Wondering about the options on a new 260. Seems Hunter wants a lot for the knot depth meter set. Also seems a lot for factory bottom paint. Am I missing something here? What about the stern rail seats versus the "perch seat" listed in the chandlery? Also wondering about wheel steering and re-sale value? Seems most of the 260 listed here have wheel steering. Any other input on what options from Hunter get the most bang for the buck would be appreciated.
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Reinhold Fussle
here is my 2 cents worth...
Bottom paint; I don't know how much Hunter wants for it.I paid about $ 900 to the dealer to have it done. Stern rail seats: Get them! They are expensive but worth it in the end. Wheel steering: I had a 240 with a tiller and wheel steering on my 260. Much prefer the wheel. It frees up the cockpit, is responsive and more comfortable when sailing for longer time. Get it with a wheel brake.
Bottom paint; I don't know how much Hunter wants for it.I paid about $ 900 to the dealer to have it done. Stern rail seats: Get them! They are expensive but worth it in the end. Wheel steering: I had a 240 with a tiller and wheel steering on my 260. Much prefer the wheel. It frees up the cockpit, is responsive and more comfortable when sailing for longer time. Get it with a wheel brake.
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Frank Ladd
Stern Rail Seats
Stern rail seats are a very popular option, as is the wheel and roller furling....anyboats without these will have a significantly lower resale value later. There is no bottom paint offered from Hunter you are buying that from the boat dealer and $900 is near the going rate. It depends on the paint used and the dewaxing and priming process. Since sanding the hull can void the warrantee, you want to make certain the bottom paint is done properly the first time.
Stern rail seats are a very popular option, as is the wheel and roller furling....anyboats without these will have a significantly lower resale value later. There is no bottom paint offered from Hunter you are buying that from the boat dealer and $900 is near the going rate. It depends on the paint used and the dewaxing and priming process. Since sanding the hull can void the warrantee, you want to make certain the bottom paint is done properly the first time.
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Ed
Hunter Prices
Sorry should have included the link to prices. It is below now. Hunter lists the Bottom paint option at $1275.00. That seemed high to me as my power boat was painted last year for about $700.00. Thanks for the replies.
Sorry should have included the link to prices. It is below now. Hunter lists the Bottom paint option at $1275.00. That seemed high to me as my power boat was painted last year for about $700.00. Thanks for the replies.
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Mark Burrows
26 Foot Wishlist
There's probably some canvas you will want: A mainsail cover and possibly a bimini (it gets hot where I live.) The Speedo is a dealer option as is a compass. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. I went with the seats. Everyone loves them except the racers. Consider an extra battery and switch if you will be staying on board for weekends. How are you going to charge the battery? With respect to the resale: as the first owner, you will take a BIG hit when you decide to sell. There are a lot of 26s and 260s. They are all comparable. Lots of supply means lower prices. Expect $5-10K less than what you paid for the boat depending on how quickly you want to sell the boat. For this reason, seriously consider a used boat if you are worried about re-sale.
There's probably some canvas you will want: A mainsail cover and possibly a bimini (it gets hot where I live.) The Speedo is a dealer option as is a compass. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. I went with the seats. Everyone loves them except the racers. Consider an extra battery and switch if you will be staying on board for weekends. How are you going to charge the battery? With respect to the resale: as the first owner, you will take a BIG hit when you decide to sell. There are a lot of 26s and 260s. They are all comparable. Lots of supply means lower prices. Expect $5-10K less than what you paid for the boat depending on how quickly you want to sell the boat. For this reason, seriously consider a used boat if you are worried about re-sale.
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Bill and Nancy Berg
Sailing options/Comfort options
For sailing: depth, speed, VHF, roller furling, compass, anchor roller. Comfort: Bimini, stern rail seats, cockpit cushions, marine head. You can get these many places, Hunter, your dealer, The HOW site. Or install them yourself. We also got the companionway cover and that helps protect the interior and hatchboards from sun, water and dust.
For sailing: depth, speed, VHF, roller furling, compass, anchor roller. Comfort: Bimini, stern rail seats, cockpit cushions, marine head. You can get these many places, Hunter, your dealer, The HOW site. Or install them yourself. We also got the companionway cover and that helps protect the interior and hatchboards from sun, water and dust.
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Ed
Have to agree
There are many options like the bimini and cockpit cushions that are much cheaper from other sources. And they make life much more enjoyable. Still somethings like the dpth/knot meter make me wonder if the install is that big of a deal, at what Hunter whats $1250.00.
There are many options like the bimini and cockpit cushions that are much cheaper from other sources. And they make life much more enjoyable. Still somethings like the dpth/knot meter make me wonder if the install is that big of a deal, at what Hunter whats $1250.00.
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Crazy Dave Condon
Ed
So often, I hear what should be on the boat. Lets start with the trailer. Get it. It is easier to haul and the price is cheaper with the boat as you would have to pay for shipping a second time if you got the trailer later. I would say about 5% of the 260 sailboats have tiller. Most folks like the idea of the wheel as it is easier to steer. Also, the tiller will swing into the seats and folks have to move. As for resale, there is no question that you would be able to sell the boat quicker versus the tiller. Roller fuling is a must. It is a pain to hank on the jib. In the event of high winds, you would want to reduce the jib first and with roller furling, that can be accomplished. Not many folks go up forward anyway unless to get the anchor out. Interior cloth cushions is a must. I hate the vinyl which are standard. Many reasons for them but I will ask if you like sitting on cold or hot vinyl. Stern rail seats is of course is a choice but I have found that many women like this feature plus some men. Also, it will give you a life line situation completely around the boat which is a safety concern. Bimini is a must particulay in the south. As for the engine, that is a choice but for what it is, do not get anything over a 9.9 hp. The motor mount is rated up to 10 hp only. I lost a friend over this subject as I told him flat out 15 was too much. I have seen the result of a twisted and/or damaged motor bracket plus the fact you are plowing and the bow of the boat raises up thus slowing the boat down. I do suggest that you get the electric start with an alternator to recharge your battery. Use quick disconnects for the electrical line that the bass boats use for the trolling motors. In some states, two stroke are outlawed for example in California. However, the two stroke have improved greatly in the past two years as they were forced to by EPA which basically are quieter and more fuel efficient. With a four stroke you still have to check the oil from time to time plus if the motor is off, there is only one way to lay it on the ground or the oil will seep out of the motor. I like the 9.8 by Tohatsu which is the same on the Nissan and I belive Mercury 9.8 too. as for instruments, I like the ST-40 bidata. It is easy to install if you know what you are doing. If you are sailing and concerned with radio, then get a VHF radio. It is a toss up between hand held or mast head antenna but remember that the VHF is line of sight and the higher it is, the further you will reach which is why I recommend the mast head antenna. Bottom painting. Are you simply going to trailer your boat and if so, you do not need to do that. If you do plan to leave the boat in the water, then you will need it. Suggest Micron CSC because the effectiveness of the paint will remain the same for the following season if you take the boat out. Some anti fouling paints will loose their pontential if the boat is out for more than 60 days. Frank Ladd is correct that you will void warranty if you sand the bottom. There is an ok if you scotch brite the bottom scuffing it up but you have to get the ok from Hunter first. I suggest that you get the dealer to do it. Make sure that the bottom has been cleared of the mold wax. I clean it three times even though the instructions say once. Better to be safe than sorry. Use of Petit 6999 non sanding primer is greatly recommended and apply the first coat of paint while the non sanding primer is still tacky. Yes there are other options like shore power, central heat and air conditioning, and so forth. Some dealers would have to farm this out as they lack the expertise and eqipment which may be one reason why the cost is higher. If you are going to purchase a 260, then the best time to deal is getting all the equipment that you anticipate for the next five years and see if the dealer will give you a package price that both of you can live with. If you need any further insight, feel free to ask me on this forum. I realize this is long but hopefully this will help you. Crazy dave condon
So often, I hear what should be on the boat. Lets start with the trailer. Get it. It is easier to haul and the price is cheaper with the boat as you would have to pay for shipping a second time if you got the trailer later. I would say about 5% of the 260 sailboats have tiller. Most folks like the idea of the wheel as it is easier to steer. Also, the tiller will swing into the seats and folks have to move. As for resale, there is no question that you would be able to sell the boat quicker versus the tiller. Roller fuling is a must. It is a pain to hank on the jib. In the event of high winds, you would want to reduce the jib first and with roller furling, that can be accomplished. Not many folks go up forward anyway unless to get the anchor out. Interior cloth cushions is a must. I hate the vinyl which are standard. Many reasons for them but I will ask if you like sitting on cold or hot vinyl. Stern rail seats is of course is a choice but I have found that many women like this feature plus some men. Also, it will give you a life line situation completely around the boat which is a safety concern. Bimini is a must particulay in the south. As for the engine, that is a choice but for what it is, do not get anything over a 9.9 hp. The motor mount is rated up to 10 hp only. I lost a friend over this subject as I told him flat out 15 was too much. I have seen the result of a twisted and/or damaged motor bracket plus the fact you are plowing and the bow of the boat raises up thus slowing the boat down. I do suggest that you get the electric start with an alternator to recharge your battery. Use quick disconnects for the electrical line that the bass boats use for the trolling motors. In some states, two stroke are outlawed for example in California. However, the two stroke have improved greatly in the past two years as they were forced to by EPA which basically are quieter and more fuel efficient. With a four stroke you still have to check the oil from time to time plus if the motor is off, there is only one way to lay it on the ground or the oil will seep out of the motor. I like the 9.8 by Tohatsu which is the same on the Nissan and I belive Mercury 9.8 too. as for instruments, I like the ST-40 bidata. It is easy to install if you know what you are doing. If you are sailing and concerned with radio, then get a VHF radio. It is a toss up between hand held or mast head antenna but remember that the VHF is line of sight and the higher it is, the further you will reach which is why I recommend the mast head antenna. Bottom painting. Are you simply going to trailer your boat and if so, you do not need to do that. If you do plan to leave the boat in the water, then you will need it. Suggest Micron CSC because the effectiveness of the paint will remain the same for the following season if you take the boat out. Some anti fouling paints will loose their pontential if the boat is out for more than 60 days. Frank Ladd is correct that you will void warranty if you sand the bottom. There is an ok if you scotch brite the bottom scuffing it up but you have to get the ok from Hunter first. I suggest that you get the dealer to do it. Make sure that the bottom has been cleared of the mold wax. I clean it three times even though the instructions say once. Better to be safe than sorry. Use of Petit 6999 non sanding primer is greatly recommended and apply the first coat of paint while the non sanding primer is still tacky. Yes there are other options like shore power, central heat and air conditioning, and so forth. Some dealers would have to farm this out as they lack the expertise and eqipment which may be one reason why the cost is higher. If you are going to purchase a 260, then the best time to deal is getting all the equipment that you anticipate for the next five years and see if the dealer will give you a package price that both of you can live with. If you need any further insight, feel free to ask me on this forum. I realize this is long but hopefully this will help you. Crazy dave condon
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Rick Webb
An Additional Consideration
You are getting cheaper money on your boat loan than you would be buying the stuff later and putting on a credit card. The dealer may be able to get a better price on a furler and stuff. Maybe you can buy it through the dealer as a part of the boat purchase and install it your self. If you get nothing else additional ge the stern rail seats and the furler. What ever you do get get the sternrail seats and the furler. Just a thought.
You are getting cheaper money on your boat loan than you would be buying the stuff later and putting on a credit card. The dealer may be able to get a better price on a furler and stuff. Maybe you can buy it through the dealer as a part of the boat purchase and install it your self. If you get nothing else additional ge the stern rail seats and the furler. What ever you do get get the sternrail seats and the furler. Just a thought.
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MIke Pajewski
Sail Iowa?
Ed, I bought my 26 from Sail Iowa in Knoxville and sailed it on Red Rock Lake and the Mississippi in the Quad Cities. Get the trailer. Every year, we pick when we launch and retrieve, and we are not constrained by the almighty travel lift. Winter storage is much easier. I kept my boat in a barn in LeClaire, IA every winter. The cloth interior, stern rail seats and roller furler are almost a must have. It's much safer to roll the furler up from the cockpit then to try and get to the bow to pull in the jib. I have the 8 Hp, and would consider a 9.9hp. Anything bigger and the boat squats like a dog taking a poop. As for the wheel, the 26 installation was always iffy. I ordered it, but Edson couldn't deliver (for over a year) so I stuck with the tiller. I'm pretty happy with the tiller, and installing a tiller pilot was a snap. The 260 was designed for a wheel, so I probably would get one now. I've never put instruments on the boat, and haven't missed them. I use a Garmin GPSMAP fish finder and it's worked great. (No holes in the boat) A VHF radio and CD Stereo are wonderful things to have. As for Crazy Dave, he won't steer you wrong. He knows the boats and has a good feel for how to equip them. Good luck on your purchase. Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
Ed, I bought my 26 from Sail Iowa in Knoxville and sailed it on Red Rock Lake and the Mississippi in the Quad Cities. Get the trailer. Every year, we pick when we launch and retrieve, and we are not constrained by the almighty travel lift. Winter storage is much easier. I kept my boat in a barn in LeClaire, IA every winter. The cloth interior, stern rail seats and roller furler are almost a must have. It's much safer to roll the furler up from the cockpit then to try and get to the bow to pull in the jib. I have the 8 Hp, and would consider a 9.9hp. Anything bigger and the boat squats like a dog taking a poop. As for the wheel, the 26 installation was always iffy. I ordered it, but Edson couldn't deliver (for over a year) so I stuck with the tiller. I'm pretty happy with the tiller, and installing a tiller pilot was a snap. The 260 was designed for a wheel, so I probably would get one now. I've never put instruments on the boat, and haven't missed them. I use a Garmin GPSMAP fish finder and it's worked great. (No holes in the boat) A VHF radio and CD Stereo are wonderful things to have. As for Crazy Dave, he won't steer you wrong. He knows the boats and has a good feel for how to equip them. Good luck on your purchase. Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
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John Pollitt
One other thing
Anything to do with wiring, or putting holes in the boat....the dealer or factory does it, they are responsible if there is a problem. Fair winds, John
Anything to do with wiring, or putting holes in the boat....the dealer or factory does it, they are responsible if there is a problem. Fair winds, John
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Crazy Dave Condon
I will answer that one
There are alot of folks who have installed instruments, VHF and so forth as they have gained experience and also investigated on how to do it. This forum which I have looked at for a long time is a testament to that as other sailors with trailerable Hunters have learned alot. I have heard form many whom I have passed on information to and they were able to do the job. However, there are some who are afraid to put the hole into the boat and that is understandable. Then there are some who are not mechanically inclined and again they will get others for example the dealer to do the install. crazy dave
There are alot of folks who have installed instruments, VHF and so forth as they have gained experience and also investigated on how to do it. This forum which I have looked at for a long time is a testament to that as other sailors with trailerable Hunters have learned alot. I have heard form many whom I have passed on information to and they were able to do the job. However, there are some who are afraid to put the hole into the boat and that is understandable. Then there are some who are not mechanically inclined and again they will get others for example the dealer to do the install. crazy dave
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Rick Webb
Putting Holes in the Boat
It is very tough to actually put that drill to your boatthe first time but after you have put a couple of your own holes in your own boat it is less stressful. I would rather do my own work than let somone else hire some kid for a week who may or may not care to work on my boat. I am sure I am going to do a better job even if it is somthing I have never done before because it is my family and I that are going to be out on that boat.
It is very tough to actually put that drill to your boatthe first time but after you have put a couple of your own holes in your own boat it is less stressful. I would rather do my own work than let somone else hire some kid for a week who may or may not care to work on my boat. I am sure I am going to do a better job even if it is somthing I have never done before because it is my family and I that are going to be out on that boat.
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Crazy Dave Condon
thank you rick for the support.
Yes you are correct that I have seen some dealers work which is outstanding but on the other side, I have seen the worst. The pride in workmanship has gone down the tubes in some places. I try very hard to do a quality job froml the beginning as I do pride myself on workmanship. Some of the folks on the forum can attest to that. crayz davieeeeeeeee condonnnnnnnnnnnn spellin and rithmetic aint my fortay in spellin as jumbo seamons knows.
Yes you are correct that I have seen some dealers work which is outstanding but on the other side, I have seen the worst. The pride in workmanship has gone down the tubes in some places. I try very hard to do a quality job froml the beginning as I do pride myself on workmanship. Some of the folks on the forum can attest to that. crayz davieeeeeeeee condonnnnnnnnnnnn spellin and rithmetic aint my fortay in spellin as jumbo seamons knows.
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Ed
GarminGPS/Fishfinder
Mike how does this transducer mountiing work? Through hull glued like some power boat applications? Wouldn't think you could get a transom mount to work.
Mike how does this transducer mountiing work? Through hull glued like some power boat applications? Wouldn't think you could get a transom mount to work.
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Ed
Thanks all
Great food for thought. It is a hard transition from power to sail in areas like this. You input helps alot.
Great food for thought. It is a hard transition from power to sail in areas like this. You input helps alot.
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Dick
Pre owned H26
Hey, Ed. See you found the best site for Hunter information. Lots of different opinions given here. Almost everyone says to get stern rail seats, and I agree. What is the best way to steer from the rail seats with wheel steering? Talented toes? It all depends on how you want to use your boat. How do you get the steering pedestal and 3’ diameter out of your way when at the dock or moored in the harbor? The tiller just tilts up and can be bungied to the rail. Accessories can run the cost up quickly. If you want a list of what is on the boat you called about, e-mail me at Chocho41@aol.com. Have you checked the NADA Boat "blue book" on the Regal vs the Hunter?
Hey, Ed. See you found the best site for Hunter information. Lots of different opinions given here. Almost everyone says to get stern rail seats, and I agree. What is the best way to steer from the rail seats with wheel steering? Talented toes? It all depends on how you want to use your boat. How do you get the steering pedestal and 3’ diameter out of your way when at the dock or moored in the harbor? The tiller just tilts up and can be bungied to the rail. Accessories can run the cost up quickly. If you want a list of what is on the boat you called about, e-mail me at Chocho41@aol.com. Have you checked the NADA Boat "blue book" on the Regal vs the Hunter?
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Darren Mayes
Just purchased new 260
Definitely get the stern rail seats. They are the best seats on the boat IMO. I got the wheel with compass installed at the wheel. In Jacksonville, Bimini is a requirement as well. Got the bottom paint and the ST40's installed by the dealer. Hunter's price on the bottom paint seems to be quite high to me - unless they go through extra steps that a marine yard wouldn't. The installation of the instruments seems to be consistent with what the dealer will charge I think (yes, both seem expensive). You should upgrade the inside cusion material as stated and by all means get the roller furling for the head sail. If I had it to do over again I would go ahead and get autopilot installed with remote so that I can sit in stern rail seats more often and I would get the wind instrument as well.
Definitely get the stern rail seats. They are the best seats on the boat IMO. I got the wheel with compass installed at the wheel. In Jacksonville, Bimini is a requirement as well. Got the bottom paint and the ST40's installed by the dealer. Hunter's price on the bottom paint seems to be quite high to me - unless they go through extra steps that a marine yard wouldn't. The installation of the instruments seems to be consistent with what the dealer will charge I think (yes, both seem expensive). You should upgrade the inside cusion material as stated and by all means get the roller furling for the head sail. If I had it to do over again I would go ahead and get autopilot installed with remote so that I can sit in stern rail seats more often and I would get the wind instrument as well.
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Gerard
a contrarian view
For our purposes, I wouldn't want the cloth cabin seats. Both times my daughter has gotten seasick down there the vinyl was very easy to clean up. We keep a couple huge terry cloth towels around to sit on for comfort. Something to keep in mind mainly if you have small kids and sail were it can get rough.
For our purposes, I wouldn't want the cloth cabin seats. Both times my daughter has gotten seasick down there the vinyl was very easy to clean up. We keep a couple huge terry cloth towels around to sit on for comfort. Something to keep in mind mainly if you have small kids and sail were it can get rough.
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Scott Blahnik
Gray non-skid
My dealer presented it to me as an option on my 2001 270, said it's a feature on the 290's. He also talked me into the electric freshwater pump as opposed to the manual.I like all the features he recommended and wish I would have gotten the autopilot too, but it's my birthday this month. For a present to myself on my last birthday I got the asym. spinnaker, my favorrite option so far!
My dealer presented it to me as an option on my 2001 270, said it's a feature on the 290's. He also talked me into the electric freshwater pump as opposed to the manual.I like all the features he recommended and wish I would have gotten the autopilot too, but it's my birthday this month. For a present to myself on my last birthday I got the asym. spinnaker, my favorrite option so far!
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