A dealer in Santa Rosa stated that he was no longer carrying the Hunter 26 because of "quality problems and owner complaints". I really wonder if he lost his franchise for other reasons. My son, who really knows sailboats, says that Hunter builds a quality boat. I am interested in purchasing a 260 water ballasted model. I would certainly like to know what owners think of this boat. Are there problems with fiberglass construction, poor quality fittings, etc? I would appreciate your opinions! Thanks, Don
- Status
Some questions about the 260's.
Don: There was a problem with the H'260's earlier this year. As I remember there was some talk about some sub-contracting. I think that there are some pictures in the photo forum on one of these boats that had a problem with the joint seal between the hull and the deck area. If you take a look at the archives you will find that owners of these boats just love them. I assume that you are thinking about putting your boat in Lake Shasta? If this be the case this is probably one of the best boats around for this type of sailing. If you are planning on putting the boat in the Delta and SF Bay you may want to look at a boat that is a little stiffer. The Delta and Bay winds are very often in the 20-30kt range. Don't know about the Santa Rosa dealer but look at the dealers in the bay area and see what they have to say about these units.
Don: There was a problem with the H'260's earlier this year. As I remember there was some talk about some sub-contracting. I think that there are some pictures in the photo forum on one of these boats that had a problem with the joint seal between the hull and the deck area. If you take a look at the archives you will find that owners of these boats just love them. I assume that you are thinking about putting your boat in Lake Shasta? If this be the case this is probably one of the best boats around for this type of sailing. If you are planning on putting the boat in the Delta and SF Bay you may want to look at a boat that is a little stiffer. The Delta and Bay winds are very often in the 20-30kt range. Don't know about the Santa Rosa dealer but look at the dealers in the bay area and see what they have to say about these units.
For the money
For a new boat I couldn't find anything close when it came to what you're getting for the dollar. I think some of those quality issues have some merit, but nothing that owners haven't overcome. In my opinion it definetly beats the Macgregor 26X, for instance. Catalinas are nice but expensive-if you can find a late model used that would be a way to go, or a used classic like Pacific Seacraft, etc. The shopping part is fun though, isn't it? SB
For a new boat I couldn't find anything close when it came to what you're getting for the dollar. I think some of those quality issues have some merit, but nothing that owners haven't overcome. In my opinion it definetly beats the Macgregor 26X, for instance. Catalinas are nice but expensive-if you can find a late model used that would be a way to go, or a used classic like Pacific Seacraft, etc. The shopping part is fun though, isn't it? SB
A reliable source
...tells me that there were about a half dozen 260's that had the potential for problems of various kinds. A couple of the boats we've heard about here, others may be fine. If you're buying a 260 used it might be wise to get a good survey so you know what you're getting into. The design of the boat is sound. Anything can be fixed, and Hunter is good about backing up their warranty. I don't believe there is any problem with the model or the line, but you want to be careful with any used boat so there are no surprises.
...tells me that there were about a half dozen 260's that had the potential for problems of various kinds. A couple of the boats we've heard about here, others may be fine. If you're buying a 260 used it might be wise to get a good survey so you know what you're getting into. The design of the boat is sound. Anything can be fixed, and Hunter is good about backing up their warranty. I don't believe there is any problem with the model or the line, but you want to be careful with any used boat so there are no surprises.
Mine is Fine
I have read of people having problems and that is concerning but minne is just fine. It stayed comnpletely dry all season. We sail in some rough winds in Kansas. With a water ballasted you have to shorten sail sooner that a keeled boat but you can keep up your speed. Wwe really love ours. Corky
I have read of people having problems and that is concerning but minne is just fine. It stayed comnpletely dry all season. We sail in some rough winds in Kansas. With a water ballasted you have to shorten sail sooner that a keeled boat but you can keep up your speed. Wwe really love ours. Corky
Best I've seen...
I've had three other boats and I think that the h26 is a dream. I bought a 1977 used this Spring and sail it on Lake Pepin, MN. The interior is well thought out, easy to care for, comfortable, it's easy to set up and rig. Best of all you can take it to new sailing grounds cuz of the water ballast!! You won't find any other boat that offers so much for the money. I agree, Hunter has a reputation for standing behind it's boats. Good luck!!
I've had three other boats and I think that the h26 is a dream. I bought a 1977 used this Spring and sail it on Lake Pepin, MN. The interior is well thought out, easy to care for, comfortable, it's easy to set up and rig. Best of all you can take it to new sailing grounds cuz of the water ballast!! You won't find any other boat that offers so much for the money. I agree, Hunter has a reputation for standing behind it's boats. Good luck!!
- Status