I am a newbie sailor, looking at my 1st boat. I am down to a couple of boats..one being an older catalina (1984-27') and the other being a 1998 hunter 260. The label on the boat says 260...but the broker is listing it as a 270...as the hull seems to be the same size, I not sure I understand the difference. Secondly..given this is my 1st boat, I want to make sure I get something thats not going to get me in too much trouble if I make a mistake. The catelina seems to be pretty solid and the hunter seems to be a bit lighter. I am impressed with the hunters overall layout and equipment, but it ( cleats..winches...etc) seems to be lighter than the catelina. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
- Status
Sail It First
Bruce, Every boat appeals to different people in different ways. I bought my first boat this Spring, after sailing rental boats for the last six years. I started out looking at Hunter 260's and ended up with the new Hunter 25. Make sure that you sail a few boats on your list to compare and see what appeals to your lifestyle before you write the check. Also, if you are buying used, have it checked out by a marine surveyor. It will save you dollars in the long run. Barry
Bruce, Every boat appeals to different people in different ways. I bought my first boat this Spring, after sailing rental boats for the last six years. I started out looking at Hunter 260's and ended up with the new Hunter 25. Make sure that you sail a few boats on your list to compare and see what appeals to your lifestyle before you write the check. Also, if you are buying used, have it checked out by a marine surveyor. It will save you dollars in the long run. Barry
Bruce_n_Oakville
Both of those boats are protected water boats, therefore, as long as you sail it as such, you will not have any problems with either. On the other hand, Bill has a point...the Hunter is lighter and lighter means better in light air. I'd go with the Hunter.
Both of those boats are protected water boats, therefore, as long as you sail it as such, you will not have any problems with either. On the other hand, Bill has a point...the Hunter is lighter and lighter means better in light air. I'd go with the Hunter.
Had a 98 260 - fine boat
I had a 1998 Hunter 260. It had a 9.9 Honda outboard with fixed keel and wheel steering. I think the 270 is the same hull with a small diesel engine. The boat was a lot of fun to sail, but without many amenities. I kept mine in a slip and didn't have a trailer. Sailed it five years before trading for a new H356.
I had a 1998 Hunter 260. It had a 9.9 Honda outboard with fixed keel and wheel steering. I think the 270 is the same hull with a small diesel engine. The boat was a lot of fun to sail, but without many amenities. I kept mine in a slip and didn't have a trailer. Sailed it five years before trading for a new H356.
260 similar to 270
The H270 is a fixed keel with an inboard motor. The H260 is the same hull & rig with a similar interior. But the H260 is water balast with swing keel & an outboard motor. I have never sailed an H270 but I would not expect it to sail the same as an H260. The H270 would be a good camparison to the Catalina.
The H270 is a fixed keel with an inboard motor. The H260 is the same hull & rig with a similar interior. But the H260 is water balast with swing keel & an outboard motor. I have never sailed an H270 but I would not expect it to sail the same as an H260. The H270 would be a good camparison to the Catalina.
Newer probably = less maintence
My 260 is a pretty simple boat maintence wise and I trailer it everywhere so it travels really well. A 27' fixed keel boat won't be just moving around like a 260, and 23+yrs old generally won't make for a simple intro to the sailing world as there are many components that may tweak your "I gotta fix that next" urges. A 260 w/centerboard will forgive you if it's run aground but a fixed keel will generally not. Check the Hull ID number and if the dealer can't tell what model he's selling beware. There are many options for shopping. I'd go with something ready to sail and as simple as possible. If trailering isn't your thing then know what your dock/mooring options and expenses are too. Good luck. Michael
My 260 is a pretty simple boat maintence wise and I trailer it everywhere so it travels really well. A 27' fixed keel boat won't be just moving around like a 260, and 23+yrs old generally won't make for a simple intro to the sailing world as there are many components that may tweak your "I gotta fix that next" urges. A 260 w/centerboard will forgive you if it's run aground but a fixed keel will generally not. Check the Hull ID number and if the dealer can't tell what model he's selling beware. There are many options for shopping. I'd go with something ready to sail and as simple as possible. If trailering isn't your thing then know what your dock/mooring options and expenses are too. Good luck. Michael
how's it powered?
The Catalina 27 is a great boat. If it's diesel powered you can't go wrong; it's going to be much stiffer than the Hunter. (In other words, it will stand up to a breeze better.) If, however, the Catalina has an Atomic 4 gas engine, walk the other way. Of course, what you'll find is that Catalina 27s with Atomic 4s are a dime a dozen, while diesel powered versions cost twice as much. You need to understand that there's a reason for that, and the reason is that gas engines don't belong on sailboats.
The Catalina 27 is a great boat. If it's diesel powered you can't go wrong; it's going to be much stiffer than the Hunter. (In other words, it will stand up to a breeze better.) If, however, the Catalina has an Atomic 4 gas engine, walk the other way. Of course, what you'll find is that Catalina 27s with Atomic 4s are a dime a dozen, while diesel powered versions cost twice as much. You need to understand that there's a reason for that, and the reason is that gas engines don't belong on sailboats.
- Status