I'm considering purchase of a new 260, which will be the largest - and most expensive! - 8~] sailboat I've ever owned. The water-ballasted version is necessary since I'm landlocked but I think the 260 will provide the room needed to accomodate my wife and four small kids. I hope you don't mind this (and probably more) stupid questions from someone so ignorant! But, a 9.9hp motor seems awful small for a boat that size. Is that enough power for a 260? Also, a dealer I spoke with in Ohio mentioned something like $2800 bucks for a new 9.9 four-stroke. Does that sound right? Any recommendations on specific motors? Since I'm pretty new to this, ANY input would be greatly appreciated!
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Bill and Nancy Berg
Just got ours
We just launched our new 260 3 weeks ago. We had a Yamaha 4 stroke 9.9 put on. According to our Autohelm Speed, we made about 3.7 mph at full throttle this weekend. (going to check that with GPS this weekend) On our last boat, also a 26' water ballast ( but 1000 lbs lighter) we had a 15 hp which would do about 6.0 mph. We were a little disappointed with the 3.7 but Hunter doesn't recommend any thing bigger. What is nice about the Yamaha is the ability to go from forward to reverse rapidly, no wait for idle speed to shift. Helps when docking. Bill and Nancy Berg H260 Albuquerque, NM
We just launched our new 260 3 weeks ago. We had a Yamaha 4 stroke 9.9 put on. According to our Autohelm Speed, we made about 3.7 mph at full throttle this weekend. (going to check that with GPS this weekend) On our last boat, also a 26' water ballast ( but 1000 lbs lighter) we had a 15 hp which would do about 6.0 mph. We were a little disappointed with the 3.7 but Hunter doesn't recommend any thing bigger. What is nice about the Yamaha is the ability to go from forward to reverse rapidly, no wait for idle speed to shift. Helps when docking. Bill and Nancy Berg H260 Albuquerque, NM
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Steve
15 HP
We decided on the (Nissan)15hp over the 9.9 due to no appreciable weight differance. The 15 seems to be a 9.9 ported out. We enjoy the luxury of remote control, electric start, and alternator. I would suggest a long shaft on the standard mount. We can exceed hull speed of 6.75 - 7 n/m in a dead calm, or stay safely ahead of a swift current if the wind dies. The single 6 gallon portable can get us +- 22 miles on a slow cruise (3-4 n/m). Done it in a dead calm when schedule demands called, just didn't have the day to get back! Steve
We decided on the (Nissan)15hp over the 9.9 due to no appreciable weight differance. The 15 seems to be a 9.9 ported out. We enjoy the luxury of remote control, electric start, and alternator. I would suggest a long shaft on the standard mount. We can exceed hull speed of 6.75 - 7 n/m in a dead calm, or stay safely ahead of a swift current if the wind dies. The single 6 gallon portable can get us +- 22 miles on a slow cruise (3-4 n/m). Done it in a dead calm when schedule demands called, just didn't have the day to get back! Steve
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Dan Ebert
HONDA
We had a Honda 9.9 four stroke long shaft put on out new H260. Have not tried it out, but putting in the water next week. My cost was $3050 with electric start.
We had a Honda 9.9 four stroke long shaft put on out new H260. Have not tried it out, but putting in the water next week. My cost was $3050 with electric start.
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Tom Myers
Honda 9.9 4-stroke
Tim, Congrats on your planned purchase. I think you'll be very happy. Like you, my wife and I also have 4 kids as crew. The Honda 9.9 came recommended to us and it has been a wonderful motor. Anything larger would only be overkill; it won't make the boat go faster than the 9.9. Good luck tom
Tim, Congrats on your planned purchase. I think you'll be very happy. Like you, my wife and I also have 4 kids as crew. The Honda 9.9 came recommended to us and it has been a wonderful motor. Anything larger would only be overkill; it won't make the boat go faster than the 9.9. Good luck tom
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Ralph C. Regar
My $.02
Tim, All of the preceding replies have good recommendations. A 9.9 engine may seem small, but it is really all that you will need. You will certainly need a four-stroke engine since it sounds like you may be doing some of your cruising on lakes, and the more polluting two-strokes have already been banned on many lakes. They are also quieter, less smokey and more fuel-efficient. Since you are cruising with a family, you will be placing extra drain on your battery. A charger in the outboard will be necessary. Also, you have certainly noticed that the outboard is in a hard-to-reach location. For convenience and safe operation electric start is helpful and remote controls a virtual necessity. We chose a Mercury 9.9 four-stroke with what they call the "Big Foot" option (a stronger lower unit). There are many other good brands out there, but we chose the Mercury for convenience. Our boat yard sells and services them and dealers can be found everywhere in case service is needed while traveling. Expect to pay $2800 to $3000 for such a package. Enjoy your new boat! Ralph C. Regar S/V Shambala
Tim, All of the preceding replies have good recommendations. A 9.9 engine may seem small, but it is really all that you will need. You will certainly need a four-stroke engine since it sounds like you may be doing some of your cruising on lakes, and the more polluting two-strokes have already been banned on many lakes. They are also quieter, less smokey and more fuel-efficient. Since you are cruising with a family, you will be placing extra drain on your battery. A charger in the outboard will be necessary. Also, you have certainly noticed that the outboard is in a hard-to-reach location. For convenience and safe operation electric start is helpful and remote controls a virtual necessity. We chose a Mercury 9.9 four-stroke with what they call the "Big Foot" option (a stronger lower unit). There are many other good brands out there, but we chose the Mercury for convenience. Our boat yard sells and services them and dealers can be found everywhere in case service is needed while traveling. Expect to pay $2800 to $3000 for such a package. Enjoy your new boat! Ralph C. Regar S/V Shambala
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Tom
A couple comments
We went with the Honda 9.9 four stroke for two main reasons: 1) It was the lightest 9.9 I've found ~109# 2) It has the longest shaft I've found, 28" vs 25" Don't know about rapid shifting between forward/reverse, anyone have experience? Also Steve with the 15hp, curious as to your miliage, is that a four stroke? Also the Honda dealer said he could remove the govenor and the 9.9 would become a 13hp! Good sailing Tom
We went with the Honda 9.9 four stroke for two main reasons: 1) It was the lightest 9.9 I've found ~109# 2) It has the longest shaft I've found, 28" vs 25" Don't know about rapid shifting between forward/reverse, anyone have experience? Also Steve with the 15hp, curious as to your miliage, is that a four stroke? Also the Honda dealer said he could remove the govenor and the 9.9 would become a 13hp! Good sailing Tom
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Larry Kroeger
Dan 260 with 9.9
I am just finishing up the purchase of a 260 and like Dan will be putting it in Brookville in the next couple of weeks. I looked at different sized motors and do not see enough difference to worry. Most 15 HP are 9.9s with a different carburator and cam and an increase in price. I do not think there will be a large increase in speed. There may be some pease of mind if you sail in a river and need to overcome a current. Dan e-mail me at lkroeger@cincinow.net or I will see you on the lake.
I am just finishing up the purchase of a 260 and like Dan will be putting it in Brookville in the next couple of weeks. I looked at different sized motors and do not see enough difference to worry. Most 15 HP are 9.9s with a different carburator and cam and an increase in price. I do not think there will be a large increase in speed. There may be some pease of mind if you sail in a river and need to overcome a current. Dan e-mail me at lkroeger@cincinow.net or I will see you on the lake.
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Tom
Evinrude 9.9 4 stroke
I purchased a 1999 H260 water ballast last year and after much research settled on the Evenrude 4 stroke, long shaft, high thrust, electric start, remote control. Why I like the Evinrude: ++ Many local dealers for parts and service ++ 2 year warrantee ++ 12 A battery charger ++ Oil and water pressure monitor ++ Great tilt mechanism ++ Easy to start manually, when needed. Check out: http://www.omc-online.com/evinrude/products2000/9/9analysis.htm You can have hunter install the throtle and shift controls on the pedestal. Specify that there is enough cable lenght to turn and tilt the engine. Make sure that the Evinrude Dealer includes the low water/oil pressure alarm and cabling to connect it to the engine. It is easy to overlook. Have the ignition key installed below the starboard cockpit seat where the back is accessible from the battery compartment. Fair winds, Tom
I purchased a 1999 H260 water ballast last year and after much research settled on the Evenrude 4 stroke, long shaft, high thrust, electric start, remote control. Why I like the Evinrude: ++ Many local dealers for parts and service ++ 2 year warrantee ++ 12 A battery charger ++ Oil and water pressure monitor ++ Great tilt mechanism ++ Easy to start manually, when needed. Check out: http://www.omc-online.com/evinrude/products2000/9/9analysis.htm You can have hunter install the throtle and shift controls on the pedestal. Specify that there is enough cable lenght to turn and tilt the engine. Make sure that the Evinrude Dealer includes the low water/oil pressure alarm and cabling to connect it to the engine. It is easy to overlook. Have the ignition key installed below the starboard cockpit seat where the back is accessible from the battery compartment. Fair winds, Tom
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Dave Condon
motor
Based on the large and various motors on the market, the largest is the 9.9 and even with that, you will plow through the water. Cost more and is alot of weight on the back. You ;might consider a 9.8. do not consider a 15 hp as the bracket and transom are reccomended for a 9.9 max. I wrote the book on the 26 & 260. Crazy Dave
Based on the large and various motors on the market, the largest is the 9.9 and even with that, you will plow through the water. Cost more and is alot of weight on the back. You ;might consider a 9.8. do not consider a 15 hp as the bracket and transom are reccomended for a 9.9 max. I wrote the book on the 26 & 260. Crazy Dave
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