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Review of the Hunter 260 by Mark McRae

Year built 2001  
Location of boat Albany Western Australia  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 5-6  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. We have found that it has plenty of room and is excellent for overnight trips. We have several other yachts however this one is a real ease to sail. Often I sail it on my own and its a breeze.  
Gear that's been added We put a Yamaha 8hp four stroke with power tilt, remote controls and electric start. The remote control is fitted to the port side of the transom box. We also fitted a linkage so getting in and out of the dock is easy. It has a quick release so when we hois the sails it is easy to lift the motor out of the water. Just in the process of fitting a compass. We built a false floor in the transom box (under the seat) and have located the battery and VHF radio in there. Am thinking of putting in a permanent fuel tank perhaps with the filler coming out through the rear of the transom box. Other gear to be added is a CD/Radio but would mount the speakers inside the cabin.  
Structural or complex improvements Nothing really needed for what we use it for.  
The boat's best features Easy to tow even with our four cylinder turbo Discovery. Easy to launch and retrieve. The trailer was built here in Western Australia. Tandom with disk brakes. It has two side poles on each side so she goes on staight every time. The mast raising system is outstanding. People stand amazed at how one person can easily raise the mast. She sails really well in 5-15 knot breezes. We reef at about 15 though and often in 25-30 knot winds we sail with only the main. She does not like sailing with just the headsail in heavy weather. The finish of the hull was (apart from a few air pockets under the Gell coat) is excellent although in a couple of place the Gel coat appears a little thin.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. We are having to repair the platform that the fresh water tank sits on. It broke away from the hull. Air pockets under the Gel coat in a few places are annoying but can be repaired where the Gel coat has crushed. The sliding hatch and the leaks are a nuisance however I think just a few minor alterations will fix this. The anchor roller could be about 6 inches longer to keep the anchor away from the hull when retieving however this is something we can fix. The backing plates for the fittings could be a little thicker for we have had to place helicoils in the threads for the pulpit. No big deal though.  
Sailing characterisitcs She does not like heavy weather sailing. Tends to want to round up however the old story. Reef early. She points well and although we do not race her we have sailed along with the fleets on some Saterdays and we seem to keep up pretty well with them. One old salt down here referred to it as a floating caravan however he has not been game enough yet to throw the gauntlet down. Overall for the size of her she sails really well.  
Motoring characterisitcs Since making a steering rod to connect motor to rudder it has become easy. We get her in and out of some very tight moorings without any problems. She will almost turn in her own length. Steady steady and she's fine. The motor we put on is simply outstanding. (Although we hate with a passion having to start it)  
Liveability Great for overnight. Yet to do longer than that however with perhaps just two people it has plenty of room. Would like to put in a twin burner stove. It would be good for Hunter to alter the layout and provide a section where you can mount radios etc. Perhaps just above and to the rear of the galley. Perhaps incorporate the fuse box in it.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I have emailed Greg many times about this and that. Some times called him on the phone. The customer service given by Greg can only be described as outstanding. He is a credit to the company.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We purchased her through Ben Lexcen Marine in Fremantle Western Australia. Tony and his wife have been wonderfull. I would recomend them to any one for their customer service has been excellent. The importers or agent in Australia has been great. Always approachable and in every instance provided great service.  
Other comments I am well over six foot. The sliding hatch and and lift up cach roof does not provide for people of my height. I would like Hunter to concider making an option of a coach type extension that replaces this whole "roof"section. It only needs to be about five inches high, perhaps could have long narrow windows on each side. So it could be purchased as an option and easily fitted by the owner.  

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