Hunter 26.5 race ready needs

[Sailorjohnca]

I can see why you have your track so far back, clew is way higher than mine. The 3di doesn't appear to stretch, ( shouldn't for that money!) I'm wondering if the boat is tail heavy due to the motor being way out on the motor extension. Was considering putting it in the centre, but then I lose the great open transom for swimming.
I've already cut the mid stanchion down to about 6 inches as tailing the genny was pretty difficult, I'm finding I have really good down wind speed wondering if the wing keel helps. It's a strange boat, I don't think Hunter could decide what type of boat it was going to be. It has great lines under water and a fractional rig, but then they didn't supply back stay adjusters and genny tracks??. Have you ever had it planing? I got the J up to 14 knots once, max so far is about 7.5 on the Hunter. Would love to see more pics of your set up. Also I'm in northern Ontario if you are ever there would love to take you sailing.

 

[raydean]

Sorry to hijack an old thread, but there's so much great info here I'd like to resurrect it! I'm new to the 26.5 club and have just started racing in our weekly inshore lake races here in Southwest Louisiana. I'm trying to wrap my head around all the rigging suggestions you guys have given, so any photos are really appreciated.

I need to go up the mast soon. For whatever reason, a previous owner got rid of the topping lift and simply hooks the end of the boom to the backtay adjuster when not in use. I'm not a fan of this, so up the mast I go. I have access to a MastMate with the proper slugs, so my question is whether the tapered mast is sturdy enough for my 255 pound butt. Just thought using that climbing method would be easier for me to climb alone than have someone crank me through several blocks back at the cabin top winch.

Thanks in advance for any further guidance!
Dan

 

[Sailorjohnca]

Nice to see another 26.5 - especially racing! Its my second year now and we are just racing white sail with whisker pole though.
I can attest to the fact that the mast is easily strong enough to hold my weight - 180lbs and have been up several times to the top using a bosuns chair with a person winching me up. You have to help the wincher by pulling up at the same time he winches. There is not enough mechanical advantage to simple sit there. It does work in the end though. I'll work on some pics to post, have made quite a few changes lately
So far we are coming mainly in the top 3 positions so not bad. The boat is now out pointing most others and has great downwind performance.
ps put in a boom kicker so no topping lift needed.