What is the feeling about you all re a person new to sailing buying the 240 or 260 for lake sailing? A good boat for a newbie?
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Eric C Lindstrom
Love our 240
We went from a Mac 22 to our new Hunter 240 and couldn't be more impressed. The boat sails and trails like a dream. I can have her mast up and tied to the dock from trailor in under 20 minutes and have the remainder of the day for sailing! The only drawback is installing ANYTHING on the 240. It's plastic. This winter I was down below and with the tarp shading the better part of the body I could see THROUGH the hull of the boat (I could read the decal backwards from inside). Makes for a light load on the trailor ... but it makes it impossible to drill in the interior. I have just finished a full nav station/am-fm/VHF/map light console that I will install this weekend. Should combat this problem. Great boat! I would recommend to anyone and everyone.
We went from a Mac 22 to our new Hunter 240 and couldn't be more impressed. The boat sails and trails like a dream. I can have her mast up and tied to the dock from trailor in under 20 minutes and have the remainder of the day for sailing! The only drawback is installing ANYTHING on the 240. It's plastic. This winter I was down below and with the tarp shading the better part of the body I could see THROUGH the hull of the boat (I could read the decal backwards from inside). Makes for a light load on the trailor ... but it makes it impossible to drill in the interior. I have just finished a full nav station/am-fm/VHF/map light console that I will install this weekend. Should combat this problem. Great boat! I would recommend to anyone and everyone.
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Russell
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Steve Gautney
Best of all worlds
The 240 allows one to experience big boat sailing with the convenience of a day sailor. I went from a 16 foot day sailor to the 23.5 (240) . . .wish I had the bigger boat a lot sooner . . .
The 240 allows one to experience big boat sailing with the convenience of a day sailor. I went from a 16 foot day sailor to the 23.5 (240) . . .wish I had the bigger boat a lot sooner . . .
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Ken Shubert
We Did It!
Our H23.5 is our 'learner' boat. It's simple and forgiving but be aware that it is tender. Gusty winds will put you into 30 degrees of heel in a hurry and the weather helm may cause you to loose rudder and round up into the wind but the boat is tougher than the crew. It really pumps up some adrenalin the first few times. Learn to reef early because it's always easy to shake out a reef and real hell to reef a sail in too much wind. There is pretty limited storage space and water but we get by. The table is really nice since it can be put in cabin, cockpit, or stowed. I've had friends sail with me and leave their 37' boat in the slip because...... it's fun to sail and you can put the rail in the water with no worry. Experience is a good teacher but if a sailing school is available it's a good bet too. I believe the Hunter brochure as well as the McGreggor say they sleep 5. They must be very small and friendly people, however. It's a great boat for a couple, and great day sailor for two couples. By all means, get the pop-up camper top. It's great when you have some showers and we had a screen made for the companion door and forward hatch to keep bugs out. You'll find all the help and advice you could possibly want, right here too. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
Our H23.5 is our 'learner' boat. It's simple and forgiving but be aware that it is tender. Gusty winds will put you into 30 degrees of heel in a hurry and the weather helm may cause you to loose rudder and round up into the wind but the boat is tougher than the crew. It really pumps up some adrenalin the first few times. Learn to reef early because it's always easy to shake out a reef and real hell to reef a sail in too much wind. There is pretty limited storage space and water but we get by. The table is really nice since it can be put in cabin, cockpit, or stowed. I've had friends sail with me and leave their 37' boat in the slip because...... it's fun to sail and you can put the rail in the water with no worry. Experience is a good teacher but if a sailing school is available it's a good bet too. I believe the Hunter brochure as well as the McGreggor say they sleep 5. They must be very small and friendly people, however. It's a great boat for a couple, and great day sailor for two couples. By all means, get the pop-up camper top. It's great when you have some showers and we had a screen made for the companion door and forward hatch to keep bugs out. You'll find all the help and advice you could possibly want, right here too. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
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Daniel Busche
Nice
Bob, I bought my 240 last year and sail it on a mountain lake on the Utah - Idaho border. I used to own a Macgregor 26 (a 1994 model, before they went to half powerboat half sail boat) and everyone that gets on board my 240 says, that the 240 feels as roomy as the Mac 26 did. Plus the cockpit, where I spend most of my time, is much larger than the Mac was. It helps to have the Stern Railing Seats. As others have mentioned, the boat is a bit tender, but reef early. I keep my boat moored at the marina during the summer, so I don't have to trailer it too much. It is nice to know, that you have the ability to tow the boat to other lakes for exploration. I was debating between the 240 and 260 myself last year and decided to save the $10,000 and opt for the 240. It is more boat for the money. I heard some people upgrading after a year or two to the 260, but I still beleive the 240 is a better value. I am planning on upgrading some day, but will go to a 290 or 310/320. How many people are in your family? We are five and the cockpit is plenty big. We have even all sleeped on the boat for one night, but usually some will camp in a tent and the others sleep on the boat. Let us know what you decide to buy and enjoy! Dan
Bob, I bought my 240 last year and sail it on a mountain lake on the Utah - Idaho border. I used to own a Macgregor 26 (a 1994 model, before they went to half powerboat half sail boat) and everyone that gets on board my 240 says, that the 240 feels as roomy as the Mac 26 did. Plus the cockpit, where I spend most of my time, is much larger than the Mac was. It helps to have the Stern Railing Seats. As others have mentioned, the boat is a bit tender, but reef early. I keep my boat moored at the marina during the summer, so I don't have to trailer it too much. It is nice to know, that you have the ability to tow the boat to other lakes for exploration. I was debating between the 240 and 260 myself last year and decided to save the $10,000 and opt for the 240. It is more boat for the money. I heard some people upgrading after a year or two to the 260, but I still beleive the 240 is a better value. I am planning on upgrading some day, but will go to a 290 or 310/320. How many people are in your family? We are five and the cockpit is plenty big. We have even all sleeped on the boat for one night, but usually some will camp in a tent and the others sleep on the boat. Let us know what you decide to buy and enjoy! Dan
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Dave Condon
Hunter trailerables
I rember once when the Hunter trailerable were not truely trailerabe for example the 23 wing keel. No mast raising, sink your tow vehicle into the water, etc.. The criteria set forth by me to Hunter had to include a mast raising system, less weight to tow, sail by yourself thus having the lines led aft for single sailing and of course getting the boat into the water easily. That was a tall order. You now have this in the Hunter trailerables like the 240 and 260. In other words, it became user friendly. I would recommend looking into the water ballast as you would be able to handle it by yourself. There are a few tricks that you can learn to make it simple. I do recommend the 240 and 260 wholehardily. Have you considered the 212 Crazy Dave Condommmmmmmmmmmmm! oops
I rember once when the Hunter trailerable were not truely trailerabe for example the 23 wing keel. No mast raising, sink your tow vehicle into the water, etc.. The criteria set forth by me to Hunter had to include a mast raising system, less weight to tow, sail by yourself thus having the lines led aft for single sailing and of course getting the boat into the water easily. That was a tall order. You now have this in the Hunter trailerables like the 240 and 260. In other words, it became user friendly. I would recommend looking into the water ballast as you would be able to handle it by yourself. There are a few tricks that you can learn to make it simple. I do recommend the 240 and 260 wholehardily. Have you considered the 212 Crazy Dave Condommmmmmmmmmmmm! oops
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Ron Baer
Go for it
I went from a Capri 18 to the Hunter 240 last year. I was a bit nervous at first, after reading all the articles about how tender the boat is. The truth is, the 240 feels much stiffer than and easier to handle than the Capri 18 (which had 500# keel) I chose the 240 because it has a larger cockpit, and $10,000 less.
I went from a Capri 18 to the Hunter 240 last year. I was a bit nervous at first, after reading all the articles about how tender the boat is. The truth is, the 240 feels much stiffer than and easier to handle than the Capri 18 (which had 500# keel) I chose the 240 because it has a larger cockpit, and $10,000 less.
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Rick Webb
Wonderful First Boat
You say you are new to sailing, I am not sure it is the best boat to learn on. A simpler boat may be a good idea for learning the basics a sunfish or some sort of dinghy around 12' if it has a jib that is even better. You will out grow that quickly and be ready for the 240. If there is a place to rent or take lessons in one of these I think that would be a better place to start.
You say you are new to sailing, I am not sure it is the best boat to learn on. A simpler boat may be a good idea for learning the basics a sunfish or some sort of dinghy around 12' if it has a jib that is even better. You will out grow that quickly and be ready for the 240. If there is a place to rent or take lessons in one of these I think that would be a better place to start.
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biscuit - the type sailors eat.
excellent
wife bought 26.5 '89 to learn on with me teaching (?!) on barnegat bay, n.j. excellent and best investment ever made for us both. tiller essential to learn on. if in teens/ earlier 20's get a boat without a cabin for 1st year 10-18'. i had not sailed for 15 years and only on small boats. bigger boats seem like a dream later and dead easy. if possible learn hard in a smaller boat. boat, sail, wind, etc. senses are developed much quicker the smaller you start. 1st twelve months of not so much comfort - but perhaps more excitement - are unquestionally better in every way. put the big tides round the coast of britain with this, and you will never will want to know any more of the basics after a few weeks!! ted.
wife bought 26.5 '89 to learn on with me teaching (?!) on barnegat bay, n.j. excellent and best investment ever made for us both. tiller essential to learn on. if in teens/ earlier 20's get a boat without a cabin for 1st year 10-18'. i had not sailed for 15 years and only on small boats. bigger boats seem like a dream later and dead easy. if possible learn hard in a smaller boat. boat, sail, wind, etc. senses are developed much quicker the smaller you start. 1st twelve months of not so much comfort - but perhaps more excitement - are unquestionally better in every way. put the big tides round the coast of britain with this, and you will never will want to know any more of the basics after a few weeks!! ted.
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Russell Egge
We did it too
If we are any example it can be done. Very little sailing experience and started with a 376 (we have 3 kids 15,12,6) so we needed the room) Take the Coast Guard or Power Squadron course, it may not teach you how to sail, but you learn the "rules of the road" and that will make you a safer boater. Take an on the water class or hire a professional captain/teacher for a day or two. Go out with friends if possible Start under power/not sail to get the feel for the boat, then raise the sail. Be careful and have fun. Russell E. Allie Kat
If we are any example it can be done. Very little sailing experience and started with a 376 (we have 3 kids 15,12,6) so we needed the room) Take the Coast Guard or Power Squadron course, it may not teach you how to sail, but you learn the "rules of the road" and that will make you a safer boater. Take an on the water class or hire a professional captain/teacher for a day or two. Go out with friends if possible Start under power/not sail to get the feel for the boat, then raise the sail. Be careful and have fun. Russell E. Allie Kat
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Larry
Go with the larger if affordable
Start with the larger of the two would be my suggestion. You will find it more comfortable for weekend outings. We have a 1994 Hunter 26 (same as a 260) water ballast. We bought it new and did most of our learning on it. We have 3 kids and found it pretty comfortable for the five of us. All of our friends love going out on it and trying their hand at sailing (under my expert supervision of course), (just kidding!) Anyway just purchase and learn and then purchase larger of course, thats what boat people do, isn't it? Well I did, we have just purchased a 1991 Hunter 30 and our 26 is now for sale. Happy sailing and let us know what you do decide.
Start with the larger of the two would be my suggestion. You will find it more comfortable for weekend outings. We have a 1994 Hunter 26 (same as a 260) water ballast. We bought it new and did most of our learning on it. We have 3 kids and found it pretty comfortable for the five of us. All of our friends love going out on it and trying their hand at sailing (under my expert supervision of course), (just kidding!) Anyway just purchase and learn and then purchase larger of course, thats what boat people do, isn't it? Well I did, we have just purchased a 1991 Hunter 30 and our 26 is now for sale. Happy sailing and let us know what you do decide.
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Paul Jordan
240 is a Great Boat for Beginners
I previously posted this when someone else asked essentially the same question. Please note my wife and I have been sailing less than a year and feel safe and comfortable on the 240. Hope this helps in your decision............ ******************************************** We purchased our 240 last July and keep it on Kerr Lake on the VA-NC border. We have been sailing pretty much all winter (with the exception of a few weeks in Jan and Feb when we actually had winter) and can offer these observations: The boat is wonderful sailing upwind. It points well and is very easy to trim, even for an inexperienced person like me. Downwind is OK but the swept back spreaders of the BandR rig make it challenging to sail wing and wing. We do it, but you really can't extend the main out far enough without chaffing on the standing rigging (a minor point, but you should be aware of it). The boat performs well in many different wind conditions, from light air up to around 15 knots. This past fall and winter we have regularly sailed in 10 to 15 knot winds (yes, I do measure it with one of those handhelp Speedtech wind meters). At these wind speeds there is no need to reef and performance is quite lively. If the winds are gusting, though, it is best to reef early, as the boat is indeed tender. On tenderness: there is alot of initial heel but then the boat settles down and feels very stable. Even my wife, who dislikes heeling, has learned to realize that the boat is very stable once heeled. The main thing to remember is that over 15 knots you really should either reef the main or partially roll up the jib or both. I have been out in winds up to 25 mph and as long as you are reefed, the boat handles OK. Warning: do not try to sail with no main and a severely reefed jib in high winds. I tried this and discovered I has virtually NO helm -- the center of effort was too far forward. I would have been better off with a reefed main and NO jib. Hope this gives you some insight. We like the boat alot and have no regrets. Paul Jordan Mithrandir -- Hunter 240
I previously posted this when someone else asked essentially the same question. Please note my wife and I have been sailing less than a year and feel safe and comfortable on the 240. Hope this helps in your decision............ ******************************************** We purchased our 240 last July and keep it on Kerr Lake on the VA-NC border. We have been sailing pretty much all winter (with the exception of a few weeks in Jan and Feb when we actually had winter) and can offer these observations: The boat is wonderful sailing upwind. It points well and is very easy to trim, even for an inexperienced person like me. Downwind is OK but the swept back spreaders of the BandR rig make it challenging to sail wing and wing. We do it, but you really can't extend the main out far enough without chaffing on the standing rigging (a minor point, but you should be aware of it). The boat performs well in many different wind conditions, from light air up to around 15 knots. This past fall and winter we have regularly sailed in 10 to 15 knot winds (yes, I do measure it with one of those handhelp Speedtech wind meters). At these wind speeds there is no need to reef and performance is quite lively. If the winds are gusting, though, it is best to reef early, as the boat is indeed tender. On tenderness: there is alot of initial heel but then the boat settles down and feels very stable. Even my wife, who dislikes heeling, has learned to realize that the boat is very stable once heeled. The main thing to remember is that over 15 knots you really should either reef the main or partially roll up the jib or both. I have been out in winds up to 25 mph and as long as you are reefed, the boat handles OK. Warning: do not try to sail with no main and a severely reefed jib in high winds. I tried this and discovered I has virtually NO helm -- the center of effort was too far forward. I would have been better off with a reefed main and NO jib. Hope this gives you some insight. We like the boat alot and have no regrets. Paul Jordan Mithrandir -- Hunter 240
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Darrel Richards
Used and Cheap is best
We purchased a used 1988 h23 in 1994. The boat was sitting in Key Largo in the Florida Keys. Didn't know how to sail. Found a fella by the name of Rick White, a multi hull sailor who runs a sailing school in Key Largo, we hired him for a day to come on board our boat and show us the basics. We learned what we needed to get started. Later, we joined a Sailing Club and got into the crew pool. Started being invited to race on other boats and that is what has been the best learning tool. We have since moved the boat up to Lighthouse Point and Sail/Race regularly out of Hillsboro Inlet. The boat is simple and fun to sail. We even win some races against larger boats. The 88 h23 is a solid boat and is very safe. We have added a 135% Jib and this year a new main and the boat flys. For a first time boat owner/new sailor I would highly recommend a used boat. You can find boats in this size range for $4,000-$6,000 and learn all the stuff from sailing to maintenance without real deep pockets. Any boat this size would make a great Lake or Bay boat. We sail ours in close off shore races in the ocean but are mindful of sea's over 5-6 feet and stay home. Any how, we think the Hunter 23 is a great boat, with great lines. It accommidates 2 people for overnighting quite nicely and we don't have an arm and a leg invested. Pretty neat when you can go out and beat $20,000 to $30,000 boats out on the race course, then raft up off of them after the race knowing that you are enjoying the event ever bit as much as they are, but for a lot less. You can always go larger later when you have all the learning curves and errors (Chipped Fiberglass) out of the way. Here's wishing you the best on your up and coming adventures. Sailing is a blast.
We purchased a used 1988 h23 in 1994. The boat was sitting in Key Largo in the Florida Keys. Didn't know how to sail. Found a fella by the name of Rick White, a multi hull sailor who runs a sailing school in Key Largo, we hired him for a day to come on board our boat and show us the basics. We learned what we needed to get started. Later, we joined a Sailing Club and got into the crew pool. Started being invited to race on other boats and that is what has been the best learning tool. We have since moved the boat up to Lighthouse Point and Sail/Race regularly out of Hillsboro Inlet. The boat is simple and fun to sail. We even win some races against larger boats. The 88 h23 is a solid boat and is very safe. We have added a 135% Jib and this year a new main and the boat flys. For a first time boat owner/new sailor I would highly recommend a used boat. You can find boats in this size range for $4,000-$6,000 and learn all the stuff from sailing to maintenance without real deep pockets. Any boat this size would make a great Lake or Bay boat. We sail ours in close off shore races in the ocean but are mindful of sea's over 5-6 feet and stay home. Any how, we think the Hunter 23 is a great boat, with great lines. It accommidates 2 people for overnighting quite nicely and we don't have an arm and a leg invested. Pretty neat when you can go out and beat $20,000 to $30,000 boats out on the race course, then raft up off of them after the race knowing that you are enjoying the event ever bit as much as they are, but for a lot less. You can always go larger later when you have all the learning curves and errors (Chipped Fiberglass) out of the way. Here's wishing you the best on your up and coming adventures. Sailing is a blast.
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Rick Webb
Chipped Fiberglass
You mean those folks with the 35 footers chip theirs less? I guess if I get a 45 footer we won't do it at all. I am going to call the wife right now and tell her why we need a new boat. How big do we have to get for them to clean themselves? If she buys I may convince her into it thanks Darrel I'll have to buy you a beer and take you out on the new bigger boat.
You mean those folks with the 35 footers chip theirs less? I guess if I get a 45 footer we won't do it at all. I am going to call the wife right now and tell her why we need a new boat. How big do we have to get for them to clean themselves? If she buys I may convince her into it thanks Darrel I'll have to buy you a beer and take you out on the new bigger boat.
I couldn't agree more Darrel
I feel exactly the same way about your "less-is-more" approach, in fact that's my philosophy too. I am very happy with my H23 after many years of experience sailing dinghies and crewing on other peoples' boats. I am having just as much fun as the guys with the bigger boats, and the fact that I am spending a lot less than they do is the icing on the cake. I can also get into smaller anchorages while they have to anchor out. My lust for a bigger boat is satisfied by a bareboat charter each year in a really nice place, using the money I saved by not owning a big boat Last year, I was in Antigua on a Beneteau Oceanis 400. That's hard to beat. In the meantime, maybe I'll drag my H23 down the Turnpike and visit you and Jon Bastien in the Keys. Peter S/V Raven
I feel exactly the same way about your "less-is-more" approach, in fact that's my philosophy too. I am very happy with my H23 after many years of experience sailing dinghies and crewing on other peoples' boats. I am having just as much fun as the guys with the bigger boats, and the fact that I am spending a lot less than they do is the icing on the cake. I can also get into smaller anchorages while they have to anchor out. My lust for a bigger boat is satisfied by a bareboat charter each year in a really nice place, using the money I saved by not owning a big boat Last year, I was in Antigua on a Beneteau Oceanis 400. That's hard to beat. In the meantime, maybe I'll drag my H23 down the Turnpike and visit you and Jon Bastien in the Keys. Peter S/V Raven
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