I am interested in a trailerable sailboat that can safely go coastal cruising. Would a Hunter 260 be able to handle that? Thanks.
Hunter 260
- Thread starter bran1371
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I will leave the fellows up on the forum to answer that one as I am biased and would say yes. If you ever need any help, send me an email via the forum email. I was a former dealer who sold, sailed and repaired many of the 260's. You may want to repost under the small Hunter boat forum with this question for a better response.
Kermit and others please pipe in.
Kermit and others please pipe in.
My wife and I have just had ours for a year now. Most exclusively on Lake Lanier but we've taken it to FL and sailed in Choctowatchee Bay. One day, winds were 10-15 and seas were ~2-3ft, never felt unsafe. I'd feel fine taking our's out on the coast but the weather would have to be right as well as the forecast. Once you're out there, you're out there. Granted, we're novices on the matter so I'm sure much more experienced sailors will have greater incite.
It always goes without saying though that you have to keep an eye on the weather. Good luck with your search.
It always goes without saying though that you have to keep an eye on the weather. Good luck with your search.
Since Dave requested I reply I'll reply. I've never taken mine to the coast but the previous owner did. He said it performed well. A friend takes his 23.5 to the Outer Banks of NC and has no troubles. We would have joined them by now if life had permitted. All this said, we love ours and feel it will be what we want for many years.
Seeing you are in Arizona, I assume you would trailer to LA and go out from there. We have a Hunter 26 and love to go to Catalina with it. We have trailered to San Pedro and sailed from there. Last year we sailed from Ventura Marina (12hrs) to the Isthmus (Catalina Island). You do have to watch the weather; but, in the summer it usually isn't an issue. There is a group of trailer sailors in San Diego (Venture Yacht Club of San Diego) that trailer to San Pedro once a year (June) and sail over to Catalina together. Very reasonable dues (we are members) and many members have Hunters. For us anyway, a Hunter 26 is very comfortable and we stay 2 and a half weeks in Catalina each summer. The admiral can stand up below which was not the case with our MacGregor 26D. Good Luck on your search. - Harold
Both the Hunter 26/260 were designed with trailering in mind. Less weight to tow being water ballast, trailer sits lower for easy on and off the trailer, a lot of room, mast raising capability with mfg. supplied system, etc.... The sky is the limit with that boat. I use to have my 10 year old daughter even on TV once raise the mast once by herself. That sold a few boats.