H 260 vs C 250

[Sam Morgan]

I am struggling with the decision of whether to buy a Hunter 260 or a Catalina 250. Does anyone know of an article or report comparing these two boats?

 

[Jim Covey]

For what it's worth

Sam, I was in the same position a couple of years ago and opted for the H26. I haven't found any comparo between the 2 boats anywhere. IMHO, buy either boat and you will be happy. We love our H26, (much more that the C22 it replaced for space) and the C250 WB looks like a great boat also.Good luck,Jim Coveys/v Wampeter

 

[Dick Vance]

Old Sail Magazine Article

Sam,I haven't seen such with the 260 but a few years ago, Sail did a three way comp between the H-26; Cat 250 and Schock Santana 2023C. A good article and fair comparison.I may be able to dig it out of a box somewhere and would send you a copy if I can locate it.  BTW, one of my sailing buddies researched the three boats and bought the Schock! It is a great sailing boat; less trailering weight but lacks the interior room of the 26. My personal opinion is that the Cat ran third!HTHDick VanceH-25.5 "Honey Bear"

 

[Dave Condon]

Know both boats very well

As a dealer who has sold many of both, the Catalina 250 and Hunter 260 are well built. If you would like to discussthese boats further, please email me atdavecondon@mindspring.comDave CondonAmerican Marine & Sail Supply, Inc.Zebulon, NC

 

[Mike Pajewski]

Go for the H260

I looked at both boats and opted for the Hunter. The Catalina is closer in size to the 23.5/240. With the 26, you will have almost 6 feet of headroom and a very usefull interior. The interior of the Cat did not seem as nicely finished. The flip side is that the Catalina had a little better hardware for handling sails. Mike PajewskiH26 "Loon"

 

[Ray Trombino]

Hunter vs Catalina

At the Annapolis Boat Show in 1997, we spent over an hour on each boat, comparing features and we chose the Hunter 260. To us, it had a better cabin layout, we were impressed by the wheel steering and the cockpit layout, and really liked the mast struts. I don't think you will go wrong with either boat, so see which one "feels" better on a test sail, and for comfort and convenience.Ray TrombinoSand Dollar

 

[Mark Burrows]

Service is an Issue

As written before, the boats are very similar. I sleep with comparison article near my pillow.But also try to get a feel from the dealer of how you will be supported after the sail and whether they have the needed expertise.For Hunters, you may want to choose a dealer close by because they will more easily be able to support you if there is a problem.