Out of water inspection

[Regular Guy]

I am new to this forum but was reading for some time as guest through many of these valuable information here.
Well, I hope to be soon a 2005 Hunter 260 owner. I have an accepted offer on a Hunter 260. Trial sailing and out of water inspection is coming up. I do not really expect some surprises but would like to get some advice.

The boat has been surely for some time in saltwater and as far I can see the bottom looks green with algae. The marina will pressure wash the bottom of the boat before inspection.

When out of water and cleaned, I think to look at centerboard and rudder is important. What could be wrong also on the hull? Where should I especially look at? I appreciate any thoughts. Thank you.

 

[MaxinCalgary]

Hi .
I purchased a 2002 260 . The main points for me would be the condition of the outboard and sails.
Hopefully you have few thru- hulls below the waterline on yours. You cannot really inspect the swing keel unless you pull it off the boat. But it's not that heavy and is more to help pointing than any stability. That is achieved ( or tried to be ) by the water ballast and hull form .
Inspect the rudder for stress cracks. But remember these are light boats and stress crazing in the gel coat is just a fact of life.
The plumbing is junk and hopefully the boat has had the faucets upgraded to real ones and a pressure system added.
Many upgrades and mods available to do . Adding another block to the rudder down haul line being one of the best.
No complicated systems, so what you see is what you get. These boat are best if they spend a good amount of time in the year on their trailer.
The rest , lines, shackles, etc are just things you will replace as you go anyway.

 

[Regular Guy]

Thanks, MaxinCalgary.
You mentioned the outboard. A point I am not happy with. The boat comes with an 8 hp Mercury 2-stroke engine with remote controls connected to the wheel stem, what I like but without alternator. That can’t be practical without charging the battery when going on a several days trip? I want to be self-sufficient; using of lights alone will drain the battery over night. The motor is probably the first to change.
I am thinking of getting a 9.9 hp 4-stroke engine with 20” or 25” shaft. Suzuki has one with 12A alternator; the other makes have only 6A. What does the forum think about that?
Regarding plumbing, I am afraid it’s all stock. The boat does not come with a trailer. The teak is weather worn; the gel code looks dirty all around, the decals are partly worn off, etc. It will need for sure lots of loving care and I don't mind, am kind of excited getting the boat. I just hope it was a good decision to go for a H260. The aft berth is kind disappointing narrow to sleep in. I thought the boat would be perfect for Florida’s Intracoastal Waterways and cruising close at the ocean shore lines.

 

[MaxinCalgary]

These boats where made for gunkholeing . The engine control placement has to be handy . If you have a tiller it's not too much of a problem . If you have a wheel , it needs to be handy.
I have a Nissan 18 4 stroke with pedestal controls. These boats can be barge like under power , reverse especially. (9.9/15/18 all weight the same. Just don't rev the 18 up if you want to aviod stress cracks on the transom.)
Alternator is nice to have another thing you might think about if you what to travel is two batteries and a solar panel . The panel you will find is the best way to keep the batteries topped up .
The Suzuki sounds a good choice with a XL leg.
I also sleep in the front most times as the splashing sound depending on you anchorage against the stern can keep you awake.
A 2005 will clean up nicely and some Teak cleaner followed by Dalys seafin teak oil ( love that stuff) will work wonders. She will look new in no time.
Good luck

 

[Regular Guy]

Thank you for your helpful insights. I am looking forward to get my hands on that boat.

 

[rickwarner]

I agree that the stock H2O faucets are junk. I replaced mine with a better quality type while still relying on the hand pump action. You may also want to look at adding an extra fire extinguisher. As for engine power, I find that, since the outboard mounting bracket is offset from the centerline of the boat, it does not initially steer well when just getting out of a slip, need to get the rudder hard over in reverse, then hard over again when initially going forward. A system is available that turns the engine with the rudder, but I do not have that on my boat. No other real problems. It is a lot of boat for 26 feet and for the money. North Channel in two years when I retire!

 

[twodzusfittings]

(9.9/15/18 all weight the same. Just don't rev the 18 up if you want to aviod stress cracks on the transom.)

I beg to differ on this quote from Maxin Calgary. There is a 34 to 44 pound difference in weight from the 9.9 according to the Nissan Website. 15 and 18 (listed as a 20) are too heavy and total overkill on a 26 footer. Just ask Dave Condon. I think he helped design the boat from my understanding.

 

[Regular Guy]

Questions of a newbie and first time boat owner

Yes, I decided for the H260 because it seems to be a great boat for cruising the ICWs and close to the shore lines. The general inspection of the boat brought up some points to look after.
The entire boat in and out has to be cleaned up and the shine restored to make it mine. Name letters and decals on the boat have to be replaced.
Don't know if all sheets and lines are due to be replaced on a 2005 year boat by now.
The plexiglas companion way cover has a crack and has to be replaced.
All the plumbing hose connections seem to need looked at. I will also have a look at the stock faucets as well and consider replacement.
I want to add a GPS chart plotter, maybe a Garmin 547 or 741 and mount it on the wheel helm. Also I want to get a VHS radio with DSC.
The electronic, the lights inside and the position/navigation lights all that will eat some wattage and I don’t want to run out of it when on a several day cruise. A second battery needs to be added. Whether to re-charging by solar elements or replacing first the 8hp 2-stroke engine with a 9.9hp 4-stroke and alternator would be to decide.
Wonder how two adults can sleep in the boat. Is there enough space in the v-berth with table down?
How many days will the fresh water last and when the holding tank emptied?
Many questions, I just mention, please be patient with me; I know it’s all not new for you sailors and for each question is probably a separate discussion thread to find.
Not sure with all that, my intention is to find out, what it needs to make my boat to a usable, safe and comfortable vessel for my needs. Thank you for your information.

 

[MaxinCalgary]

(9.9/15/18 all weight the same. Just don't rev the 18 up if you want to aviod stress cracks on the transom.) I beg to differ on this quote from Maxin Calgary. There is a 34 to 44 pound difference in weight from the 9.9 according to the Nissan Website. 15 and 18 (listed as a 20) are too heavy and total overkill on a 26 footer. Just ask Dave Condon. I think he helped design the boat from my understanding.

The new Nissan 20 is a different engine than the one that came with the boat when built. The 9.9 hp today has a different leg and CC than the 20hp. The old engine the 9.9 NSF has the same leg and cylinder size for the 9.9/15/18 The carburetor is the only change. I do agree though that a 9.9 is all you need.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Regular Guy;

I could not tell if the boat you are looking at has a tiller or wheel steering.

If you need a trailer, contact Ron Frisosky with Road King trailers at 941-914-3890 as he has the specs. Orginally Magic Tilt built the trailers but not sure if they still have the plans or would even sell direct.

On the motor, 10 hp max on the transom and do not let anyone tell you either. The transom is designed for 10 hp only. With a four stroke 9.9 you will achieve full speed with motor size and in fact you will not need full power. When the bow raises up under power,essentially you are going as fast as you can; otherwise you are plowing in the water. long shaft or 20 inch is suffiecient but if sailing in the ocean a lot with high waves, you may want to consider the 25 inch shaft. Also, flush the system with fresh water from time to time and you will need to buy a motor flush attachement which is simple and cheap. Make sure to add the additive due to ethanonl crap in gas. If you can buy straight gas all the better.

I always suggest paying a marine surveyor. Well worth it if not educated enough to look at boats when buying. I would suggest to look for leaks in several places. First is the hull to deck in the transom. Simply take a flashlight and look thru the aft storage doors in the rear berth and shine the flashlight to the rear and bottom of the hull and while at it, look at the lower rudder gudgeon as they sometimes come loose. Pull up the cover plate either screwed or silconed down at the base of the compression post to see any leaks. You will see a large bolt and that holds the centerboard bracket in place. If you ever have to replace the centerboard for any reason mostly to replace the centerboard line, that is where you go. Also, check the perimeter of the water tank to make sure no leaks.

On the fresh water system to keep water to the faucet was a small and I forget the name attached to the hose at the end of the faucet underneath to keep water pressure on the line and those were easy to damage and replace.

While the boat is hauled for an inspection, power wash the inside of the centerboard hull housing and make sure the person using that machine has it on low vs. high pressue. Will discuss that later. The best time to check a boat is when it is raining to see if there are any topside leaks. In addition, check the wood floor inside the main salon cabin area to see if ok or not.

Original decals you can forget getting these days. Pull off the old ones. Not sure if this site store sells them but West Marine use to have a variety but the best place may be an automotive paint shop who should sell them or a detail wholesaler of sorts for automotive.

If you do get a trailer, never store water in the ballast tank while boat sitting on trailer. If you have any more questions, send me an email thru this site with phone number and where you are at so I do not call early or late and will be glad to talk with you.,

crazy dave condon

 

[Regular Guy]

The boat is wheel equipped. On Thursday I am going to trial-sail the boat together with the owner to a marina to get it hauled out of the water. I will do the inspection on my own. There will only be a take it or leave it decision since the owner will not further negotiate on the price. I suppose the boat is structural OK but want to be sure and have also a look at the bottom side.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I will call you today.

crazy dave

 

[Regular Guy]

Crazy Dave Condon,
Thank you so much for phoning and discussing important issues with me. It amazes me to find all this kind of voluntarily help here. This forum is such a great place for instant support and advice between fellow sailors, given, regardless if something will be received in return; what can I offer being new in the passion of sailing.
One has so much experience and shares it freely with the one in need of advice. That is much appreciated. Thank you, I feel much better with what I have learned from you.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

You are welcomed sir.

dave condon

 

[Regular Guy]

Hallo;
Since I have ask for and received many tips for the out-of-water inspection I would like to let you know how it went. The owner and I sailed/motored a distance of 3 hours to the marina and another 3 hours back. On the ways we hat to lower the mast to pass a bridge. Great opportunity to learn how that was done on the boat, in the water.
We opened the ballast water drain before the boat was hauled out as I learned here at the forum, not to let 2000lb of water stressing the hull.
The marina pressure washed the water side of the boat and I looked at every inch, checked the centerboard, rudder and trough hull connections. The speed transducer wheel was stuck and easily cleaned out. Everything looked fine, no scratches or blisters. I was very happy with the outcome but $390 lighter, charged by the marina.
I signed the acceptance paper with the broker and they are working now on transferring title and registration to me. Looking forward to pick up the boat.

 

[Erieau]

Congratulations on your new boat! I think the 260 is beautiful.

Hopefully you'll enjoy working on it as much as I do. Making it "yours" is half the fun.

 

[Kermit]

Congratulations! Looks like you have a beautiful boat. I love the name, too.

 

[Regular Guy]

Thank you. Yes, the name Orion (the hunter) is just great. I was thinking of a good name for my boat but this one is a keeper.

 

[Kermit]

Oh, and it's not just the name. The logo/graphics makes it way cool. Definitely a keeper. 'Specially since it's a Hunter sailboat. Love those double entendres. Put it on a trailer and come sail with us at Wateree Lake in SC.

 

[Regular Guy]

Orion, trailer

Oh, and it's not just the name. The logo/graphics makes it way cool. Definitely a keeper. 'Specially since it's a Hunter sailboat. Love those double entendres. Put it on a trailer and come sail with us at Wateree Lake in SC.

There is more out of the Greek mythology: Orion, the hunter, born to Euryale, a nymph and Poseidon (Neptune), god of the sea. The astronomical constellation, with its two brightest stars, is visible throughout the world. I should have paid for that name.
Sold, as I lived in Alaska, my motorcycle with a personalized license plate "CLDRSH" (Cold-Rush). Surrendered the plate to the buyer; guess he was motivated to get that license plate.

Thanks for the invitation to sail with you at Wateree Lake, tempting; unfortunately I do not have a trailer. Maybe I get one some day, so helpful also to do out of water care.