The sailing bug bite hard

[breweraz]

We recently got into mono hull sailing after coming up through the Hobie/Prindle line. (60 days ago). I guess getting older and a little more relaxed with age. We purchased a MAC26s as a starter boat for AZ, inland lake sailing and took the first 30 days to retrofit the interior to provide more creature/feature comforts. Now I want more...the bug has bit hard.

Don't get me wrong we enjoy the boat and have spent the last 4 weekends on the lake... I have just been bit by the bigger better boat diease already. I really became afflicted while looking around came across a Hunter 260. Showed some pics to the Admiral and got the go ahead to purchase one...the search is on.

The question is what is a realistic price range for a 2000 or newer, water balast, tiller steering Hnter 260. I know it will vary greatly by the modifications made. electronics, sails, rigging added etc so for the basis of this question assuming a standard option boat, trailer and outboard motor.

Thanks Tim

 

[Sailgunner]

This is just the beginning. I went from 16, to 27, to 30, to 41.

 

[Clark]

I did a quick search on Yachtworld for all areas except for the NE and Mid-Atl and got 6 hits for 260's 2000 and newer. They ranged from $20K for a 2000 up to ~ $30K for a 2005. Remember, these would be asking prices and could very well be had for 10% or so less.

 

[seadaddler]

Your in Deep Trouble

I started with a sunfish than a Hobie 14,16,18 than almost got a Hunter 260 but instead the admiral what the Hunter 289 but got Hunter2001- 290 now we own a 2007 Hunter -36 and the admiral said that's it and we love sailing her now in West Coast of Florida.
It's not only the extra equipment but availability in your area and most important what condition it is in.
I lived in NY when I got my 290 in Virginia at a great price it was worth going the distance,with a 260 on a trailer you could look much farther away for a good deal if you have the time,search the internet for a 260 and one will pop up for you,compare all the different prices on the internet and you will get a good idea what they are going for.
Nick

 

[Sailgunner]

I started with a sunfish than a Hobie 14,16,18 than almost got a Hunter 260 but instead the admiral what the Hunter 289 but got Hunter2001- 290 now we own a 2007 Hunter -36 and the admiral said that's it and we love sailing her now in West Coast of Florida.
It's not only the extra equipment but availability in your area and most important what condition it is in.
I lived in NY when I got my 290 in Virginia at a great price it was worth going the distance,with a 260 on a trailer you could look much farther away for a good deal if you have the time,search the internet for a 260 and one will pop up for you,compare all the different prices on the internet and you will get a good idea what they are going for.
Nick

We just bought a house and our 41 in PGI. We are flying down this weekend to move it from its temporary berth at Fisherman's Village to our house. We can't move there for good until we retire in 3-years.

 

[Nereussailor]

I pretty much started the same way. First, a West Wight Potter P-19, then a Mac 26S like yours, (I really miss that aft berth) then an H30. I'm currently looking for something in the 36'-40' range. Skip the H26 and go to at least a 30' this will tie you over for a while, unless you want a day sailor or a trailer sailor. I found that once I found a boat that I could stand up in without hitting my head, I was happy. A buddy of mine has a Catalina 27 that we used to race on, and it wasn't even big enough.(not enough head room)
everyone has different needs when they are looking for a sailboat. It just depends on what kind of sailing you will be doing. Just my 2 cents

Dave

 

[Andy1237]

Good to hear! So many times we hear that old quote about the best two days of a boat owners life. Maybe there are some that are meant to be on the water and some that go there for the wrong reason(s).

 

[breweraz]

We are now a Hunter 260 owner.

It seems the winds of fate were upon us. Right as I went looking a craigslist ad popped up for a 2000 hunter 260 with a price that screamed to good to be true...there had to be something wrong.

I called, no more than 1 hour after they posted the boat. Long story how the boat came to be for sale but, in the end owner knew very little about sailboats. and their value.

That to good to be true feeling set in harder. Got the hull ID, had a friend, local to the boat, check her out, verified the boat with Hunter and checked with local authorities to make sure it was not stolen and a clean title. All checked out... so back on the phone...to late...seller made a committment and another buyer who was driving up with cash. One hour later owner called and first seller had to back out ....I took the leap of faith and committed to the boat.

After I made the deposit the owner said they received 10 offers and people were bidding up the price. I kept finding some reason to call to stay in touch over the weekend to assure all was still good. I could not wait for the bank to open on Monday and seal the deal...owner was realizing they had drastically under priced the boat.

Closed the deal Monday AM, title in hand. Now we own two sailboats. I think I have cured my bigger boat affliction until we find that "ocean front property in AZ..."

The boat we purchased is a

Hunter 260, 15hp Honda Four stroke, Many factory options including jib furler and upgrader trailer. She was sailed very few times, pristine condition inside and out. She will need a little dusting off and polishing and will be back in the water for memorial day.

We now have a Macregor 26s for sale. I let the admiral break the news to our little Mac26 that she has a new big sister on the way. Surprising how a boat take on those human characteristic so quickly.

Thank for the replies. I am sure I will have a lot of questions and appreciate all the info and support these sites offer.

Tim

 

[Clark]

Just a work of caution Tim. That engine is stronger and heavier than ideal. Take it easy on the throttle . . .

 

[Guest]

Sailing Bug

Hi Tim, in 1997 I retired early at the ripe old age of 55 with the intent of spending my remaining years making sawdust in my woodworking shop. We live right on the edge of the Puget Sound and in May of 1999 a thought occurred to us that maybe boating would be a nice adventure.

We looked at lots of boats in the 26 to 28 foot range. Then one day we came across a 1989 H28 in very nice condition. Our rationale was let's try it, if we dislike the experience we can always get our money back and do something else. Well, after sailing Our Quest for three years, all in PNW waters, the bug bit hard.

Comfort and style was now the new paradigm. I wanted an H40.5 for a variety of reasons, mostly speed and sailing characteristics. We found one on Lake Union, so off we went. She was a bit rough but nicely equipped with off shore gear. Still just looking. Two boats over was a charter P42 that had just come onto the market, so we went aboard to take a peek. Big mistake; well sort of!

The admiral took one look at the aft cabin layout and exclaimed, this is the boat I want! Hmm, off I went looking for a P42 at a reasonable price that we could afford. I found a lightly used 1991 P42 named Belle-Vie sulking in Semiahmoo in the summer of 2001, but it wasn't until March 2002 that we completed the sale. We've sailed her several thousand miles all over PNW waters with four (two month) season cruises and many more shorter ones in between.

No regrets! The family loves the boat, we cruise all year around with lots of great experiences along the way. She is fast, stiff, very comfortable and easy to solo. That is my story and I'm sticking to it.

Terry Cox