I have read the responses on water ballast in general, and they are reassuring. This type of boat (H260, new or used--looking at both) seems to be suited to my needs, i.e. local lake day-sailing plus a chance to get into some coastal cruising and short-term liveaboard trips (1-2 weeks). But I have a few concerns. First, about roller furled jibs. How much does this complicate stepping/unstepping the mast? Second, is there any provision for shore power? Third, is it realistic for 4 adults to sleep aboard for more than a day or two? Fourth, I'm used to a tiller. What are the pros and cons of tiller vs wheel? Fifth, is the mid-cockpit location of the mainsheet (and the lack of a traveler) a problem? Sixth, one of the used ('95) boats I'm considering has no pressurized water. Is this typical? Any other comments (things you would change, or DID change) would be appreciated.
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1 1/2 year's experience with a '94 h26............
Hi there, I got the boat because of it's 1'9" draft with all appendages up so my kids could stand when going for a swim. Yea the water's slim and I wanted to be able to push off a grounding too. Let's see: 1. A couple of weeks ago I unstepped the mast to fix the mast head light. I have a CDI furler and it was a piece of cake. I was really paranoid about the whole thing as a couple of people have experienced the dreaded (uncontrolled) *mast drop*. My furler is an older unit and it's hard to adaquately tighten the forestay with it. I think that problem has been corrected in newer units. I may get the forestay shortened. 2. Shore power would be nice, I don't have it, other's do. Anyone know how much to put it in (two or so outlets)? 3. Four adults, depends how friendly. Never did but could be done. 4. I have a tiller (all h26 came that way) many have after market wheels. The 260/270(260 with fixed keel) come either way. My friend has a 260 keel (before they changed the name to a 270) with a wheel. I prefer the wheel for various reasons. 5. Yes it is a pain in the um KNEE. Some have located a small traveler just aft of the companion way. I may, eventually, some day, do the same. An accidental jybe could take someone's head off. 6. Pressurized water is also something that I may............ I am also trying to figure out a way to put a shower in the head. They say (here) that it can't be done. That I have taken as a challenge. I have added two 12v oscillating fans, three 4 watt fluorescent lights and a host of other lesser items. The boat came with a compass and depth gauge, both are neccesary. The boats a blast, definately tender but that is a trade-off. alan
Hi there, I got the boat because of it's 1'9" draft with all appendages up so my kids could stand when going for a swim. Yea the water's slim and I wanted to be able to push off a grounding too. Let's see: 1. A couple of weeks ago I unstepped the mast to fix the mast head light. I have a CDI furler and it was a piece of cake. I was really paranoid about the whole thing as a couple of people have experienced the dreaded (uncontrolled) *mast drop*. My furler is an older unit and it's hard to adaquately tighten the forestay with it. I think that problem has been corrected in newer units. I may get the forestay shortened. 2. Shore power would be nice, I don't have it, other's do. Anyone know how much to put it in (two or so outlets)? 3. Four adults, depends how friendly. Never did but could be done. 4. I have a tiller (all h26 came that way) many have after market wheels. The 260/270(260 with fixed keel) come either way. My friend has a 260 keel (before they changed the name to a 270) with a wheel. I prefer the wheel for various reasons. 5. Yes it is a pain in the um KNEE. Some have located a small traveler just aft of the companion way. I may, eventually, some day, do the same. An accidental jybe could take someone's head off. 6. Pressurized water is also something that I may............ I am also trying to figure out a way to put a shower in the head. They say (here) that it can't be done. That I have taken as a challenge. I have added two 12v oscillating fans, three 4 watt fluorescent lights and a host of other lesser items. The boat came with a compass and depth gauge, both are neccesary. The boats a blast, definately tender but that is a trade-off. alan
Thanks Alan--
Thanks for the info. It sounds like you are able to keep your mast up most of the time. If you had to step and unstep frequently do you think it would change your assessment of the impact of roller furling on the operation? One of the used boats I'm looking at has hank-on jibs, and the owner claims roller furling would be a problem, presumably from stepping but also possibly from trailering as well. Maybe the jib would come undone at highway speed?
Thanks for the info. It sounds like you are able to keep your mast up most of the time. If you had to step and unstep frequently do you think it would change your assessment of the impact of roller furling on the operation? One of the used boats I'm looking at has hank-on jibs, and the owner claims roller furling would be a problem, presumably from stepping but also possibly from trailering as well. Maybe the jib would come undone at highway speed?
Traveler
I have a '94 260 that has a traveler mounted on the "step" at the cabin entry. Works great.
I have a '94 260 that has a traveler mounted on the "step" at the cabin entry. Works great.
Four or more?
I just spent a week on my 260 ALONE! Four CLOSE friends for a max of two nights might work. It is a two person boat max for any extended time. Alone is adequate.
I just spent a week on my 260 ALONE! Four CLOSE friends for a max of two nights might work. It is a two person boat max for any extended time. Alone is adequate.
We use our H26 3 or more days at a time.
Tom, Our H26 is a '95 model water ballast. We tow it 3 or 4 different locations a season. Raise and lower the mast with a CDI furler and rig boat in 45 minutes, up or down without problems. Furler is a dream to sail with. We have shore power with smart charger/gel battery and 2 110v outlets. A must for us when at the slip. 4 adults for a couple of days only if you're good friends, understand sharing and are not to prudish. We have a marine toilet with 20 gal holding tank. A porta-potty set-up without holding tank would be a real pinch point for extended camping. 2 adults are good for 4 to 5 days. Love the tiller so can't comment on wheel, but stern rail seats are an ABSOLUTE must, especially with 4 adults. Main sheet location is not a problem if line layout is clean. We have 6 line holders with the elastic line that holds your coiled lines on the cabin bulkhead. Keeps cockpit clean. Not having pressure water has not been any hindrence. I think you would only use/waste water faster. The H26/260 is a fabulous boat for the money and the water ballast and trailerability makes it the only boat that fit all our needs. Size could be a drawback if cruising with friends is your main desire. Ray
Tom, Our H26 is a '95 model water ballast. We tow it 3 or 4 different locations a season. Raise and lower the mast with a CDI furler and rig boat in 45 minutes, up or down without problems. Furler is a dream to sail with. We have shore power with smart charger/gel battery and 2 110v outlets. A must for us when at the slip. 4 adults for a couple of days only if you're good friends, understand sharing and are not to prudish. We have a marine toilet with 20 gal holding tank. A porta-potty set-up without holding tank would be a real pinch point for extended camping. 2 adults are good for 4 to 5 days. Love the tiller so can't comment on wheel, but stern rail seats are an ABSOLUTE must, especially with 4 adults. Main sheet location is not a problem if line layout is clean. We have 6 line holders with the elastic line that holds your coiled lines on the cabin bulkhead. Keeps cockpit clean. Not having pressure water has not been any hindrence. I think you would only use/waste water faster. The H26/260 is a fabulous boat for the money and the water ballast and trailerability makes it the only boat that fit all our needs. Size could be a drawback if cruising with friends is your main desire. Ray
Furler...
Hi Tom, From the standpoint of trailering and steping the mast, the roller furling adds a little complication, but not much. My previous boat, a MAC 26 had roller furling with a 140 genoa and I liked it because it was easy to deploy and stow. For trailering, I simply left the sail furled and let the end dangle out over the bow. Some people support it with a boat hook lashed to the mast, but I never thought it necessary. I am going into my 3rd season with the H260 without the furler and like it because the jib is out of the weather. A sail on a furler will get stained. I have even had algea growing on the sail during periods of frequent rain. The Hunter's working jib is managable on deck and I use a down haul to control it from the cockpit. The only real problem is that you have to work around the sail while anchoring or picking up the mooring, but not too big a deal. I like simplicity (almost as much a convenience) and, so far, don't feel compelled to add the roller furling to the boat. Fair winds.... Tom
Hi Tom, From the standpoint of trailering and steping the mast, the roller furling adds a little complication, but not much. My previous boat, a MAC 26 had roller furling with a 140 genoa and I liked it because it was easy to deploy and stow. For trailering, I simply left the sail furled and let the end dangle out over the bow. Some people support it with a boat hook lashed to the mast, but I never thought it necessary. I am going into my 3rd season with the H260 without the furler and like it because the jib is out of the weather. A sail on a furler will get stained. I have even had algea growing on the sail during periods of frequent rain. The Hunter's working jib is managable on deck and I use a down haul to control it from the cockpit. The only real problem is that you have to work around the sail while anchoring or picking up the mooring, but not too big a deal. I like simplicity (almost as much a convenience) and, so far, don't feel compelled to add the roller furling to the boat. Fair winds.... Tom
I have a '95 H26
Hi Tom- I bought a used '95 h26 a year ago and here's what I've found...Keep in mind this is probably worth just what it costs...nothing
. By the way, we daysail, weekend, and took one "trailer trip" last year. "We" is my wife and I and our two small kids (3 and 6). 1) I don't know. Mine came with a rf and it's fine when rigging. Piece of cake after one or two times. The rf will come in very handy. 2) Yes, I have shore power. It's great, you'll want it. Mine is in the lazarette. I think it's a pretty standard installation. We also have a battery charger, another good thing. We have two gfi outlets in the main cabin on either side of the galley and one in the head. It's a good thing mine came with it, because that's all I know about it. 3) My wife and I tried to sleep in the V-berth once and it was way too small. And we're smallish. It's fine for our 6 year old son (he flops around alot) and our daughter sleeps on one of the benches. Four adults sounds tight for sleeping. If we have four adults we make our destinations parks with campgrounds and one couple tents. 4) Wheel is easier. I wish I had a wheel with the engine controls on it. I sailed my whole life with a tiller and then had a boat with a wheel for five years. I went back to tiller on my h26 last year and I think I'm just about getting the hang of it again! If your used to a tiller, God bless ya stick with it. The h26 is a small boat and you'll have a better feel. 5) I don't have pressurized water, but I don't really need it. I like the simplicity of the bag and pump. The bottom line for us is it's a great family boat. Our last boat was a 27' keel boat that limited our cruising area. Many make long passages with small kids, but mine are good for 4-5 hours and then they aren't having fun. It's a terrific big "small" boat that you can customize and fit out your own way to make it a terrific small "big" boat. Good luck!
Hi Tom- I bought a used '95 h26 a year ago and here's what I've found...Keep in mind this is probably worth just what it costs...nothing
. By the way, we daysail, weekend, and took one "trailer trip" last year. "We" is my wife and I and our two small kids (3 and 6). 1) I don't know. Mine came with a rf and it's fine when rigging. Piece of cake after one or two times. The rf will come in very handy. 2) Yes, I have shore power. It's great, you'll want it. Mine is in the lazarette. I think it's a pretty standard installation. We also have a battery charger, another good thing. We have two gfi outlets in the main cabin on either side of the galley and one in the head. It's a good thing mine came with it, because that's all I know about it. 3) My wife and I tried to sleep in the V-berth once and it was way too small. And we're smallish. It's fine for our 6 year old son (he flops around alot) and our daughter sleeps on one of the benches. Four adults sounds tight for sleeping. If we have four adults we make our destinations parks with campgrounds and one couple tents. 4) Wheel is easier. I wish I had a wheel with the engine controls on it. I sailed my whole life with a tiller and then had a boat with a wheel for five years. I went back to tiller on my h26 last year and I think I'm just about getting the hang of it again! If your used to a tiller, God bless ya stick with it. The h26 is a small boat and you'll have a better feel. 5) I don't have pressurized water, but I don't really need it. I like the simplicity of the bag and pump. The bottom line for us is it's a great family boat. Our last boat was a 27' keel boat that limited our cruising area. Many make long passages with small kids, but mine are good for 4-5 hours and then they aren't having fun. It's a terrific big "small" boat that you can customize and fit out your own way to make it a terrific small "big" boat. Good luck!My thoughts
I have a 97 h26 with CDI furler. The furler does not really complicate mast-stepping. As a previous post said, once you've gone through the stepping process a few times it's no big deal as long as you prepare and take your time. We don't trailer a lot but I can see where the furler might be a small storage nuisance while trailering. I have shorepower and love it since we slip our boat at a marina. I believe it cost about $300 to install. I have 2 interior GFI outlets with the exterior plug located at the rear of the cockpit seat near the motor well. My boat's pretty spartan and I like it that way since I have limited time for maintaining various marine "systems". some thoughts: Tiller vs Wheel - Boat came with tiller and I like it...simple, understandable and maintenance free. Easy to hook up autopilot (which I consider almost a "must"). Pump vs Pressurized Water - Pump meets our needs (handwashing and light cooking). Most people prefer to drink bottled beverages while onboard for which the large cooler is quite adequate. My only gripe...I don't understand why Hunter doesn't pre-wire the mast/deck for VHF antenna. I use a handheld VHF which is adequate for the daysailing we generally do but will need to add a mast antenna for longer distance sailing. Good Luck!
I have a 97 h26 with CDI furler. The furler does not really complicate mast-stepping. As a previous post said, once you've gone through the stepping process a few times it's no big deal as long as you prepare and take your time. We don't trailer a lot but I can see where the furler might be a small storage nuisance while trailering. I have shorepower and love it since we slip our boat at a marina. I believe it cost about $300 to install. I have 2 interior GFI outlets with the exterior plug located at the rear of the cockpit seat near the motor well. My boat's pretty spartan and I like it that way since I have limited time for maintaining various marine "systems". some thoughts: Tiller vs Wheel - Boat came with tiller and I like it...simple, understandable and maintenance free. Easy to hook up autopilot (which I consider almost a "must"). Pump vs Pressurized Water - Pump meets our needs (handwashing and light cooking). Most people prefer to drink bottled beverages while onboard for which the large cooler is quite adequate. My only gripe...I don't understand why Hunter doesn't pre-wire the mast/deck for VHF antenna. I use a handheld VHF which is adequate for the daysailing we generally do but will need to add a mast antenna for longer distance sailing. Good Luck!
Mast stepping or towing with a roller furling.
We tow and step our 95 H26 with a CDI roller furling quite frequently during a season. When dropping the mast I unhook my CDI unit at the bow and rap it in a small blanket and lay it on the port side of the cabin. We then drop the mast, un-pin it, gather the mast, shrouds and furling and move it forward to secure for transport. I include the jib furler in this package and when I have the mast located in the bow pulpit I take the mast lowering leverage pole (or whatever you call that piece you stick in the bottom of the mast) and lash the pole to the mast and use it to extend forward and support the base of the roller furling and thereby leave that unit on the mast. Lash it securely and move on! Saves a ton of time and work. So far we've towed approx 3,000 miles and absolutly no problems. Ray
We tow and step our 95 H26 with a CDI roller furling quite frequently during a season. When dropping the mast I unhook my CDI unit at the bow and rap it in a small blanket and lay it on the port side of the cabin. We then drop the mast, un-pin it, gather the mast, shrouds and furling and move it forward to secure for transport. I include the jib furler in this package and when I have the mast located in the bow pulpit I take the mast lowering leverage pole (or whatever you call that piece you stick in the bottom of the mast) and lash the pole to the mast and use it to extend forward and support the base of the roller furling and thereby leave that unit on the mast. Lash it securely and move on! Saves a ton of time and work. So far we've towed approx 3,000 miles and absolutly no problems. Ray
roller furling
My experience with roller furling is that it complicates set-up and the trailering experience. 1. The weight of the furling assembly and the sail when raising the mast means its now a two man job, not a one man job. Also, I inserted 3/4" or 1" dowel rod into the mast raising pole so that it does not buckle from the additional weight. 2. The shackle connecting the top of the furling to the mast has a tendancy to hang pointing straight out from the mast. This means the furling drum will not reach to insert the clevis pin. Down comes the mast, try again. 3. The sail should be protected. I had a 30' long 12" diameter sleeve made with hoops at each end to slide up the sail. This was made by a local tent and canvas shop. Bottom line- I can deal with this once a season, but would never do it every weekend. For weekends, I would stick with keeping the genoa in a bag.
My experience with roller furling is that it complicates set-up and the trailering experience. 1. The weight of the furling assembly and the sail when raising the mast means its now a two man job, not a one man job. Also, I inserted 3/4" or 1" dowel rod into the mast raising pole so that it does not buckle from the additional weight. 2. The shackle connecting the top of the furling to the mast has a tendancy to hang pointing straight out from the mast. This means the furling drum will not reach to insert the clevis pin. Down comes the mast, try again. 3. The sail should be protected. I had a 30' long 12" diameter sleeve made with hoops at each end to slide up the sail. This was made by a local tent and canvas shop. Bottom line- I can deal with this once a season, but would never do it every weekend. For weekends, I would stick with keeping the genoa in a bag.
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