I am considering either a 240 or 260 (water ballast). I like the enclosed head on the 260, but wonder about the extra cost. I (and my wife) will probably do some weekending, possibly longer trips. I will do very little trailering. (I have a 17' Siren for the little lakes around home). I did a test sail on both boats in 20 knot+ winds, so I got a good feel for the boats. The 260 had wheel steering, which didn't feel quite as precise as the tiller , but I was able to stand in the middle with the wheel. Anyway, what are the pros/cons of the 2 different models. Thanks in advance.
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Mike Pajewski
I've had both
I have owned both the 23.5 & 26, which are older versions of the current boats. The 240 is lighter and easier to trailer, and probably pointed a little higher, but if you can afford it, go for the 260. The cabin has additional headroom, which makes everything from changing clothes to cooking easier. It was uncomfortable to do any major cooking in the 23.5. We usually set up a camp stove in the cockpit. The enclosed head was the big demand from the woman in our household. My wife would avoid drinking on the boat so she wouldn't need to use the porta-pottie. One or two nights of getting woken up to use the toilet was enough to win my vote. If you plan on trailering to the Keys or the Great Lakes, the larger boat will be more comfortable. We got beat up pretty badly in our 23.5 on Lake Superior, but when we returned the following year with the 26, it made for a better trip. The last thing is, if you buy the 240, you may think about trading up later, and the dealer is the only one who profits from "TWOFOOT-ITIS" so go for the 260. I have not regretted moving up to the larger boat yet. Mike Pajewski H23.5 "Summer Rental" H26 "Loon"
I have owned both the 23.5 & 26, which are older versions of the current boats. The 240 is lighter and easier to trailer, and probably pointed a little higher, but if you can afford it, go for the 260. The cabin has additional headroom, which makes everything from changing clothes to cooking easier. It was uncomfortable to do any major cooking in the 23.5. We usually set up a camp stove in the cockpit. The enclosed head was the big demand from the woman in our household. My wife would avoid drinking on the boat so she wouldn't need to use the porta-pottie. One or two nights of getting woken up to use the toilet was enough to win my vote. If you plan on trailering to the Keys or the Great Lakes, the larger boat will be more comfortable. We got beat up pretty badly in our 23.5 on Lake Superior, but when we returned the following year with the 26, it made for a better trip. The last thing is, if you buy the 240, you may think about trading up later, and the dealer is the only one who profits from "TWOFOOT-ITIS" so go for the 260. I have not regretted moving up to the larger boat yet. Mike Pajewski H23.5 "Summer Rental" H26 "Loon"
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Dan Ebert
Trailerable with comfort
Had A H240 for two years and move up to the H260 (Oct 1, 1999) for more room. Having a marine head installed for wife, wheel steering for wife, shore power and throttle control on pedestal for the 9.9 Honda O.B.(no problem for seeing over cabin). Affirmative on galley and etc. Can still put on trailer with the water ballast. Wish I got the H260 at first, but it took two seasons for wife to figure out the comfort for more room and overnights stays. The H240 is still a great boat, but we wanted a few more comforts. p.s. Wife for first time can't wait to get out on the water with the new boat.
Had A H240 for two years and move up to the H260 (Oct 1, 1999) for more room. Having a marine head installed for wife, wheel steering for wife, shore power and throttle control on pedestal for the 9.9 Honda O.B.(no problem for seeing over cabin). Affirmative on galley and etc. Can still put on trailer with the water ballast. Wish I got the H260 at first, but it took two seasons for wife to figure out the comfort for more room and overnights stays. The H240 is still a great boat, but we wanted a few more comforts. p.s. Wife for first time can't wait to get out on the water with the new boat.
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Tom
Me too!
Dave, Mike, and Dan et al. I too am thinking of upgrading to the 260 from a 240, same space/amenities issues (real galley, real head, wheel steering). One thing that I have questions about is the $price$. Why is there no edmunds.com for boats? Perhaps if any of you guys are interested (I certanly am) we could compare notes off line. If so, drop me a line at clarkm@micron.net and we'll chat. Options cost, factory specials/incentives, packages....? Later
Dave, Mike, and Dan et al. I too am thinking of upgrading to the 260 from a 240, same space/amenities issues (real galley, real head, wheel steering). One thing that I have questions about is the $price$. Why is there no edmunds.com for boats? Perhaps if any of you guys are interested (I certanly am) we could compare notes off line. If so, drop me a line at clarkm@micron.net and we'll chat. Options cost, factory specials/incentives, packages....? Later
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John Scharer
260 It is worth the extra bucks
Our Hunter 260 "Zinfandel" is our fourth boat and second Hunter. We previously owned a MacGregor 26, Hunter 23 and a Holder 14. We wanted a boat that we could comfortably spend a week or weekend on. The Hunter 260 was the only trailorable boat that meet our critera. My wife loves the head and room below, I like the headroom and the wheel. You are correct about the tiller having more feel but that would be true in any boat. Once you have sailed with a wheel for a while you will adjust. We have taken the boat this spring to the east coast of Florida and this summer to the Cheasepeake Bay for the Hunter Rendenzous for a week. We have been very comfortable on the boat for these week long vacations. If you can afford the 260, go fot it you will not be disappointed.
Our Hunter 260 "Zinfandel" is our fourth boat and second Hunter. We previously owned a MacGregor 26, Hunter 23 and a Holder 14. We wanted a boat that we could comfortably spend a week or weekend on. The Hunter 260 was the only trailorable boat that meet our critera. My wife loves the head and room below, I like the headroom and the wheel. You are correct about the tiller having more feel but that would be true in any boat. Once you have sailed with a wheel for a while you will adjust. We have taken the boat this spring to the east coast of Florida and this summer to the Cheasepeake Bay for the Hunter Rendenzous for a week. We have been very comfortable on the boat for these week long vacations. If you can afford the 260, go fot it you will not be disappointed.
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Bill Krause
Yes but, trailering!!!
I agree but!!!!How is trailering the 260 I now pull the 240, it is real close on both sides going through the toll booths(almost took off the head of a booth employee as he stuck his head out to watch my boat go by), and I don't know if I could handle the 260's extra length and beam. Just my opinion.
I agree but!!!!How is trailering the 260 I now pull the 240, it is real close on both sides going through the toll booths(almost took off the head of a booth employee as he stuck his head out to watch my boat go by), and I don't know if I could handle the 260's extra length and beam. Just my opinion.
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Mike Pajewski
No big deal
Towing the 260 is not that much different, unless you change tow vehicles like I did. We were never truly happy towing my 23.5 with a 95 Chevy Blazer. It was a short wheelbase V-6, and rode terribly. When we bought the 26, we picked up an Expedition, and I have never regretted the switch. We,ve taken our 26 through tollbooths and construction zones. It looks tight, but we do okay. One thing about the 26 trailer, it seems to sway less than the 23.5 did. Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
Towing the 260 is not that much different, unless you change tow vehicles like I did. We were never truly happy towing my 23.5 with a 95 Chevy Blazer. It was a short wheelbase V-6, and rode terribly. When we bought the 26, we picked up an Expedition, and I have never regretted the switch. We,ve taken our 26 through tollbooths and construction zones. It looks tight, but we do okay. One thing about the 26 trailer, it seems to sway less than the 23.5 did. Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
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Mark Burrows
Boat Prices
One place to find boat prices is www.yachtworld.com. These prices are current asking prices vs Bucnet which has sale prices. Mark PS. I confess, this is a self-serving post.
One place to find boat prices is www.yachtworld.com. These prices are current asking prices vs Bucnet which has sale prices. Mark PS. I confess, this is a self-serving post.
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Sparkysail@mail.ameritel.net
260 Really Trailerable???
Although I liked the 260, I recently elected to not buy one due to the 8'11.5" beam. This is above the legal limit in my state. I know that I could easily get a license for the trailer because it is not over the max width. I also know that the odds of a state trooper measuring the load width are minimal. My concern is with the potential liability should I get in an accident while pulling an illegal load.
Although I liked the 260, I recently elected to not buy one due to the 8'11.5" beam. This is above the legal limit in my state. I know that I could easily get a license for the trailer because it is not over the max width. I also know that the odds of a state trooper measuring the load width are minimal. My concern is with the potential liability should I get in an accident while pulling an illegal load.
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Dave Condon
Responding to Sparkmail
You are correct about the width of the boat but the odds of being stopped are nil. I probably have pulled more 26's and 260's in the country and have gone through road blocks for a various reasons. Never once have I been questioned. If you are involved in an accident, then liability will rest with the one who caused it. To say that your boat for example gets hit in the rear, then it is the person who hit you that is responsible. When pulling either the 240 & 260, just use common sense when driving as if on snow and ice and you will be fine. What many people tend to forget is drifting over into the other lane, taking sharp corners, not looking for low overhead obstruction and so forth.
You are correct about the width of the boat but the odds of being stopped are nil. I probably have pulled more 26's and 260's in the country and have gone through road blocks for a various reasons. Never once have I been questioned. If you are involved in an accident, then liability will rest with the one who caused it. To say that your boat for example gets hit in the rear, then it is the person who hit you that is responsible. When pulling either the 240 & 260, just use common sense when driving as if on snow and ice and you will be fine. What many people tend to forget is drifting over into the other lane, taking sharp corners, not looking for low overhead obstruction and so forth.
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Mark N
260 Width
I wrote the Sparkysail post - Sorry that I typed the wrong thing in the Name Field. I agree with all that Dave says. The only reason for my post was to let a potential 260 buyer know the (admittedly minor) additional risk associated with trainering a 260. Better to know the facts before you buy. One additional thought is that Hunter could probably do a better job of letting their customers know that their trailerable boat may require special permits to be technically legal in some states. I had been looking for several months before realizing this. Sweet Sailing, Mark N, H23 "Bgood", Nimble Arctic "Baby Grande", Solomons MD
I wrote the Sparkysail post - Sorry that I typed the wrong thing in the Name Field. I agree with all that Dave says. The only reason for my post was to let a potential 260 buyer know the (admittedly minor) additional risk associated with trainering a 260. Better to know the facts before you buy. One additional thought is that Hunter could probably do a better job of letting their customers know that their trailerable boat may require special permits to be technically legal in some states. I had been looking for several months before realizing this. Sweet Sailing, Mark N, H23 "Bgood", Nimble Arctic "Baby Grande", Solomons MD
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