Hi, my wife and I are looking at H260's. We've done alot of research and crawled around on a few at boat shows, but haven't sailed on one yet, hope do so in the next month or so. We sailed the 240 and it was nice, but the skipper has informed me that the new boat WILL have an enclosed head. Hey, I'm all for it, that means a bigger boat!!! One of my concerns is how easy it will be to rig, launch and retrieve the 260, especially singlehanded. I can imagine that I will do quite a bit of singlehanding in between overnighters. The boat will definetly be kept in the yard on a trailer. I live 20 mins from one lake, 1.5 hrs from a slightly larger lake and 2.5-3hrs from the coast and I like having the option to go to different spots. I've read the brochure and heard Hunter harp on the mast raising system, but haven't seen it first hand. How long does it take to rig the boat (step mast etc.)? Just a ballpark figure would be nice. I am sure it is faster after doing it a few times. The first time I rigged my hobie it took about 1 hr. Now I can step the mast and launch solo in about 20 mins. How about launching and retrieving solo? Is it doable within reason? I am not scared of a little work for some good sailing, but if it is going to take me 2.5hrs to rig and 2 or 3 people to launch and retrieve, that is another story. I would hate to spend that much money on a piece of yard art that never gets used. Slipping it is really not an option, the close lake is small with a bridge down the middle and the marina is on the sucky side. The larger lake is a drive, plus I think we would get bored after a season of sailing one lake. If I slip it at the coast, the equation changes completely and now we are looking for a larger, keel boat, but I reeeeaaaally like the 260 and the option to take it with you. Thanks for any input.
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Less than an hour
I hear some folks say it takes 30 minutes but I have never seen it done in 30 minutes with a 260. I think is takes 45 minutes or so from the time you get out of your tow vehicle to the time it is parked and you are sailing away. the only mast rasing system that I have seen that is faster is on the Compac Cat boats and you pay a huge performance penalty for having those boats in a light air area. If you have help or it is hot it may take you longer. The only time help makes it faster for me is if it is Karla helping. There have been times when it took me almost 90 minutes because there was a line at the ramp and it was HOT so I was moving slowly.
I hear some folks say it takes 30 minutes but I have never seen it done in 30 minutes with a 260. I think is takes 45 minutes or so from the time you get out of your tow vehicle to the time it is parked and you are sailing away. the only mast rasing system that I have seen that is faster is on the Compac Cat boats and you pay a huge performance penalty for having those boats in a light air area. If you have help or it is hot it may take you longer. The only time help makes it faster for me is if it is Karla helping. There have been times when it took me almost 90 minutes because there was a line at the ramp and it was HOT so I was moving slowly.
Yep, that's right...
My father just bought a 26WB and, once you get a little practice under your belt, it takes about 1 hour. As the prior author said, if it's hot it takes longer, at least for us. We rest a lot. But we hauled the boat the other day in advance if Isabel and things went realy fast.
My father just bought a 26WB and, once you get a little practice under your belt, it takes about 1 hour. As the prior author said, if it's hot it takes longer, at least for us. We rest a lot. But we hauled the boat the other day in advance if Isabel and things went realy fast.
Hour max
And thats taking things very carefully. Launching and retreiving. Easy and I prefer to do it on my own at my pace. My trailer is set up with two poles on each side with rollers so she goes on almost perfectly every time no matter how strong the wind is. Rarely is the keel more than an inch or so off centre on the trailer.
And thats taking things very carefully. Launching and retreiving. Easy and I prefer to do it on my own at my pace. My trailer is set up with two poles on each side with rollers so she goes on almost perfectly every time no matter how strong the wind is. Rarely is the keel more than an inch or so off centre on the trailer.
Much longer for me.
I only launch and retrieve once per sailing season. Dropping the stick and readying the boat to motor over to the ramp took me almost 2hrs this year. I have the CDI roller furling jib and that does tend to make the process a little more difficult. I did it completely by myself. The Hunter mast raising system is excellent. I find setup to take just about the same amount of time. Another 26 owner helped me launch my boat my first year and we were in no rush, but it took well over two hours. He joked that all the people who claim 1hr or less are "telling fish stories." Now I believe that 1hr of rigging time is possible, if you're really good and everything goes right, but that certainly doesn't describe my situation. I think getting her on the trailer alone is doable, but would probably be a chore. Like many 26 owners, I have had great difficulty getting the bow snug up against the bumper. Even the Hunter dealer who I bought the boat from (used) had it sitting on the trailer with the bow a few inches back from the bumper. This year I ran the outboard at 3/4 power while a boatyard worker cranked hard on the trailer winch and that did the trick. I don't want to sound negative. The 260 is a GREAT boat. I just have a hard time imagining it being used strictly for day trailer sailing. Best wishes with your decision. Oh, by the way, we chose the 26 over the 23.5 because my wife wanted the enclosed head. It's a common theme around this forum. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
I only launch and retrieve once per sailing season. Dropping the stick and readying the boat to motor over to the ramp took me almost 2hrs this year. I have the CDI roller furling jib and that does tend to make the process a little more difficult. I did it completely by myself. The Hunter mast raising system is excellent. I find setup to take just about the same amount of time. Another 26 owner helped me launch my boat my first year and we were in no rush, but it took well over two hours. He joked that all the people who claim 1hr or less are "telling fish stories." Now I believe that 1hr of rigging time is possible, if you're really good and everything goes right, but that certainly doesn't describe my situation. I think getting her on the trailer alone is doable, but would probably be a chore. Like many 26 owners, I have had great difficulty getting the bow snug up against the bumper. Even the Hunter dealer who I bought the boat from (used) had it sitting on the trailer with the bow a few inches back from the bumper. This year I ran the outboard at 3/4 power while a boatyard worker cranked hard on the trailer winch and that did the trick. I don't want to sound negative. The 260 is a GREAT boat. I just have a hard time imagining it being used strictly for day trailer sailing. Best wishes with your decision. Oh, by the way, we chose the 26 over the 23.5 because my wife wanted the enclosed head. It's a common theme around this forum. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
I Agree
I'm in the same situation as Ron. I slip the boat and raise/launch/retrieve only once each year. No matter how "fast" the process can be made, it's still a considerable amount of work (especially single-handed) and I can't imagine going through it all for a few hours sail on the same old waters. Now, trailering to new places would make the effort worthwhile. Also, single-handed launching can be very exciting particularly on windy days. The high freeboard combined with the fact that there's initially no ballast in the boat means that it can blow around like a piece of paper. Having someone on dock to handle bow/stern lines is very nice. I love my h26 and don't want to sound discouraging either, but those are the facts (at least as I see them).
I'm in the same situation as Ron. I slip the boat and raise/launch/retrieve only once each year. No matter how "fast" the process can be made, it's still a considerable amount of work (especially single-handed) and I can't imagine going through it all for a few hours sail on the same old waters. Now, trailering to new places would make the effort worthwhile. Also, single-handed launching can be very exciting particularly on windy days. The high freeboard combined with the fact that there's initially no ballast in the boat means that it can blow around like a piece of paper. Having someone on dock to handle bow/stern lines is very nice. I love my h26 and don't want to sound discouraging either, but those are the facts (at least as I see them).
My 2 cents worth
How long it takes depends on several things. For us it takes about an hour, but a good bit if that time is taken up with reinstalling a solid vang ( that really helps boat performance but it is a pain to take down and put up.) I leave my shrouds tight so that all I have to do when putting the mast backup is tighten the forestay. As for getting the boat snug on the trailer what we do is pull it up as tight as it will go and after letteing the ballast drain pull the boat up the ramp. The cable invariably moves a couple of inches. We then back back down into the water and pull it snug. I think that it would be possible to rig the boat in about 30 minutes if you were really in a hurry ( but not with a solid vang)
How long it takes depends on several things. For us it takes about an hour, but a good bit if that time is taken up with reinstalling a solid vang ( that really helps boat performance but it is a pain to take down and put up.) I leave my shrouds tight so that all I have to do when putting the mast backup is tighten the forestay. As for getting the boat snug on the trailer what we do is pull it up as tight as it will go and after letteing the ballast drain pull the boat up the ramp. The cable invariably moves a couple of inches. We then back back down into the water and pull it snug. I think that it would be possible to rig the boat in about 30 minutes if you were really in a hurry ( but not with a solid vang)
Launching, retreiving H260
Screwed up my first response. Here is is again. Bought our H260 just last week. The dealer was going to give me an orientation sail but there were small craft warnings so I just hooked it and towed it home 3.5 hours away. Towed like a dream. Next day took it to the marina and stepped the mast using a checklist I built using the manual. Took 2.5 hours but everything went together just fine. With the ballast tank valve closed, the boat just floated off. Fired up the engine and away we went. Not great in light air but I expected that with an SA/D of 17. Took the boat home and came back the next day. This time it took about 1.5 hours in and 1.0 hour out. I think I can get it down to about 45min in/30min out. Replaced the jib sheet with 60 feet of line, Replaced the horn cleats and the mainsheet cam with spinlocks and now it's no problem to singlehand. Sunday, after wife went home I noticed boat was not on the trailer straight, so I just relaunched, repositioned,and pulled it out alone
Screwed up my first response. Here is is again. Bought our H260 just last week. The dealer was going to give me an orientation sail but there were small craft warnings so I just hooked it and towed it home 3.5 hours away. Towed like a dream. Next day took it to the marina and stepped the mast using a checklist I built using the manual. Took 2.5 hours but everything went together just fine. With the ballast tank valve closed, the boat just floated off. Fired up the engine and away we went. Not great in light air but I expected that with an SA/D of 17. Took the boat home and came back the next day. This time it took about 1.5 hours in and 1.0 hour out. I think I can get it down to about 45min in/30min out. Replaced the jib sheet with 60 feet of line, Replaced the horn cleats and the mainsheet cam with spinlocks and now it's no problem to singlehand. Sunday, after wife went home I noticed boat was not on the trailer straight, so I just relaunched, repositioned,and pulled it out alone
Thanks
Thanks for replying. I can see how launching in winds could be an issue before the ballast tank is full and all that freeboard. I have read several old posts on various boards where owners pull the boat out, empty the ballast, then refloat to get the boat as far up as possible. That wouldn't be too bad if the ramp isn't really crowded. Getting the boat on the trailer in the first place might be though...I will definetly go through the rigging, launching process before making a decision, but it sounds like it may be doable to some degree. The enclosed head is a really nice feature that I am sure has helped them sell alot of boats.
Thanks for replying. I can see how launching in winds could be an issue before the ballast tank is full and all that freeboard. I have read several old posts on various boards where owners pull the boat out, empty the ballast, then refloat to get the boat as far up as possible. That wouldn't be too bad if the ramp isn't really crowded. Getting the boat on the trailer in the first place might be though...I will definetly go through the rigging, launching process before making a decision, but it sounds like it may be doable to some degree. The enclosed head is a really nice feature that I am sure has helped them sell alot of boats.
George - mainsheet cam
George - I was wondering if a Spinlock PowerCleat to replace the mainsheet cam was a worthwhile change. I assume it gets installed upside-down? Tell us about the difference it makes. Is there any angle where it's harder to release? Sometimes I have to hold the sheet taught and then press it down in the middle with a foot (between my hand and the cam) to release it. My mainsheet came with 1/2" line; I'd have to reduce that to 7/16" as I did with my jib sheets when I replaced the horn cleats.
George - I was wondering if a Spinlock PowerCleat to replace the mainsheet cam was a worthwhile change. I assume it gets installed upside-down? Tell us about the difference it makes. Is there any angle where it's harder to release? Sometimes I have to hold the sheet taught and then press it down in the middle with a foot (between my hand and the cam) to release it. My mainsheet came with 1/2" line; I'd have to reduce that to 7/16" as I did with my jib sheets when I replaced the horn cleats.
Cut time in half and get it all the way forward.
First to get the boat all the way forward I use the Macgreager stomp. I pull the boat and derig while the ballst is draining. then the last thing I do is to drive forward and stomp on the brakes. This moves the boat the nnecessary three inches forward so it is against the bumper. Finally I tighten the stap in back and the winch in front. Anouther method is to install those trailer bunk slides so you can just winch the boat forward while it is on level ground. But if you do this becareful that the boat is strapped down tight so it won't slide right off the trailer when you don't want it to. Two hours is hardly beleivable, but the first time I did it I took five hours because I bought my boat used and without a manual. If it really takes two hours without frequent breaks for cold drinks, I have some recommendations. First write down every single stap as you do it, this will take some time so do this at home in the back yard. Second review the list and change the order of things so you reduce your trips around the boat. Keep modifyiong your list unti rigging time is under 35 minutes then you'll be ready to rig launch and park in under an hour. If you only do it once a year then five hours is not too much time as long as you do it right. Practice makes a huge difference. I notice if I haven't launched in a few months it takes me up to an hour just to find everything and get rigged.
First to get the boat all the way forward I use the Macgreager stomp. I pull the boat and derig while the ballst is draining. then the last thing I do is to drive forward and stomp on the brakes. This moves the boat the nnecessary three inches forward so it is against the bumper. Finally I tighten the stap in back and the winch in front. Anouther method is to install those trailer bunk slides so you can just winch the boat forward while it is on level ground. But if you do this becareful that the boat is strapped down tight so it won't slide right off the trailer when you don't want it to. Two hours is hardly beleivable, but the first time I did it I took five hours because I bought my boat used and without a manual. If it really takes two hours without frequent breaks for cold drinks, I have some recommendations. First write down every single stap as you do it, this will take some time so do this at home in the back yard. Second review the list and change the order of things so you reduce your trips around the boat. Keep modifyiong your list unti rigging time is under 35 minutes then you'll be ready to rig launch and park in under an hour. If you only do it once a year then five hours is not too much time as long as you do it right. Practice makes a huge difference. I notice if I haven't launched in a few months it takes me up to an hour just to find everything and get rigged.
Do people unhook the shrouds?
I've only moved my 95H23.5 once (800 miles or so when I bought it) and I undid the shrouds without thinking about it. Fiddling with those damned little spilt rings can take me an hour alone. Is everyone leaving their shrouds attached? I was just wondering if this issue plays a part in the reported launch times vary from 30 minutes to two hours? Now that I have a furler it takes me longer, but I have a marina slip on the lake so I only launch and retrieve once a year (which is any day now). Even so, I don't even have to take the mast down for the winter storage, except at some point I want to straigten out my mis-centered Windex. :-(
I've only moved my 95H23.5 once (800 miles or so when I bought it) and I undid the shrouds without thinking about it. Fiddling with those damned little spilt rings can take me an hour alone. Is everyone leaving their shrouds attached? I was just wondering if this issue plays a part in the reported launch times vary from 30 minutes to two hours? Now that I have a furler it takes me longer, but I have a marina slip on the lake so I only launch and retrieve once a year (which is any day now). Even so, I don't even have to take the mast down for the winter storage, except at some point I want to straigten out my mis-centered Windex. :-(
It usually takes
my wife and I about one hour to step the mast, load gear and launch. While most of the year, the boat is in a dry dock set up ready to launch and sail, we trailer to other lakes two to three times a year. I have not stepped the mast alone, but like to think I could. I guess I'm lucky that my wife enjoys sailing and all that goes with it and shares in the cleaning, waxing, routine maintenance, stepping the mast,launching, heeling, reefing, dropping anchor, etc. However, I usually get to take care of cleaning the port-o-potti.
my wife and I about one hour to step the mast, load gear and launch. While most of the year, the boat is in a dry dock set up ready to launch and sail, we trailer to other lakes two to three times a year. I have not stepped the mast alone, but like to think I could. I guess I'm lucky that my wife enjoys sailing and all that goes with it and shares in the cleaning, waxing, routine maintenance, stepping the mast,launching, heeling, reefing, dropping anchor, etc. However, I usually get to take care of cleaning the port-o-potti.
Split rings & cotter pins
You all must have nimble fingers. Just getting the cotter pins out of the forestay turnbuckle must have taken me 15min. Ouch. Since I keep the rig tuned to just short of the 20/10 rule, the forestay has to be let out a bunch to slacken things. Getting the split rings in the boom, CDI and mast step out isn't too bad, the mast step pin never just slides out. It needs to be tapped out using a thin rod and hammer. The area where I probably waste too much time is in securing all the rigging once it's down. If anyone has suggestions as to how to handle the CDI flexible luff, please speak up. Kudos to those of you who can do the sub 1 hr launch or retrieve. I've just always been slow. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
You all must have nimble fingers. Just getting the cotter pins out of the forestay turnbuckle must have taken me 15min. Ouch. Since I keep the rig tuned to just short of the 20/10 rule, the forestay has to be let out a bunch to slacken things. Getting the split rings in the boom, CDI and mast step out isn't too bad, the mast step pin never just slides out. It needs to be tapped out using a thin rod and hammer. The area where I probably waste too much time is in securing all the rigging once it's down. If anyone has suggestions as to how to handle the CDI flexible luff, please speak up. Kudos to those of you who can do the sub 1 hr launch or retrieve. I've just always been slow. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
Spinlock on mainsheet
I had problem cleating and uncleating the mainsheet especially in light winds. Got my spinlock from Sailnet.com. Ordered "SPNPXB0812 Spinlock PX Powercleat, Single, w/Block adapter, 5/16 to 1/2in". Took about 10 min to install. Only used it one time so far, but it's just as easy as the spinlock on the jib sheet. Raised the spinlock to about 18". (I'm still playing with the height). You just reach forward to cleat and uncleat. A quick squeeze with thumb and forefinger locks the cam. A quick flick with the line releases it. What a DIFFERENCE! I'm using the factory issue line. I'd try your existing size line before changing. I can finally say I can sail this boat single handed.
I had problem cleating and uncleating the mainsheet especially in light winds. Got my spinlock from Sailnet.com. Ordered "SPNPXB0812 Spinlock PX Powercleat, Single, w/Block adapter, 5/16 to 1/2in". Took about 10 min to install. Only used it one time so far, but it's just as easy as the spinlock on the jib sheet. Raised the spinlock to about 18". (I'm still playing with the height). You just reach forward to cleat and uncleat. A quick squeeze with thumb and forefinger locks the cam. A quick flick with the line releases it. What a DIFFERENCE! I'm using the factory issue line. I'd try your existing size line before changing. I can finally say I can sail this boat single handed.
Unhooking Shrouds
I've only launched/trailered my boat three times so far. But I trailer it 4mi back and forth to my barn. I found that the shrouds readily coil into small loops and I attach the loops to the stanchions. I tension the jib and main halyards and the topping lift line to the reefing horns. A few bungies around the furler and mast and away we go. Still working out how to handle the furler. Playing with a ripped piece of PVC for that.
I've only launched/trailered my boat three times so far. But I trailer it 4mi back and forth to my barn. I found that the shrouds readily coil into small loops and I attach the loops to the stanchions. I tension the jib and main halyards and the topping lift line to the reefing horns. A few bungies around the furler and mast and away we go. Still working out how to handle the furler. Playing with a ripped piece of PVC for that.
George - Spinlock PXB
Ah, yes, I see, I hadn't noticed that the spinlock for blocks is slightly larger and handles up to 1/2 lines. That would probably be OK for my main sheeets after all. I've only got a week or three left of sailing so I'll leave this one for next season. How do you adjust the height of the spinlock?
Ah, yes, I see, I hadn't noticed that the spinlock for blocks is slightly larger and handles up to 1/2 lines. That would probably be OK for my main sheeets after all. I've only got a week or three left of sailing so I'll leave this one for next season. How do you adjust the height of the spinlock?
Raising the mast with the main sheet
Are most of you able to raise the mast by just pulling on the mainsheet? Maybe I am getting old but I have to use the winch, which works okay, to get the mast up.
Are most of you able to raise the mast by just pulling on the mainsheet? Maybe I am getting old but I have to use the winch, which works okay, to get the mast up.
Spinlock and Mainsheet Block
Works best with a wheel. I got the idea from this forum. I tied a short piece of line (chain will work) from the U bolt on the deck to the Mainsheet block. This brings the block up to where you can reach it from behind the wheel. It's an easy reach to adjust the block. Added longer jib sheets and now I can stay behind the wheel and single hand.
Works best with a wheel. I got the idea from this forum. I tied a short piece of line (chain will work) from the U bolt on the deck to the Mainsheet block. This brings the block up to where you can reach it from behind the wheel. It's an easy reach to adjust the block. Added longer jib sheets and now I can stay behind the wheel and single hand.
Raising the mast with the main sheet
Getting the mast started using the mainsheet requires considerable effort, especially if you don't have someone helping by lifting the mast. Once it's up 25 degrees or so it gets much easier. I too have used the winch for some additional purchase, but you have to be very careful. With all that extra power you may not notice if something gets snagged and you could break or bend things easily. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
Getting the mast started using the mainsheet requires considerable effort, especially if you don't have someone helping by lifting the mast. Once it's up 25 degrees or so it gets much easier. I too have used the winch for some additional purchase, but you have to be very careful. With all that extra power you may not notice if something gets snagged and you could break or bend things easily. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
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