Hunter 260 measurements needed

[dockeradz]

Hello, I'm considering a Hunter 260 but need some measurements. Hopefully someone is trailered right now and can provide these for me:

1. The height on the trailer with and without the life lines. I have a 8' garage door that I'm hoping it will fit in. I think I cam make the life lines removable by cutting them and using an insert to re-attach.

2. The height of the water line on the trailer (for launching purposes). I'm assuming the water line without the wb tank filled will be lower. Does anyone know the difference in water with the tank empty? Basically I have 3' at my ramp at high tide.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Let me respond. Forget about the 8' door clearence. It willl not work. By the way, if you cut off the life lines, you will also have to remove the stanchions as well. There are other parts that come into play to include the bow rail as well and possibly the deck fittings and so forth. I would suggest another direction.

As for that ramp, that is a serious mistake to launch with only 3 feet at high tide as there are other things to consider. A good example is running the trailer tires off the end of the ramp into mud or the end of the ramp being washed out. Strongly suggest going to another ramp or simply pay the cost to have the boat put into the water with a travel lift.

Sir, I am the most knowledagble of this boat either the 26 or 260 and what you propose could end up damaging the boat and/or someone getting hurt.

crazy dave condon

 

[dscribner]

Dave, your crazy, or so you say!

You don't think he could launch in 36" o' water? I can launch my Lancer 25 in about that much (probably deeper at the stern though) and have little problems. I say "about" because I have a 32" inseam. I'll stop there. But, I don't know this boat. Specs say it drafts 1'-9 board up but I don't know if that's ballasted or not. Not to question your knowledge at all, but I'd give it a whirl. Carry some tow staps. I'm not a complete idiot!


Don

 

[dockeradz]

Thanks for the replies. I would still like to get the measurements if anyone can get them.

My idea was to make the life lines removable, by cutting them and using an insert to re-attach them. The bow pulpit I can lower by lowering the trailer jack. It's probably still over 8', but just wanted to check.

I do have access to a ramp with 4' of water. I really wanted to find out what the height of the water line is on the trailer with the wb tank empty, which would tell me how much water I need.

As far as safety on the ramp, I know the 3' ramp well. If you saw how we launched and retrieved our current ensenada 20, by unhooking the trailer, using a home made extender and the 3rd wheel (which was an improvement over rope), you'd call me crazy. The 260 is a much bigger boat though.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

When the mast is down, it is the tallest thing on the trailer. I store mine in a pole barn with a 12' clearance on the door. I must drop the mast off of the crutch to clear the door. I would guess you need 11'.

As far as ramps go, you want steep and deep. With the tow vehicle's wheels at the water's edge, the trailer must be fully submerged to allow the boat to float free. This takes 4 to 5 feet of water at the trailer wheels.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

describner;

When I address what I know will not work, it is based on experience or what I had observed. I have seen a Hunter 260 which is the same hull as the former 26 trying to be launched under the same circumstances without success. The ramp he described is not one I would never recommend at all.

You are not truely aware of my involvment with Hunter on the water ballast series nor the actual experience and knowledge that I have. When I see something that is unsafe which can result in damage and/or injury, yes I will speak up. I just hate seeing the damage and the injuries as a result. Unless you owned one of these boats, then I believe you would understand. As it was stated, the boat is much bigger and the ramp length is only 3 feet at high tide. Plus the boat weighs alot more than a 20 footer which by the way sits lower on a trailer anyway. A Hutner 26 or 260 trailer will fall off the end of the ramp if washed out or in soft sand or mud will sink and still the boat will not come off.

As for Crazy, I used it in marketing and it worked well for me. AS for the nickname, it came about on a movie set which is still funny how I got it. Thank you Dave for confirming my information.

crazy dave condon

dave condon

 

[dscribner]

Crazy,

My apologies. One of the problems with postings and emails it you add the intonation when you read it. I wasn't questioning your knowledge at all, I was saying that I would probably have tried it. Probably failed too, apparently. One thing you could not know about me is that I am a perennial jokester. (Sometimes doesn't go well in the engineering field). If you've read some of my other posts you'll find me making exposing for all to see and making light of the painfully stupid mistakes I've made while sail. It's odd but understandable how these stories have waned as the nautical miles have ticked by.

So, Crazy Dave, I am sorry if I offended. It REALLY wasn't meant like that.

Fair Winds and I owe you a Sam Adams,

Don

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

describner;

You did not offend me. Once, I was told to respect those who have the experience and knowledge as you will learn alot. Although I am a jokester as well, I have always respected the water and around water, I am serious in order no one is hurt but have fun. Happy sailing and God Bless. By the way, I was on I-95 near Emporia, VA last week and a bird flew into my windshield and flipped up and over hitting the windshield of a VA. State Trooper's car who was following behind me. Although there was no damage to either windshield or car, I was pulled over and given a ticket. I could not believe it particularly the ticket was written up for "flipping the bird". That got me out of a few tickets telling them to an officer.

crazy dave condon

 

[dscribner]

Bad, really bad. . . . I'll use it.