About the same
I am not familiar with the Santana 2023, but did have a water ballast Macgregor 26 SAILBOAT -- not the motor sailor they sell now. My experience is that with practice and getting organized the boats are about the same as far as time and effort to prepare to sail. I usually do this alone, and it takes an hour. Most seasons the boat stays in the water, so I don't get a lot of practice. I know people that have it down to 30 to 45 minutes. The H260 has rigid mast support struts that stay attached, so you don't have to rig and unrig the temporary stays that are common on other large trailerables. The H260 requires minimal use of tools -- in fact, I don't think you need any under normal circumstances. The steps are: + park in an area with clear overhead access including the path to the ramp. + Untie any hold downs: a few strategic ties will keep stays and equipment in place without having to tie and untie a lot of macrame. + slide the mast back for raising and pin the base. I installed a roller at the top of the crutch to make this an easy one person operation. + Install stays (260 has rigid stays already in place). + Install raising pole and attach to jib halyard and bow cleat. + Verify that jib halyard is securely tied -- use a cleat, dont trust the rope clutches, cam cleats, etc. + Verify that all stays are not tangled, make sure turn buckles and terminations are in proper position. You can tape them in place to prevent them from misaligning. + Raise the mast. Watch that everything is running free, if it gets hard too pull, stop and verify that nothing is caught. If you have to let go of the raising line, make sure that you tie it off securely -- dont trust the cam cleat. + Attach the forestay at the bow at the proper (most forward) hole, not in the jib attach hole! + Remove mast pole and stow. + Remove mast stays, if used (not on H260). + Install Boom, attach sail slides in mast, attach main sheet and boom vang (vang can wait 'til you need it). + Un pin rudder, but leave tied in up position + Open fuel tank vent and prime the motor. + ready fenders and dock lines + Verify that centerboard is secured in up position so it doesn't fall as you clear the trailer. + Verify that Ballast tank valve is CLOSED, so that ballast tank doesn't fill until you are off the trailer. (Otherwise you have to get the boat deeper in the water to clear the trailer). + Ready to Launch -- Make sure trailer tiedown is removed, disconnect trailer lights from vehicle, good idea to have chocks, esp. on slippery ramps. + Launch, tie up boat and park vehicle. I wear a fanny pack (like for cycling) to keep tools and ties close at hand during commisioning and decommisioning. The 260 sits high on the trailer, so you may need to use the extension to get it deep enough. Adds a few minutes. I use a 20 foot chain between the truck and trailer at some ramps. Adds about 15 minutes to setup/put away. Have fun. Fair winds... Tom
