I'd like to solicit some opinions about the pros and cons of the H240 and H260 for daysailing / weekending. I'm trying to decide which to choose, but can't see an obvious advantage for one over the other, except for price. I'd like to take my wife and kids on daysails or short weekend trips, and expect to do both ocean and lake sailing. I'd rather not spend a lot of time setting the boat up and tearing it down at the ramp. I'm wondering whether the extra space on the H260 is really useful. Are there any folks out there that have owned both? I'd like to hear your opinions on the relative merits of both these boats. Tony
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If you.......
Tony of Orlando If you name your boat Dawn, I ram you myself. Bigger is better espically when kids are along.
Tony of Orlando If you name your boat Dawn, I ram you myself. Bigger is better espically when kids are along.
I've had both
We just traded up from a '98 240 to a '00 260 and I must say there is a bunch of differences. We do a lot of weekending/overnighting. The 240 is a great boat, don't get me wrong, I loved ours. However my wife had a big say in the 260 switch: 1) She didn't like the porta potti (I didn't care for it too much myself), on the 260 we have an enclosed marine head with a vanity! As small as it is it is a major improvment. 2) She didn't like to cook while sitting sideways or on her knees. On the 260 she has standing head room (barefoot) in a "full" galley; counter space, cabinets; more accessible storage, and no head banging. 3) Did I mention counter space, the 240 table helped but it kinda got to be a pain to move back and forth and was not level. Wait till ya knock out the wood prop that holds up the little chunk of "counter space" and get whatever spilled all over the place, and believe me you WILL do that when you get into the "cooler". I ended up installing a lock that ensured that would not happen. The 260 has a GREAT table that is available any time. Sit, look at charts, eat, read, whatever. As far as other things go, as near as I can tell, it is pretty much a wash on set-up time between the two boats. The 260 tows smoother (see the archives). For me, I get wheel steering!!!
Now my wife says she wants to drive too, we'll be talkin about that...... If you can do it, go for the 260, either way they are both good boats. Good sailing Tom
We just traded up from a '98 240 to a '00 260 and I must say there is a bunch of differences. We do a lot of weekending/overnighting. The 240 is a great boat, don't get me wrong, I loved ours. However my wife had a big say in the 260 switch: 1) She didn't like the porta potti (I didn't care for it too much myself), on the 260 we have an enclosed marine head with a vanity! As small as it is it is a major improvment. 2) She didn't like to cook while sitting sideways or on her knees. On the 260 she has standing head room (barefoot) in a "full" galley; counter space, cabinets; more accessible storage, and no head banging. 3) Did I mention counter space, the 240 table helped but it kinda got to be a pain to move back and forth and was not level. Wait till ya knock out the wood prop that holds up the little chunk of "counter space" and get whatever spilled all over the place, and believe me you WILL do that when you get into the "cooler". I ended up installing a lock that ensured that would not happen. The 260 has a GREAT table that is available any time. Sit, look at charts, eat, read, whatever. As far as other things go, as near as I can tell, it is pretty much a wash on set-up time between the two boats. The 260 tows smoother (see the archives). For me, I get wheel steering!!!
Now my wife says she wants to drive too, we'll be talkin about that...... If you can do it, go for the 260, either way they are both good boats. Good sailing TomI've LOOKED at both...
My take on the difference between the two: The H260 has a nicer layout below decks, with: - A 'full' galley. The galley has a single burner stove (not found on the 240); An appropriately larger cooler - I would not be able to carry enough beverages (much less food! ;o) in the 240's cooler for a weekend of sailing, and you don't have to move someone out of a berth to get to it; Headroom (see Tom's post), and storage space (again, see Tom's post). - An enclosed head (Maybe I should just 'ditto' Tom's post?). There is also a hanging locker in there (not found on the 240), and if memory serves, some storage and a vanity with a sink. - Slightly larger berths, and a larger, more stable table. The other thing that stuck out in my mind is that the 240 really doesn't have many places to mount accessories, like a VHF, or AM/FM/CD radio, or places to keep a small tool kit, or toss your keys, etc... On Deck, I found the two boats to be similar; The models I got to poke around on had tiller steering, so I didn't get to see the wheel in place. The setup procedures didn't seem very different, if you have the mast raising system and the struts. If money weren't an issue, I am sure I would go with the 260- It seems like a more full-featured boat for comfortable weekending, or even 1-2 weeks puttering about in your favorite cruising grounds. The 240 definitely has the price advantage, but I think the 240 would only be comfortable for daysailing, with maybe one or two nights a season spent aboard. Just my $.02... --Jon Bastien H23 '2 Sheets to the Wind'
My take on the difference between the two: The H260 has a nicer layout below decks, with: - A 'full' galley. The galley has a single burner stove (not found on the 240); An appropriately larger cooler - I would not be able to carry enough beverages (much less food! ;o) in the 240's cooler for a weekend of sailing, and you don't have to move someone out of a berth to get to it; Headroom (see Tom's post), and storage space (again, see Tom's post). - An enclosed head (Maybe I should just 'ditto' Tom's post?). There is also a hanging locker in there (not found on the 240), and if memory serves, some storage and a vanity with a sink. - Slightly larger berths, and a larger, more stable table. The other thing that stuck out in my mind is that the 240 really doesn't have many places to mount accessories, like a VHF, or AM/FM/CD radio, or places to keep a small tool kit, or toss your keys, etc... On Deck, I found the two boats to be similar; The models I got to poke around on had tiller steering, so I didn't get to see the wheel in place. The setup procedures didn't seem very different, if you have the mast raising system and the struts. If money weren't an issue, I am sure I would go with the 260- It seems like a more full-featured boat for comfortable weekending, or even 1-2 weeks puttering about in your favorite cruising grounds. The 240 definitely has the price advantage, but I think the 240 would only be comfortable for daysailing, with maybe one or two nights a season spent aboard. Just my $.02... --Jon Bastien H23 '2 Sheets to the Wind'
10 K is a bunch
of money for an enclosed porta potty. Just revisited the 260 last weekend after buying a 240 last year. Thought I had made a mistake, BUT the head room is not that much greater in the 260. The Aft birth is a little short changed by the enclosed potty. Have decided to hold on the 240 until the 290 becomes trailorable... Charlie "Good Medicine"
of money for an enclosed porta potty. Just revisited the 260 last weekend after buying a 240 last year. Thought I had made a mistake, BUT the head room is not that much greater in the 260. The Aft birth is a little short changed by the enclosed potty. Have decided to hold on the 240 until the 290 becomes trailorable... Charlie "Good Medicine"
charlie kilmer
All you have to do is put a hinge on your mast (not that expensive) and the 290 becomes trailerable! /c s/v Twilight, H410
All you have to do is put a hinge on your mast (not that expensive) and the 290 becomes trailerable! /c s/v Twilight, H410
Ditto with Tom
Went from a "98" H240 to a "99" H260. The head room is bigger. To stand up and cook in the H240 you would have your nose in the sliding hatch rail, unless you are really small. Just more room........
Went from a "98" H240 to a "99" H260. The head room is bigger. To stand up and cook in the H240 you would have your nose in the sliding hatch rail, unless you are really small. Just more room........
The differences are huge!
It's an entirely different boat! The head room is probably the main consideration but the entire volume of the hull is what really make the difference. You can move around on the boats deck and cockpit without it shipping all over the place. The head enclosed and the galley and the saloon table and all the dedicated storage that dosen't need to be moved around for access to everything make a big difference in comfort If your expecting to do anything except day sail the 260 is well worth the investment. If I wasn't compairing these boats I'd say that the 240 is absolutely awesome! Larry Barnes
It's an entirely different boat! The head room is probably the main consideration but the entire volume of the hull is what really make the difference. You can move around on the boats deck and cockpit without it shipping all over the place. The head enclosed and the galley and the saloon table and all the dedicated storage that dosen't need to be moved around for access to everything make a big difference in comfort If your expecting to do anything except day sail the 260 is well worth the investment. If I wasn't compairing these boats I'd say that the 240 is absolutely awesome! Larry Barnes
Ditto - Ditto - Ditto
I owned a 93 23.5 and traded up to 96 H26 for many of the same reasons the Tom mentioned. Couple considerations 260 has more room, if you only daysail that may not be a big deal. 260 is heavier and may require a bigger tow vehicle (think gas $$$$) 260 feels and rides like a larger boat because it is. I have never regretted moving up to the 26. Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
I owned a 93 23.5 and traded up to 96 H26 for many of the same reasons the Tom mentioned. Couple considerations 260 has more room, if you only daysail that may not be a big deal. 260 is heavier and may require a bigger tow vehicle (think gas $$$$) 260 feels and rides like a larger boat because it is. I have never regretted moving up to the 26. Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
If cost is an issue...
Tony: If price is slowing you down, take a look at a Hunter 26, the model that preceded the 260. The differences in the 2 boats is marginal and the older boat will be less expensive. Mark Shameless Plug
Tony: If price is slowing you down, take a look at a Hunter 26, the model that preceded the 260. The differences in the 2 boats is marginal and the older boat will be less expensive. Mark Shameless Plug
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