizes. So, don't let the water ballast unsettle you. Reef early and enjoy the ride. You may even be faster...most boats lose speed as heel increases. Peter S/V Raven
I just got back from four days aboard a Hunter 37, and I was surprised to find that its sailing characteritics were very similar to my 88 H23 (wing keel). The H37 owner told me that because Hunters are Florida boats, they are designed for the light air that is typical here (under 10 kts). They have a bit more sail area than most other boats of similar size and the mainsail tends to be larger than the jib. The popularity of the backstayless B&R rig on Hunters is an extrapolation of that design concept. Take a good look at a Hunter the next time it passes another boat and you will see the difference in sail sizes. So, don't let the water ballast unsettle you. Reef early and enjoy the ride. You may even be faster...most boats lose speed as heel increases. Peter S/V Raven
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Nancy Berg
2nd reef point
If Hunter suggests 7' and 10' reef points, does that mean that the stock reef point is at the 10'(on the H260) and you would put the other one below that. ( ie stock is at the 2nd point?) That first reefing point seems about 50%. It may be different on the 26. Bill and Nancy Berg s/v Zia, H260 Albuquerque, NM
If Hunter suggests 7' and 10' reef points, does that mean that the stock reef point is at the 10'(on the H260) and you would put the other one below that. ( ie stock is at the 2nd point?) That first reefing point seems about 50%. It may be different on the 26. Bill and Nancy Berg s/v Zia, H260 Albuquerque, NM
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Tom Myers
Nancy, 2nd Reef Points
Nancy, That's a good question. I've never neasured but I took it that the original or first set was at 7 feet and the second would be 3 feet above that. Also, I do not know whether the sail plan is the same for the H26 and 260. I asked about the 260. You might want to drop a line to Hunter. Thanks Tom Myers
Nancy, That's a good question. I've never neasured but I took it that the original or first set was at 7 feet and the second would be 3 feet above that. Also, I do not know whether the sail plan is the same for the H26 and 260. I asked about the 260. You might want to drop a line to Hunter. Thanks Tom Myers
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Jeff
2nd Reef "Ron"
SailCare put the second reef about 3' above the first. They thought my first set was a bit higher than they normally see. As I recall the first set is about 4' above the boom. They charged me $85 for the work. That included the grommet, 3 ties, loop on the luff at the new foot location and all reinforcements. Works great, but still haven't figured out how to lead everything aft. "Festivity"
SailCare put the second reef about 3' above the first. They thought my first set was a bit higher than they normally see. As I recall the first set is about 4' above the boom. They charged me $85 for the work. That included the grommet, 3 ties, loop on the luff at the new foot location and all reinforcements. Works great, but still haven't figured out how to lead everything aft. "Festivity"
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G. Ned Christensen
Jeff's wife must know mine
Dear Joe, My wife is like Jeff's - often audible about heeling. However, we both love our 95 H 26 and have learned that reefing in winds above 12 knots is a good idea. We have two points. If the winds are kicking up when we get to the boat, we reef before leaving the mooring. We find with two reef points and a furling jib, the boat is very manageable and a great overall boat. We have sailed in winds over 20 knots many times. Your wife will be a great encouragement to your better judgement. Best wishes, Ned Christensen Second Wind
Dear Joe, My wife is like Jeff's - often audible about heeling. However, we both love our 95 H 26 and have learned that reefing in winds above 12 knots is a good idea. We have two points. If the winds are kicking up when we get to the boat, we reef before leaving the mooring. We find with two reef points and a furling jib, the boat is very manageable and a great overall boat. We have sailed in winds over 20 knots many times. Your wife will be a great encouragement to your better judgement. Best wishes, Ned Christensen Second Wind
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Pat Corbisiero
Response To Joe
Joe, Just saw your other response to me on 5/1 It does get very windy every afternoon during the summer on Barnegat Bay atleast 15knots and up. Most times out of the Southeast. I've sailed my h26 on the bay for the last 6 seasons and if you dont reef early enough your in for a hell of a sail. The 26 is real tender but managable with the right amount of sail up. Anybody who tells you anything different has'nt sailed on Barnegat Bay. Pat
Joe, Just saw your other response to me on 5/1 It does get very windy every afternoon during the summer on Barnegat Bay atleast 15knots and up. Most times out of the Southeast. I've sailed my h26 on the bay for the last 6 seasons and if you dont reef early enough your in for a hell of a sail. The 26 is real tender but managable with the right amount of sail up. Anybody who tells you anything different has'nt sailed on Barnegat Bay. Pat
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Steve Wright
Get another Boat!!!
The water balast Hunters are not for beginning sailors who don't like heeling, I would highly suggest you think about a heavy fixed keel boat. My suggested boat would be something like a Nonsuch 30, very stable and very easy to sail. It is a cat boat, one large mainsail and no jib. You will spent about $60,000 to $90,000 for a used Nonsuch.
The water balast Hunters are not for beginning sailors who don't like heeling, I would highly suggest you think about a heavy fixed keel boat. My suggested boat would be something like a Nonsuch 30, very stable and very easy to sail. It is a cat boat, one large mainsail and no jib. You will spent about $60,000 to $90,000 for a used Nonsuch.
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