I had a tour of an H260 today, the first time I've been able to see one up close and get on board. I have to say I'm impressed. For context, my wife and I have been sailing a Mac 26S classic for a few years, but have decided to upgrade to something roomier and more comfortable for multi-day trips. The H260 is at the top of our list.
I had looked at many photos of H260s and read the owner's manual. So, I wasn't expecting any big surprises, and I didn't get any. But seeing the boat "in the flesh" confirmed that it is much more boat than the 26S. When you're on board, it's hard to believe it's essentially the same length as the Macgregor. It is beamier, of course, which is obviously going to make a difference. But the extra windage of the Hunter really buys you a lot in interior space, too. The Mac is like a pup tent below deck, by comparison. But, even in the cockpit and above deck the Hunter is so much more boat. Our Mac is equipped pretty much as it left the factory--no lines led aft, no reefing system (just my home-made lines), hank-on head sails, no bow roller, no anchor locker. Of course, all of those things could be added to a Mac, but you'd still have the cramped quarters below.
Don't misunderstand me, we love our Mac and it has been exactly the boat we hoped it would be. But now we want more, while keeping trailerability. I think the H260 will satisfy all our requirements.
I had looked at many photos of H260s and read the owner's manual. So, I wasn't expecting any big surprises, and I didn't get any. But seeing the boat "in the flesh" confirmed that it is much more boat than the 26S. When you're on board, it's hard to believe it's essentially the same length as the Macgregor. It is beamier, of course, which is obviously going to make a difference. But the extra windage of the Hunter really buys you a lot in interior space, too. The Mac is like a pup tent below deck, by comparison. But, even in the cockpit and above deck the Hunter is so much more boat. Our Mac is equipped pretty much as it left the factory--no lines led aft, no reefing system (just my home-made lines), hank-on head sails, no bow roller, no anchor locker. Of course, all of those things could be added to a Mac, but you'd still have the cramped quarters below.
Don't misunderstand me, we love our Mac and it has been exactly the boat we hoped it would be. But now we want more, while keeping trailerability. I think the H260 will satisfy all our requirements.