H26 vs H260
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There is extensive dialog on this subject in the archives. Check it out. Here's some extracts: H26/H260 series evolved over time. Some changes were stylistic others like the rudder were functional. Overtime, Hunter made changes to the boat based on users desires and complaints. Both boats sail about the same and have similar displacement. The H260 may weigh more on the trailer. H26 had mini-stays rather than the solid mast supports in the H260 Forward vent window in H26 eliminated in H260. Sliding hatch in H26 leaks - H260 pretty dry Very early H26 models were mostly tiller, H260 wheel option more common Earliest model H26 did not have stern seats as option. Cockpit table in H26 eliminated in H260 Jib sheet/winch layout different H260 has a different non-slip pattern in cabin and cockpit. H260 has vent in aft bunk. Rudder is different design Other comments from archives: In appearance, the stern is the most noticeable difference. The 260 has a fold away swim latter and sugar scoop stern and the rub rail sweeps continuously from the side around the back. On the 26's the stern is squared off and the ladder folds up to fill in the stern railing. Some model year 26's had 7/8" rail and some had 1" rail. Wheel steering is much less common on the 26. Wheel steering, while an option, is almost always found on the 260. 1998 was the first model year with the new transom design. In the 26, the forward hatch is part of the "windshield"; in the 260 the windshield is all fixed, and a square hatch is mounted on the foredeck. Also the portlight for the aft berth is mounted in the vertical face of the footwell under the (starboard) cockpit seat on the 26; on the 260 a larger portlight is mounted at an angle inside a small cockpit locker. The locker must be open to make use of the portlight. The companionway is different also; the hatchboard opening is narrower on the 260 (the sliding cover is the same width on both.) A big difference between a 26 and 260 is the rig. The 26 uses a full batten main, and the mast does not have fixed support struts like the 260 does. The anchor locker and bow cleat configuration is much improved on the 260 as it allows for the installation of an optional anchor roller. The major difference in the interior is that the galley fiddles and trim on a H26 is smoked Plexiglas, in the 260 it is teak. There is a cabinet in the galley and a single burner butane stove in the 260, the 26 uses a drop in two burner Origo 4000 alcohol stove. The head door is teak on the 260, white fiberglass on the 26. The 260 cabin sole in the head is raised to allow for a marine head option. The 26 uses collapsible bottles for water, the 260 has a water tank under the v-berth. The rudder assembly and transom is completely different between the two boats as the 260 was designed for wheel steering and most 26's have a tiller. early 26's did not come with stern perch seats, and they became an option. It is possible to back fit these but its' not cheap. That said, the boats should sail the same. The differences are a matter of preference. The biggest impact will be cost. A 2002 260 will cost about $10K more than a 5 year old 26. The older boat may have some wear and tear, but is likely to have more owner installed gear like a compass, GPS, Autopilot, etc. These items would add to the price of the new boat. The boat(H260) has a real forward hatch on the bow deck vs the 26 which has the hatch mounted on the windscreen. Secondly, it has two operating seat compartments where the 26 has only one. The second compartment allows you a view and air circulation when you are using the transom bunk. Here's some numbers: H26 H260 Years Built 1995 1999-2005 LOA 25' 9 in 26' 3 in LWL 23' 1 in 23' 3 in Sail Area 290 sq ft 320 sq ft Mast Height 40' 4 in 40' Water Capacity 5 gal 20 gal I 28' 4 in 29' 2.5in J 9' 5 in 9' 5.5in P 30' 1 in 30' 6.5in E 10' 6 in 10' 6in
Good job, George!
There's a reason George is the 260 moderator! What a complete comparison! The only little things I'll add is that the 260 actually started production in 1998, which is the model year of mine, and I think the 26's salon table drops all the way down to be flush with the seats - making a nice berth. The 260 table does not drop fully down, unless it's been modified. Again, way to go, George!
There's a reason George is the 260 moderator! What a complete comparison! The only little things I'll add is that the 260 actually started production in 1998, which is the model year of mine, and I think the 26's salon table drops all the way down to be flush with the seats - making a nice berth. The 260 table does not drop fully down, unless it's been modified. Again, way to go, George!
optional achor roller
George, I have a bad back and I'm very interested in your comment regarding "the 260 allows for the installation of an optional anchor roller." Do you have more information or pictures.? Tim
George, I have a bad back and I'm very interested in your comment regarding "the 260 allows for the installation of an optional anchor roller." Do you have more information or pictures.? Tim
26/260 DIFFERENCES
I have a 260 so I know less about the 26. Most have been mentioned. Some differences: hull mold - different hull ,260 more open stern deck mold - different deck mold ,windows, cleats, plus other details wheel steering - most 260’s stern seats - most 260”s anchor locker - 260 cut out for roller see archive for BRM-2 with Delta rigging - different mast raising - as mentioned rudder - final version has built in pin interior - 260 more teak + galley cabinet trailer - roller improvements cockpit table - for tiller version only It appears that the 26 and 260 change boat to boat as Hunter is making continuous upgrades but the 26 to 260 was a major change. The similarities are draft, ballast, beam, displacement, fractional rig, approximate sail plan, centerboard, water ballast tank. Apparently the hull numbers for the 26 start at FOOO1 and run to somewhere near F0729 around 1997 then the 260 is introduced and the hull numbers continue until 2002 were they start new (my assumption is that they started a whole new mold instead of using the one that I guess was modified from the 26) and run to somewhere near F0189 in 2005.
I have a 260 so I know less about the 26. Most have been mentioned. Some differences: hull mold - different hull ,260 more open stern deck mold - different deck mold ,windows, cleats, plus other details wheel steering - most 260’s stern seats - most 260”s anchor locker - 260 cut out for roller see archive for BRM-2 with Delta rigging - different mast raising - as mentioned rudder - final version has built in pin interior - 260 more teak + galley cabinet trailer - roller improvements cockpit table - for tiller version only It appears that the 26 and 260 change boat to boat as Hunter is making continuous upgrades but the 26 to 260 was a major change. The similarities are draft, ballast, beam, displacement, fractional rig, approximate sail plan, centerboard, water ballast tank. Apparently the hull numbers for the 26 start at FOOO1 and run to somewhere near F0729 around 1997 then the 260 is introduced and the hull numbers continue until 2002 were they start new (my assumption is that they started a whole new mold instead of using the one that I guess was modified from the 26) and run to somewhere near F0189 in 2005.
Anchor roller info...
Tim, Search the archives for 'anchor roller' and there are quite a few posts. I posed this very question not so long ago and found the most helpful info came from Mike Davis, who basically recommended the BRM-2 roller w/ a 14 lb. Delta anchor from West M. My local yard did the install while the boat was out for painting, and the set up works very well. I think there's already a backing plate installed from the factory, so check your specks before you start drilling. Boyd
Tim, Search the archives for 'anchor roller' and there are quite a few posts. I posed this very question not so long ago and found the most helpful info came from Mike Davis, who basically recommended the BRM-2 roller w/ a 14 lb. Delta anchor from West M. My local yard did the install while the boat was out for painting, and the set up works very well. I think there's already a backing plate installed from the factory, so check your specks before you start drilling. Boyd
All the information seems accurate except perhaps the dates for the 26 end of production. My H26 Hull Number is F0686F798 which indicates it was built in July of 1998. Did Hunter build both models in 1998? Interestingly the PO advertised it as a H260, and the CT registration says H260, even though it is a H26. Is it true that all the Hunter WB models were made at the East Lyme, CT plant?
I don't think any boat larger that the 212 was...
...built outside of Florida even after Hunter aquired JY. alan
...built outside of Florida even after Hunter aquired JY. alan
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