Let the games begin. We are looking for the best largest SAILing trailerable. We will be using it in all waters except the deepest blue, for extended weekends, and week long water RV excursions. salt, fresh and trailer it everywhere we can. normally 3 adults, but want the best sailing performace we can get from such a boat. looking at the hunter 260, macgregor 26 and catalina 25. experiences and opinions to compare please. whats the best SAILboat?
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just decided
I wanted a Macgregor 26 for two years. I went to the AC boat show and bought a Hunter 260. Comfort, quality and layout beat my need for speed. The final price was close. My wife is happy. I will be able to tell more after delivery in May. Will reality match expectation?
I wanted a Macgregor 26 for two years. I went to the AC boat show and bought a Hunter 260. Comfort, quality and layout beat my need for speed. The final price was close. My wife is happy. I will be able to tell more after delivery in May. Will reality match expectation?
Hey Dan
I'm from Bridgeton..... Anyhow, I too saw the Hunter 26 at the AC show and liked it alot. Was the "Boat Show Special Price" around $26K? Or did I mix up the length. Nice boat, where are you going to keep it? AD
I'm from Bridgeton..... Anyhow, I too saw the Hunter 26 at the AC show and liked it alot. Was the "Boat Show Special Price" around $26K? Or did I mix up the length. Nice boat, where are you going to keep it? AD
Thats the one
That is the right one from the AC show. I will keep it on the trailer either at home or at Union Lake Sailing and Tennis Club.
That is the right one from the AC show. I will keep it on the trailer either at home or at Union Lake Sailing and Tennis Club.
Former Hunter 260 Owner
I bought a new Hunter 260 two years ago. I took delivery in CT and trailered it to NJ. Lots of fun in Toms River. Also trailered it to east Long Island and sailed the Great South Bay. The biggest problem I had was at delivery. Be sure the person who reviews the boat with you actually knows the boat! I had many questions which were answered with educated guesses! Congratulations on your new boat!! I'm sure you will love it too. I upgraded and now sail a Catalina 320. Enjoy!
I bought a new Hunter 260 two years ago. I took delivery in CT and trailered it to NJ. Lots of fun in Toms River. Also trailered it to east Long Island and sailed the Great South Bay. The biggest problem I had was at delivery. Be sure the person who reviews the boat with you actually knows the boat! I had many questions which were answered with educated guesses! Congratulations on your new boat!! I'm sure you will love it too. I upgraded and now sail a Catalina 320. Enjoy!
Dan, Sounds good
I thought that was the price. I have an ODay23 which I think is a great boat. Your 25 has some more room and some more modern construction/amenities. Anyhow, it looked to be a really good deal, and I found myself hanging around it for too long because I might've pulled the trigger on it.... I'd love to see it when you get it. Adam
I thought that was the price. I have an ODay23 which I think is a great boat. Your 25 has some more room and some more modern construction/amenities. Anyhow, it looked to be a really good deal, and I found myself hanging around it for too long because I might've pulled the trigger on it.... I'd love to see it when you get it. Adam
260 a great boat
I did alot of comparing of the same three boats,and put a deposit on a new 260 because it just seem to be the best boat for trailering and a real sailing boat and all the people that owned them said they were very happy with them. At the last minute my wife got me to back out of the deal and we decided to buy a 2001-290 hunte instead three years ago ,I still see alot of 260 where I sail on long island.
I did alot of comparing of the same three boats,and put a deposit on a new 260 because it just seem to be the best boat for trailering and a real sailing boat and all the people that owned them said they were very happy with them. At the last minute my wife got me to back out of the deal and we decided to buy a 2001-290 hunte instead three years ago ,I still see alot of 260 where I sail on long island.
Hunter 260
I own a Hunter 26, which is nearly identical to a Hunter 260, just older. I think it is probably the largest boat you can reasonably trailer. It is water ballasted which lightens the boat for towing by 2,000 pounds. Compared to a Catalina 25, it has more head room, and better appointed with enclosed head, sinks, stove. My wife preferred his boat over the mac gregors we looked at and Catalina 27s because of the interior volume. Also, you can't trailer a Catalina 27. So if you want to trailer, the Hunter 260 is a good bet. On the other side of the coin, I think the boat is initially tender, needs to be reefed early, and doesn't point quite as well as other boats in this size range, but this could be because my sails are old and blown out.
I own a Hunter 26, which is nearly identical to a Hunter 260, just older. I think it is probably the largest boat you can reasonably trailer. It is water ballasted which lightens the boat for towing by 2,000 pounds. Compared to a Catalina 25, it has more head room, and better appointed with enclosed head, sinks, stove. My wife preferred his boat over the mac gregors we looked at and Catalina 27s because of the interior volume. Also, you can't trailer a Catalina 27. So if you want to trailer, the Hunter 260 is a good bet. On the other side of the coin, I think the boat is initially tender, needs to be reefed early, and doesn't point quite as well as other boats in this size range, but this could be because my sails are old and blown out.
H260
We looked at these 3 also. The Mac didn't stay on the list very long after I saw one in person. In the end, the C250 and H260 were at the top of the short list. I suggest checking both boats out at a show or dealer. I could have bought either one, but the headroom on the C250 compared to the H260 was a real deal killer. IMO, the C250 is more like an H240 with a better layout, enclosed head, galley etc. But size is comparable. The H260 is big. Feels big, looks big, very roomy. We have spent a few weekends on her already and its very comfortable, easy to sail. I singlehand most of the time since my wife is 8 months pregnant and its a breeze to sail
. I usually tack through 100 degrees. I think it points very well compared to my old catamaran hehe. Heels a lot at first but settles in a groove pretty quick. That took some getting used to. Just manage sail area to keep her flat < 20. Downwind without a spinnaker, you have to point a little higher due to the B&R rig, but hasn't been a problem. You can load one of these boats up with options and basically have a sailing RV with most of the comforts of home if you choose.
We looked at these 3 also. The Mac didn't stay on the list very long after I saw one in person. In the end, the C250 and H260 were at the top of the short list. I suggest checking both boats out at a show or dealer. I could have bought either one, but the headroom on the C250 compared to the H260 was a real deal killer. IMO, the C250 is more like an H240 with a better layout, enclosed head, galley etc. But size is comparable. The H260 is big. Feels big, looks big, very roomy. We have spent a few weekends on her already and its very comfortable, easy to sail. I singlehand most of the time since my wife is 8 months pregnant and its a breeze to sail
. I usually tack through 100 degrees. I think it points very well compared to my old catamaran hehe. Heels a lot at first but settles in a groove pretty quick. That took some getting used to. Just manage sail area to keep her flat < 20. Downwind without a spinnaker, you have to point a little higher due to the B&R rig, but hasn't been a problem. You can load one of these boats up with options and basically have a sailing RV with most of the comforts of home if you choose.
Hey Echo Gulf, a few ?'s for you
That's pretty cool. How long does it take you to rig and launch/retrieve? Can you step the mast and launch solo? How deep of a ramp do you need to launch? How far is it from the bat cave to Gotham city? Sorry, I was on a roll. There were a few boats I was interested in with fixed keels, but it looked like it would be such a pain to launch and retrieve. Thanks
That's pretty cool. How long does it take you to rig and launch/retrieve? Can you step the mast and launch solo? How deep of a ramp do you need to launch? How far is it from the bat cave to Gotham city? Sorry, I was on a roll. There were a few boats I was interested in with fixed keels, but it looked like it would be such a pain to launch and retrieve. Thanks
Former H260 owner now 356
First Dan, Was I talking to you on Saturday at the show? Did I shove you into the H260 for buying? Who was your sales guy? I know most of them. Robert, I owned a H260 for 3 yrears and before that a H19 for 5 yrs. TRAILERED everywhere I felt like going. After you figure out the rigging and un-rigging it will take about 45 minutes from breaks to being in the water. Sailed mostly on the Chesapeake in all kinds of weather. The H260 in my opionion can not be beat for price, comfort, down below volume and sailing ability. Proof of this was winning the Chesapeake Rendenzous in 2001, people were after my blood in 2003. Take a look at the link below for some of the things I did to my H260. Jim S/V Java
First Dan, Was I talking to you on Saturday at the show? Did I shove you into the H260 for buying? Who was your sales guy? I know most of them. Robert, I owned a H260 for 3 yrears and before that a H19 for 5 yrs. TRAILERED everywhere I felt like going. After you figure out the rigging and un-rigging it will take about 45 minutes from breaks to being in the water. Sailed mostly on the Chesapeake in all kinds of weather. The H260 in my opionion can not be beat for price, comfort, down below volume and sailing ability. Proof of this was winning the Chesapeake Rendenzous in 2001, people were after my blood in 2003. Take a look at the link below for some of the things I did to my H260. Jim S/V Java
Ashley, a few answers,
Launch and retrieval normally take us about an hour each (we've got it down to a fine art now). Through trial and error and a lot of advice on this forum, myself and another C27 owner have modified our trailers and developed a system that quickly becomes routine after a few times. I am convinced that anyone with a simiilar desire can easily accomplish the same. We are fortunate in that our marina has a mast raising pole, otherwise a bipod is used. For launching and retrieval we use a 20 foot trailer tongue exstention that keeps us in deep water at most launch ramps (due to the 4ft 6in draft and height above ground of the trailer bed, a minimum of 5ft 6in of water is required). It may be physically possible to do this single handed but, experience has taught me that at least 2 people are required to maintain any semblance of safety. The C27 is ideally suited to our requirements of size, comfort, and performance, we feel that the added inconveniance at the launch ramp is negligable when compared to the tremendous sailing we have experienced especially when lesser boats must remain tied to the dock (ie: during adverse weather). According to some of our junior crew members, the Bat Cave is 2.17 km (miles?) from Gotham City. Personally I can't find either on the map. I've attached a photo of us getting ready to retrieve Sea Raven. Note the tongue extention, this is the key to the whole system. Echo Gulf sv Sea Raven
Launch and retrieval normally take us about an hour each (we've got it down to a fine art now). Through trial and error and a lot of advice on this forum, myself and another C27 owner have modified our trailers and developed a system that quickly becomes routine after a few times. I am convinced that anyone with a simiilar desire can easily accomplish the same. We are fortunate in that our marina has a mast raising pole, otherwise a bipod is used. For launching and retrieval we use a 20 foot trailer tongue exstention that keeps us in deep water at most launch ramps (due to the 4ft 6in draft and height above ground of the trailer bed, a minimum of 5ft 6in of water is required). It may be physically possible to do this single handed but, experience has taught me that at least 2 people are required to maintain any semblance of safety. The C27 is ideally suited to our requirements of size, comfort, and performance, we feel that the added inconveniance at the launch ramp is negligable when compared to the tremendous sailing we have experienced especially when lesser boats must remain tied to the dock (ie: during adverse weather). According to some of our junior crew members, the Bat Cave is 2.17 km (miles?) from Gotham City. Personally I can't find either on the map. I've attached a photo of us getting ready to retrieve Sea Raven. Note the tongue extention, this is the key to the whole system. Echo Gulf sv Sea Raven
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C27 tongue X has it's own wheels?
Now that I see that 20'X with wheels,It makes more cents to me now,the trick is also to know were the end of the ramp stops,and that you have that 5.5ft of water before your trailer wheels get off ramp. The ramps that are all near me are not that long,but the C&C mega 30 I have is lift keel and only needs about 42in. of water to float off trailer at rear wheels. But WOW,find it neat that you have some ramps that work for you with a fixed keel!
Now that I see that 20'X with wheels,It makes more cents to me now,the trick is also to know were the end of the ramp stops,and that you have that 5.5ft of water before your trailer wheels get off ramp. The ramps that are all near me are not that long,but the C&C mega 30 I have is lift keel and only needs about 42in. of water to float off trailer at rear wheels. But WOW,find it neat that you have some ramps that work for you with a fixed keel!
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Echo,how are you putting mast up?
C27 sails great,I have a fraind with one and have sailed with him a few times,she is roomy for a 27! I'll bet you too,get many looking on as you put her in at the ramp?
C27 sails great,I have a fraind with one and have sailed with him a few times,she is roomy for a 27! I'll bet you too,get many looking on as you put her in at the ramp?
Easy,
We use the mast raising pole at our marina (looks like a tall crane, or pole with an arm and a hand operated winch). Just park the boat underneath and raise the mast. Also I was able to get a set of plans for a very effective bipod system from the International Catalina 27 Association web site (not the one for the C270 hinged mast).
We use the mast raising pole at our marina (looks like a tall crane, or pole with an arm and a hand operated winch). Just park the boat underneath and raise the mast. Also I was able to get a set of plans for a very effective bipod system from the International Catalina 27 Association web site (not the one for the C270 hinged mast).
Asaila 27 twins
Here's a rare pic of 2 of the trailerable Asaila 27's together at Hope Bay, Pender Island BC. Only 3 of these boats were built, ours is the red accented one ("250K"), f/g hull. The other is hull #1, "Pioneer", cold moulded in cedar. All 3 Asaila 27's are still at large around the Southern Gulf Islands of BC. Great accomodation on board, not so beamy as a C&C 27 though. "250K" has a Yamaha T-50 4 stroke o/b engine and can chew her way through most of the challenging currents here on the coast- doesn't point too well though ... "Pioneer" has a Honda 40hp 4 st o/b and the 3rd Asaila, "Adventurer" has a 50 hp Mercury 4 stroke o/b. We've enjoyed this odd-ball boat for nearly 10 years now, seen a lot of good times on board.
Here's a rare pic of 2 of the trailerable Asaila 27's together at Hope Bay, Pender Island BC. Only 3 of these boats were built, ours is the red accented one ("250K"), f/g hull. The other is hull #1, "Pioneer", cold moulded in cedar. All 3 Asaila 27's are still at large around the Southern Gulf Islands of BC. Great accomodation on board, not so beamy as a C&C 27 though. "250K" has a Yamaha T-50 4 stroke o/b engine and can chew her way through most of the challenging currents here on the coast- doesn't point too well though ... "Pioneer" has a Honda 40hp 4 st o/b and the 3rd Asaila, "Adventurer" has a 50 hp Mercury 4 stroke o/b. We've enjoyed this odd-ball boat for nearly 10 years now, seen a lot of good times on board.
Another trailer sailor
Echo it is great to see another large trailer sailor out there. I trailer my Ericson 25+ all over the place. Moonglow gets launched with a thirty three foot long line that gets the trailer out there. It has not been a big problem except at some ramps at low tide. Does your mast have a tabernacle? Where do you sail your boat? Ryan
Echo it is great to see another large trailer sailor out there. I trailer my Ericson 25+ all over the place. Moonglow gets launched with a thirty three foot long line that gets the trailer out there. It has not been a big problem except at some ramps at low tide. Does your mast have a tabernacle? Where do you sail your boat? Ryan
Picture of my ericson 25+
Here is what another big trailerable boat looks like on the ramp.
Here is what another big trailerable boat looks like on the ramp.
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