I have owned two hunters a 326 and a 426 DS. But now am without a boat and only want to day sail, but with some comforts like a head, Bimini etc. I have sailed a 240 and found it to be adequate for my needs, but still want a boat with a head Vs. Porta Pottie. At that size and comfort level I might just stay with a 216 for example. The 260 comes to mind - but if there is no need to trailer the boat, does a water ballast boat make sence? Thanks for any input.
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I'd Go For Fixed Keel
If I didn't have to trail, I'd go for a fixed keek. I imagine a water ballast boat makes annual haul outs easier and allows sailing on really thin water, but unless those are a priority, I would opt for the keel. Like you, I think that 216 seems like a nice boat for day sailing. Rick D.
If I didn't have to trail, I'd go for a fixed keek. I imagine a water ballast boat makes annual haul outs easier and allows sailing on really thin water, but unless those are a priority, I would opt for the keel. Like you, I think that 216 seems like a nice boat for day sailing. Rick D.
no 270
Im looking at the same thing and found out they dont make the 270 any more (260 with a fixed keel)they are comming out with a new h27
Im looking at the same thing and found out they dont make the 270 any more (260 with a fixed keel)they are comming out with a new h27
Plenty of room and great access
I have had my 260 since 2001 and have only had it out of the water twice. trailor and water ballest make hauling out for service an easy option. We enjoy having access to small coves and beaches. With two 2 year olds and a dog a beach break is always welcome. The 260 has pleanty of cabin room, much larger than other boats the same size. Even with the 6' centerboard we find the boat very stable and easy to handle even in high winds. check out other posts on the 260 and 240 water ballast boats being phased out. I'm looking to sell the end of the season. If interested let me know. aat@filtersonline.com
I have had my 260 since 2001 and have only had it out of the water twice. trailor and water ballest make hauling out for service an easy option. We enjoy having access to small coves and beaches. With two 2 year olds and a dog a beach break is always welcome. The 260 has pleanty of cabin room, much larger than other boats the same size. Even with the 6' centerboard we find the boat very stable and easy to handle even in high winds. check out other posts on the 260 and 240 water ballast boats being phased out. I'm looking to sell the end of the season. If interested let me know. aat@filtersonline.com
Good Question
The 260 or the 26 are great boats. Being able to load it on a trailer and drag it around is a terrific bonus. Here where the water is often skinny the boat makes sense with or without a trailer. Were I some place that aways has deep water (10' or more) I might opt for the keel. Think about how cool it would be to load up the boat and go to Key West in December to go sailing just because you can.
The 260 or the 26 are great boats. Being able to load it on a trailer and drag it around is a terrific bonus. Here where the water is often skinny the boat makes sense with or without a trailer. Were I some place that aways has deep water (10' or more) I might opt for the keel. Think about how cool it would be to load up the boat and go to Key West in December to go sailing just because you can.
No
unless you have depth and trailer requirements a water balast boat isn't it, at least IMHO. I sail a 37.5, my father has a 260 which I also sail a lot. The 260 is a great boat and the trailerability and shallow draft are great. But if you don't require those features, the trade-offs in handling just aren't worth it. Go for a Catalina 25 with the swing keel.
unless you have depth and trailer requirements a water balast boat isn't it, at least IMHO. I sail a 37.5, my father has a 260 which I also sail a lot. The 260 is a great boat and the trailerability and shallow draft are great. But if you don't require those features, the trade-offs in handling just aren't worth it. Go for a Catalina 25 with the swing keel.
Bimini is an issue
Here in FL the sun is intense and a bimini is a must. My wife and I only day sail on our 260 but we chose it over the 240 due to head room. The 260 is full stand up under the bimini. Watch that on the Catalina ... the boom is much lower and very limited head room.
Here in FL the sun is intense and a bimini is a must. My wife and I only day sail on our 260 but we chose it over the 240 due to head room. The 260 is full stand up under the bimini. Watch that on the Catalina ... the boom is much lower and very limited head room.
Go with the fixed keel
I owned a 260 and then moved up to a 290. I really enjoy the additional stability.
I owned a 260 and then moved up to a 290. I really enjoy the additional stability.
trailer
Easier to sell with trailer. I would have one in the south particualy in Florida with Hurrican Ivan bearing down heading what appears to be around Tampa and over Hunter too. I like the trailerability
Easier to sell with trailer. I would have one in the south particualy in Florida with Hurrican Ivan bearing down heading what appears to be around Tampa and over Hunter too. I like the trailerability
Winter...
Hi, I don't trailer my H260. I think it's too big for secondary roads. Anyway, I drop her into the water each spring and pull her out each winter. For the winter she sits in my front field where I work on her thought the season. Sometimes I just escape to her. Each spring she's ready to go!!! For that one reason, I like a trailerable boat.
Hi, I don't trailer my H260. I think it's too big for secondary roads. Anyway, I drop her into the water each spring and pull her out each winter. For the winter she sits in my front field where I work on her thought the season. Sometimes I just escape to her. Each spring she's ready to go!!! For that one reason, I like a trailerable boat.
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