I am ready to buy it! I would be planning on taking it out in Lake Michigan with the family (2 small kids) and maybe going up to Minnesota lakes or Kentucky lakes once a year for vacation. Will she handle Lake Michigan? What options are essential.? Should I get the head upgraded? I would probably keep her in a slip at Waukeegan unless it get the itch to put her in another lake for a weekend or a vacation.
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Depends
I had a H-260 water ballast for the past two years. We had a great time sailing on smaller lakes. We kept it on White Bear Lake, Minnesota but also sailed Lake of the Woods - it was great. Space is limited if going for more than an over night venture. My wife and I also sailed Lake Superior a number of times and it it was good on the calmer days. If the wind picked up over 20mph the waves and wind were very challenging on the H-260. The boat is very tender and will heal over very quickly requiring reefing early. Trailering the boat requires a large vehicle, especially for pulling the boat out of the water when the ballast is full. Tuning the boat before sailing takes longer than you thnik but we enjoyed the ability to sail many different lakes. All in all we enjoyed the H-260. We liked Lake Superior so much we opted for the Hunter 356 and will be keeping it in Bayfield and exploring the Apostle Islands. Cheers! Dave VEGA
I had a H-260 water ballast for the past two years. We had a great time sailing on smaller lakes. We kept it on White Bear Lake, Minnesota but also sailed Lake of the Woods - it was great. Space is limited if going for more than an over night venture. My wife and I also sailed Lake Superior a number of times and it it was good on the calmer days. If the wind picked up over 20mph the waves and wind were very challenging on the H-260. The boat is very tender and will heal over very quickly requiring reefing early. Trailering the boat requires a large vehicle, especially for pulling the boat out of the water when the ballast is full. Tuning the boat before sailing takes longer than you thnik but we enjoyed the ability to sail many different lakes. All in all we enjoyed the H-260. We liked Lake Superior so much we opted for the Hunter 356 and will be keeping it in Bayfield and exploring the Apostle Islands. Cheers! Dave VEGA
It's the best
I think it is the best trailer cruiser made. It has a lot of room compared to any boat that size. It is easier to set up and launch than many 22 foot boats. It heals less than most trailer sailors and if it heals more than you like you can reef it easily. Even the galley is workable for a full size adult to stand up and fix breakfast. The head is the only one I'd want to use on a trailer sailor and yes I would get the upgraded one. No it is not a 356 by a long shot but the 260 is the best in its class. Frank
I think it is the best trailer cruiser made. It has a lot of room compared to any boat that size. It is easier to set up and launch than many 22 foot boats. It heals less than most trailer sailors and if it heals more than you like you can reef it easily. Even the galley is workable for a full size adult to stand up and fix breakfast. The head is the only one I'd want to use on a trailer sailor and yes I would get the upgraded one. No it is not a 356 by a long shot but the 260 is the best in its class. Frank
Good Trailer Boat
I raised two daughters on a trailerable 22'sailboat and that was a bit tight. I have owned an H26 for seven years and it has a lot of room for a boat this size. I pull mine with a Chevy Blazer. This would be minimum vehicle size/power to pull a H260, and maybe a little small,but then you don't pull it very often. Add a transmission cooler to whatever tow vehicle you choose - it's cheap insurance. We have sailed Lake Michigan, Superior and Huron in the H26 and it handles weather well, but you do have to reef early. There are tradeoffs, but if you want to sail a variety of places, it's a great boat.
I raised two daughters on a trailerable 22'sailboat and that was a bit tight. I have owned an H26 for seven years and it has a lot of room for a boat this size. I pull mine with a Chevy Blazer. This would be minimum vehicle size/power to pull a H260, and maybe a little small,but then you don't pull it very often. Add a transmission cooler to whatever tow vehicle you choose - it's cheap insurance. We have sailed Lake Michigan, Superior and Huron in the H26 and it handles weather well, but you do have to reef early. There are tradeoffs, but if you want to sail a variety of places, it's a great boat.
Sail Lake Michigan every Summer
We live in Two Rivers and have sailed on Lake Michigan every summer. Our 26 has handled everything we have asked of it. We took it on a week long trip to Door County from our homeport of Manitowoc. Don't get me wrong, its a big lake and their is some big weather. We pick and choose our sailing days. If its blowing more than 20 knots, it means my wife won't go for sure. More than 15, and we have to reef. Any wind out of the East side of the compass means waves, and the 26 will pound going upwind in strong waves. On the other hand, when the summer winds are blowing lightly and the big guys stay home, the 26/260 will shine. I have considered upgrading a couple times, but I like the size and simplicity of the 26. I keep it close to home, do all my own maintenance and don't need to schedule a travel lift ($$$) every spring and fall.
We live in Two Rivers and have sailed on Lake Michigan every summer. Our 26 has handled everything we have asked of it. We took it on a week long trip to Door County from our homeport of Manitowoc. Don't get me wrong, its a big lake and their is some big weather. We pick and choose our sailing days. If its blowing more than 20 knots, it means my wife won't go for sure. More than 15, and we have to reef. Any wind out of the East side of the compass means waves, and the 26 will pound going upwind in strong waves. On the other hand, when the summer winds are blowing lightly and the big guys stay home, the 26/260 will shine. I have considered upgrading a couple times, but I like the size and simplicity of the 26. I keep it close to home, do all my own maintenance and don't need to schedule a travel lift ($$$) every spring and fall.
My Two Cents
Have sailed my '97 h26 for three years on Lake Michigan with four kids (6 to 12). She handles the big Lake very well though you need to use common sense, watch the weather and reef early. Also, be sure you have a long shaft outboard for the swells. We're lucky to have a smaller lake to sail on when the big lake is too rough (or when there's no wind on the big lake - happens more than you might think!) IMHO roller furling, autopilot and shorepower are the most worthwhile enhancements. Rigid vang is nice too. I've just bought cockpit cushions and am considering an asymmetrical spinnaker for the coming season. Also, I'm now adding a TV/CD-player/Nintendo for the kids (it'll be worth it), and Spinlock power cleats (I do single-hand at times). My mantra is to keep it simple when possible so I just have a porta-potty, tiller steering and am satisfied. We keep the boat at a marina with full facilities. All in all a great boat. Good luck.
Have sailed my '97 h26 for three years on Lake Michigan with four kids (6 to 12). She handles the big Lake very well though you need to use common sense, watch the weather and reef early. Also, be sure you have a long shaft outboard for the swells. We're lucky to have a smaller lake to sail on when the big lake is too rough (or when there's no wind on the big lake - happens more than you might think!) IMHO roller furling, autopilot and shorepower are the most worthwhile enhancements. Rigid vang is nice too. I've just bought cockpit cushions and am considering an asymmetrical spinnaker for the coming season. Also, I'm now adding a TV/CD-player/Nintendo for the kids (it'll be worth it), and Spinlock power cleats (I do single-hand at times). My mantra is to keep it simple when possible so I just have a porta-potty, tiller steering and am satisfied. We keep the boat at a marina with full facilities. All in all a great boat. Good luck.
Brilliant
For what they are designed for they are brilliant. Don't be put off by the need to have a whopping great V8 under the bonnett to tow her. It is not needed! We tow ours with a Land Rover discovery, a small turbo diesel and it does the job with ease. We can cruise comfortable on the highway at 90-100kph and it has pulled her out of many ramps from steep to shallow.
For what they are designed for they are brilliant. Don't be put off by the need to have a whopping great V8 under the bonnett to tow her. It is not needed! We tow ours with a Land Rover discovery, a small turbo diesel and it does the job with ease. We can cruise comfortable on the highway at 90-100kph and it has pulled her out of many ramps from steep to shallow.
V-8 is a tomato juice!
Glad to hear we're not the only ones towing a 26 or 260 with a Blazer! We used to have a V-8 conversion van, but now that the kids are on their own we use the V-6. It's quite docile up to 60 mph, and you don't want to tow something that big much faster! Pulling the boat and ballast up the ramp justifies having the low range 4X4, so we actually have a reason for owning the SUV!
Glad to hear we're not the only ones towing a 26 or 260 with a Blazer! We used to have a V-8 conversion van, but now that the kids are on their own we use the V-6. It's quite docile up to 60 mph, and you don't want to tow something that big much faster! Pulling the boat and ballast up the ramp justifies having the low range 4X4, so we actually have a reason for owning the SUV!
Assymetrical Spinnaker
Tim, We sail 95 H26 0n Kentucky Lake. Have been toying with the idea of adding an assymetrical spinnaker. How do you intend to hook it up? What do you need to add? And yes, we love our H26. It's a great boat! Paul H S/V Linda Belle 95 H26
Tim, We sail 95 H26 0n Kentucky Lake. Have been toying with the idea of adding an assymetrical spinnaker. How do you intend to hook it up? What do you need to add? And yes, we love our H26. It's a great boat! Paul H S/V Linda Belle 95 H26
We Love our 260
We have had our 260 since May 1998, and really love it. It is tender in the first 15 degrees of heel, but beyone that, she is stable. We sail on the Potomac River, where things can get dicey at times. All the advice you read is good - reef early, watch the weather. Ours has excellent weather helm - in strong gusts, she rights up into the wind. I also like it simple. We chose the porta-potty, but also chose wheel steering over the tiller. A 9.9HP four-stroke Honda gives us the power to fight wind, tide and currents. Also, read the owner reviews on this site - they are a wealth of information. Ray
We have had our 260 since May 1998, and really love it. It is tender in the first 15 degrees of heel, but beyone that, she is stable. We sail on the Potomac River, where things can get dicey at times. All the advice you read is good - reef early, watch the weather. Ours has excellent weather helm - in strong gusts, she rights up into the wind. I also like it simple. We chose the porta-potty, but also chose wheel steering over the tiller. A 9.9HP four-stroke Honda gives us the power to fight wind, tide and currents. Also, read the owner reviews on this site - they are a wealth of information. Ray
Paul, I'm Still Learning
I'm not yet sure all that's involved in setting up the asym spinnaker...but I know there's quite a few of them flying on h26's. I have the CDI furling unit so my jib halyard is free...I'm thinking this can be utilized for the spinnaker. I've also seen a gadget called the "tacker" which collars around the furled headsail and provides an attachment point for the spinnaker without the need for addtional hardware. The workings dousing sock is a mystery to me at this point. The setup looks to cost about $1,000 so I intend to search the archives and fully understand it before I commit.
I'm not yet sure all that's involved in setting up the asym spinnaker...but I know there's quite a few of them flying on h26's. I have the CDI furling unit so my jib halyard is free...I'm thinking this can be utilized for the spinnaker. I've also seen a gadget called the "tacker" which collars around the furled headsail and provides an attachment point for the spinnaker without the need for addtional hardware. The workings dousing sock is a mystery to me at this point. The setup looks to cost about $1,000 so I intend to search the archives and fully understand it before I commit.
asym Spinnaker
Check out the sail web sites: Doyle, North, UK, etc. for info on setting up and using the cruising spinnaker. I got a quote from Doyle (Marblehead, MA) last year (march '02) that I thought was very reasonable, under $800 with sock and sail bag. I didn't go through with it -- spent $$ on other items instead. Now I'm considering a 135 Genny instead... due to PHRF racing rules. At my club they don't give allowance for having a jib instead of a genny. Nice of Waukegan, IL: The H260 (and older H26) are great boats. I also trailer mine with a V6 Blazer and it handles it just fine. Options I recommend are: + Wheel steering with motor controls on pedestal, compass on Binacle (Hunter will install all during mfg, if requested) + 4 stroke, 9.9 motor - Check which ones have service in your area I chose Evinrude because there are many service locations nearby. + Stern rail and seats + Cloth interior cushion upgrade + Anchor roller on bow + Sail cover Add ons you can do yourself: Depth VHF Autopilot and many others My preference is to NOT have roller furling jib (Many people really like it) I chose the standard Porta Pottie for simplicity over the installed marine head. My boat is put away for New England winters, and it is real easy to deal with the Porta Pot. Good luck... Tom
Check out the sail web sites: Doyle, North, UK, etc. for info on setting up and using the cruising spinnaker. I got a quote from Doyle (Marblehead, MA) last year (march '02) that I thought was very reasonable, under $800 with sock and sail bag. I didn't go through with it -- spent $$ on other items instead. Now I'm considering a 135 Genny instead... due to PHRF racing rules. At my club they don't give allowance for having a jib instead of a genny. Nice of Waukegan, IL: The H260 (and older H26) are great boats. I also trailer mine with a V6 Blazer and it handles it just fine. Options I recommend are: + Wheel steering with motor controls on pedestal, compass on Binacle (Hunter will install all during mfg, if requested) + 4 stroke, 9.9 motor - Check which ones have service in your area I chose Evinrude because there are many service locations nearby. + Stern rail and seats + Cloth interior cushion upgrade + Anchor roller on bow + Sail cover Add ons you can do yourself: Depth VHF Autopilot and many others My preference is to NOT have roller furling jib (Many people really like it) I chose the standard Porta Pottie for simplicity over the installed marine head. My boat is put away for New England winters, and it is real easy to deal with the Porta Pot. Good luck... Tom
Assymetric on 26
We installed a cruising chute and spinnaker halyard 4 years ago. I worked with JSI (SAILNET) and bought a Sobstad Spindrifter. I installed the spinnaker halyard exit sheeve above the forestay per the Hunter sailplan drawing in the owner's manual. I use an ATN tacker, and a chutescoop to control the beast. I installed an additional halyard cleat on the mast, although If I did it again, I would install it below the gooseneck. On the stern coaming I installed Schaefer diamond padeyes and some turning blocks. I run the sheet to the turning block and tie it off to the stern cleat. I adjust the tack with a tack pendant to the bow cleat. Great for light winds. Don't use it much above 8 knots of wind though.
We installed a cruising chute and spinnaker halyard 4 years ago. I worked with JSI (SAILNET) and bought a Sobstad Spindrifter. I installed the spinnaker halyard exit sheeve above the forestay per the Hunter sailplan drawing in the owner's manual. I use an ATN tacker, and a chutescoop to control the beast. I installed an additional halyard cleat on the mast, although If I did it again, I would install it below the gooseneck. On the stern coaming I installed Schaefer diamond padeyes and some turning blocks. I run the sheet to the turning block and tie it off to the stern cleat. I adjust the tack with a tack pendant to the bow cleat. Great for light winds. Don't use it much above 8 knots of wind though.
Asymetric spin & dousing sock = perfect
I bought a used asymetric spinaker with a dousing sock last year and it works wonderfully. And I usually sail alone. If the wind gets too hard I just lower the sock - and without climbing, letting the rudder go wild and getting me into trouble taking the spinaker down - I just cover it with the sock. Then I can lower the whole package easily. And it's just easier to set it. In combination with the roller furling headsail I've got just what I need in all types of weather or conditions. Just go for it - it's great. toomas
I bought a used asymetric spinaker with a dousing sock last year and it works wonderfully. And I usually sail alone. If the wind gets too hard I just lower the sock - and without climbing, letting the rudder go wild and getting me into trouble taking the spinaker down - I just cover it with the sock. Then I can lower the whole package easily. And it's just easier to set it. In combination with the roller furling headsail I've got just what I need in all types of weather or conditions. Just go for it - it's great. toomas
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