A frequent subject on this forum is the procedure for bottom paint on the H260. In fresh water where the season is short, hull painting may not be necessary. In salt water or less benign environments painting may be wise. Selecting the type of paint depends on many factors and cant be covered here. If your boat is still under hull warranty, check with Hunter Marine before doing any hull painting. The forum archives provide a wealth of information on hull preparation and paints or check with a professional before painting your hull. The traditional method for painting most sailboat hulls is to rest the boat on its keel and support the boat with stationary jacks. This is not an option with the H26/260 series because the boat is not designed to rest on its keel. There are three basic options for painting your hull: 1.) The safest but most expensive method is to have a professional yard paint your hull. 2.) If you hustle, you might be able to rent a hoist for a weekend and do it yourself. 3.) The third option is the DIY method in your driveway. Heres two approaches. Submitted by Joe Polhamus CAUTIONS: This could be a dangerous procedure. Ensure the trailer cant move by blocking the wheels or jacking up the trailer all around. Use jacks in several places to to safely support the boat. Have a boat stand take the pressure as you place each jack. Place a towel between the hull and the jack to ensure you dont damage the hull.

Prepare the trailer bunks for lowering one side.

Once the pressure is off the trailer board, pull the bolts out and mate them up with the nuts. Place all the bolts in a baggy or can for storage.

Once the jack stands are supporting one side, drop the arm all the way down.

Time to start painting. Refer to Preparing the surface for painting prior to even opening the can to paint.) You can read an entire book on that subject. :)

I used two coats of paint, three in the high wear areas. Total paint used: 1 gallon.

Once the one side is done, reinstall the bunk and repeat the jacking process for the other side.

I painted everything below the water line. It took me some wiggling between the trailer/axle area to paint the center board area. Painting the rudder is optional. If you keep the rudder down, painting it is a good idea. Some owners who keep the rudder up dont paint the rudder because of concerns that it will adsorb more heat because of the paint.

Total job took me the weekend, taking my time and allowing the paint to dry.

Heres another approach submitted by Toomas Oja Toomas Oja I made an extra cradle for my 260 to be able to renew my bottom paint. I lifted the trailer and boat with jacks and put the wooden constructions underneath then lowered he trailer and voila, I could reach under the trailer stands. Heres some pictures: