Hi folks, I am an Oday owner, (Oday 22). I am thinking about a newer Hunter 25. (You know, bigger boat fever.) There are two us, occasionally another couple, however that is the execption. You folks with the Hunter 25's , if you were to do it again what options would you put on the boat? For example the new bimini looks nice as does the steering wheel as opposed to tiller steering. Thanks in advance! Jack Hart SEA-YA! PS...The idea here is to have the biggest trailerable boat I can legally pull around.
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Jack, Buy a fully loaded boat and I don't think you will regret it. The wheel steering is a must for me and opens up the cockpit. The marine head is nice, but a very cramped space. I don't have the bimini, but will order one for the next season and consider getting a custom dodger and a connecting canvas piece. I bought my boat used (one season old) and by the time I add the missing options and some extras, I could have bought new. New 2006 Hunter 25's are currently selling in NJ for about $5K below list. The 25 is not that big a boat and I don't think it will be too much bigger than your O'Day. However, I like the 25, but I don't overnight on it, keep it in a slip and daysail only. The Hunter 260 is one of the biggest trailerables (water ballast), has a cabin as big as a 27 footer and carries a lot of sail. They aren't built anymore (last year 2005, I think), but worth a look if you want to consider a water ballast boat. If I had to do it again I would get an outboard with a power tilt optiion. I don't like the Nissan 9.8's tilt mechanism. Also, the boat steers very poorly without the motor connected to the rudder, so buy or build a steering linkage to connect the motor to the rudder under power. Not a big deal but steering improves 1000%. Barry
H25
If you are looking for the largest trailerable sailboat you can find, the H25 is not your best choice. There are late model H260's available and you should look at offerings from Catalina. Suggest you do a comparison between the H25 and the H260 before you buy.
If you are looking for the largest trailerable sailboat you can find, the H25 is not your best choice. There are late model H260's available and you should look at offerings from Catalina. Suggest you do a comparison between the H25 and the H260 before you buy.
Love the hunter!
Jack, I assume you are Dealing with American Marine Sail? If so, then you have a great dealer backing you up. I have delt with Dave on a number of issues, and he has always worked hard for me. If you have any questions about him or his dealership please feel free to contact me! SWMBO and I have a 27, and having looked at the Catalina and the Hunter, I think the hunter has much nicer appointments and is laid out better. I have the wheel steering and bimini. Here are my takes: The wheel is a bit of a pain when you want to entertain in the cockpit. But when it comes to steering, my wife took to it immediately. As far as the bimini goes, down where we live, I would not go without one. You can easily fold it up when you want the sun in the spring and fall, but when the summer sun is beating down, there is nothing better than dipping in the water then sitting in the shade. I having a head is nice and easier to deal with than any port-a-potty. Trust me when SWMBO can flush the head, life onboard becomes much nicer. If you want to try a Hunter I have an 05 (http:\hunter_27.home.att.net) drop me an e-mail and we can arrange a time.
Jack, I assume you are Dealing with American Marine Sail? If so, then you have a great dealer backing you up. I have delt with Dave on a number of issues, and he has always worked hard for me. If you have any questions about him or his dealership please feel free to contact me! SWMBO and I have a 27, and having looked at the Catalina and the Hunter, I think the hunter has much nicer appointments and is laid out better. I have the wheel steering and bimini. Here are my takes: The wheel is a bit of a pain when you want to entertain in the cockpit. But when it comes to steering, my wife took to it immediately. As far as the bimini goes, down where we live, I would not go without one. You can easily fold it up when you want the sun in the spring and fall, but when the summer sun is beating down, there is nothing better than dipping in the water then sitting in the shade. I having a head is nice and easier to deal with than any port-a-potty. Trust me when SWMBO can flush the head, life onboard becomes much nicer. If you want to try a Hunter I have an 05 (http:\hunter_27.home.att.net) drop me an e-mail and we can arrange a time.
I love my 06 Hunter 25
I agree with all that Barry and Doghouse have said. The only option I did not get was the instruments, as I wanted to do that myself. The other thing I would highly recommend is a Yamaha outboard. Mine is a 8hp high thrust with remote controls and the electric tilt. I have added the following to my boat. Sunsure cushions from this web site, life line cushions/covers, stern rail back cushions, Magna grill, GPS, Am/Fm CD radio and Bose speakers, an ipod input, shore power with outlets, LCD TV, second gel cell battery with 1/2/both switch. Expect somewhere close to 40k with all options after taxes. The previous 260 model is larger, but I was not interested in water ballast or a swing keel.
I agree with all that Barry and Doghouse have said. The only option I did not get was the instruments, as I wanted to do that myself. The other thing I would highly recommend is a Yamaha outboard. Mine is a 8hp high thrust with remote controls and the electric tilt. I have added the following to my boat. Sunsure cushions from this web site, life line cushions/covers, stern rail back cushions, Magna grill, GPS, Am/Fm CD radio and Bose speakers, an ipod input, shore power with outlets, LCD TV, second gel cell battery with 1/2/both switch. Expect somewhere close to 40k with all options after taxes. The previous 260 model is larger, but I was not interested in water ballast or a swing keel.
Love my 2004 260
'04 8hp hi thrust yamaha w/elec tilt and controls at the pedistal. Trailers very well. Sails as stiff or better than a mini keel H25 and it's much roomier and better appointed. Everybody has their own needs but our 260 is perfect for us. Shop around and you can find a newer 260 that somebody isn't using, at a reasonable price. We're sure happy we did. Here's a few pics of a recent trip(pt 2 is in the photo forum too). Happy to answer any questions. http://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/display.tpl?folder=73298228609&fno=17 Good Luck Michael and Kelli 2004 H260 s/v "Plan B"
'04 8hp hi thrust yamaha w/elec tilt and controls at the pedistal. Trailers very well. Sails as stiff or better than a mini keel H25 and it's much roomier and better appointed. Everybody has their own needs but our 260 is perfect for us. Shop around and you can find a newer 260 that somebody isn't using, at a reasonable price. We're sure happy we did. Here's a few pics of a recent trip(pt 2 is in the photo forum too). Happy to answer any questions. http://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/display.tpl?folder=73298228609&fno=17 Good Luck Michael and Kelli 2004 H260 s/v "Plan B"
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