Hunter 260 vs. competition

[Dana Mitchell]

I am looking for a daysailer/weekend cruiser for ocean use off of NH, ME and MA. As moorings are hard to find, I am planning to trailer. I am considering the Hunter 260, Catalina 250 and possibly the Rhodes 22. As many of you may have also been in my shoes recently, I am seeking your advice and feedback to help point me to the right choice. Thanks!

 

[Joe]

Love my H260

Last year when I was in your shoes I found a trip to the boat show in Annapolis, MD very helpful. I think there is a similar show for you in Atlantic City, NJ. Seeing all the boats together is really useful for making compairisons. I was thoroughly sold on the H260 over the Cat 250. Then after I sailed the 260 I was really sold. I just made a 5 day, 4 night trip covering about 150 miles and found the boat to be very liveable for a trailerable. We did a lot of sailing, motoring, cooking and of course slept on board, and all went very well. We had winds up to 25 kts and 4 ft seas. Good luck with your search,Joe C. in NC'01 H260Windward Passage

 

[Frank]

24 knots?

Joe??? How did you handle 24 knots with a new boat? I can barely handle 15. I'm sure the gusts I'm getting are higher, but I don't know....

 

[Joe]

Boat preparation is important

Frank,I've found that almost every difficulty that I've ever had could have been prevented or atleast made much easier to deal with with the right preparation. Also the H260 isn't my first boat. I was sailing a 12 footer with my mom and docking power boats at 10 yrs old, and had 6 yrs in the Navy. Then there have been a few trial-by-fire lessons. Having the boat stocked and stowed well, staying alert, and always thinking ahead to the next thing to be ready for. Just read, spend time to really get to know your boat and get and keep it in a good state of readyness. One other thing, don't take anyone out with you in weather that they don't want to be in. It isn't fun and could be dangerous.Wishing for fairer winds than 25 kts,Joe C. in NC

 

[William Jowell]

Fifteen knots is calm!

I sail an H26 on Lake Amistad on the Texas/Mexico border. We consider 15kts as calm. Gusts above 25 kts are common. We sail full sail up to 20 kts, just keep your mainsheet in hand. The boat handles very well and I have no complaints. By the way. I'm talking single handed.