Hunter 260 use

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Guy

I am thinking about buying a new 260 to use on the West Coast of Florida, both in the bays and in the Gulf. Is the boat suitable for near shore operations? I read a recent post that the 260 didn't handle well when the seas were above 3'. Most of my use will be day sailing with some trips to the Keys by trailer.
 
M

Mark

?

You mentioned a previouse post on this subject. Could you please advise where? We have sailed our 260 through some fairly rugged conditions and we believe she handled and coped well. I guess its the same old story, "reef" early and sail with presevation on your mind. This is a good boat that can be sailed with confidence in conditions she was built for.
 
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Frank

Three foot seas

Three foot seas means the front face of the average wave is 6 feet. There will be occasional waves at double this height. These conditions can be really horrible in shallow water or if the wave period is short (Choppy Waves). Offshore three foot seas that are not breaking and have light winds are not too bad but are very rolly. The point is that the 260 will take care of you long after you are no longer comfortable and trying to head back to protected water. I have a 23.5 which is much smaller and we sail offshore in the Grave Yard of the Atlantic, but we pick our days and watch the weather.
 
G

Guy

Reviews Section

Look in the Reviews Section for the 260, dated 12/6/01 by Frank Sears. This may be the same person who responded to my question.
 
J

Jim Hague

Frank

I thought 'seas' were always measured 'trough to crest' which means 3 foot seas present a 3 foot face. Where did I go wrong?
 
F

Frank / MD / H260

Some Clarification...

When I said 3 foot waves, I meant the total height. The bay is relatively narrow, so the waves do have a short period, which we do call "chop". Plus, you've think if the wind is blowing north to south, the waves would be flowing north to south. Not so. Even in the middle of the bay the waves can be 20/30 degrees off the wind. Makes it tough to sail. And yes, the chop makes for a nasty ride.
 
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John Revenboer

Waves

My Hunter 260 handels well in 3 to 6 foot waves, the only problem is the prop of the outboard coming out of the water. I tire of the waves long before the boat does.
 
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Tony

H240 in waves

I have a H240 that I have sailed in 6 - 9' seas. I did not have any concern about the boat under these conditions. it handled well on all points of sail in 10 knots of wind. I would imagine the H260 would handle just as well if not better.
 
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