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Review of the Hunter 260 by Alfredo Castro

Year built 2001  
Location of boat Boston  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, although I probably wouldn't necessarily buy a new one.  
Gear that's been added Options from Hunter/Dealer; Wheel steering, 6 foot bimini, companionway canvas with windows/screen, cockpit cushions, 2nd battery with switch, roller furling, and anchor roller. Various "gear" I've added; AM/FM/CD 4-speaker stereo, lighter adapters (2 in galley, 2 in cockpit), 2001 Honda 4 stroke 9.9hp outboard with remote controls mounted on end of starboard seating, steering link, GPS handheld mount and fish finder (for depth) mounted on top of pedestal, WP10 autopilot, electric on demand water pump mounted next to water tank and replaced faucets.  
Structural or complex improvements none  
The boat's best features Although we primarily keep the boat on a slip, it is comforting to know that we can quickly put it on the trailer and drive to different cruising ground. Hence the trailerability and ease of rigging is a great feature. I really like the cabin/galley/berth set up and the headroom (especially with companionway canvas) is great! The boat is pretty stable and handles very well. Having all the lines leading to the cockpit makes for a comfortable and less strenuous sail. The thru transom accessibility is a real plus for getting aboard and the kids love sitting on the stern rail seats!  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The wiring to the bilge/float switch needed to be rewired because the original connection was not "waterproofed" and shorted. The cabin sole needed to be replaced because the holly stripes were loosening and the whole board was popping up in spots.  
Sailing characterisitcs We haved sailed in winds up to 25 knots with gusts of higher wind. Once reefed appropriately the boat sails OK in high winds but cannot point very high (maybe I need to trim the sail differently?). The boat sails very well (6-7 knots) in light to moderate winds with a 10-15 degree heel angle. The boat handles small waves without a problem (we have not experienced waves >2-3 feet).  
Motoring characterisitcs Maneuverability with our Honda 9.9 hp 4 stroke linked to the rudder is excellent, especially with the centerboard down. At 3/4 throttle we are at hull speed. High winds do tend to push the boat around.  
Liveability My wife, three kids (10, 9, and 6), and I have spent a number of overnights on the boat. The "sitting up" headroom and window hatch in the aft bunk is really nice. The table is easy to rotate around (and around) for the particular moments needs. We have found the cabin very comfortable with sufficient good storage. The head (porta pottie) is difficult to use while standing due to the lack of headroom.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) The few phone calls I've placed to them have been answered politely and accurately.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I have mixed feelings about the dealer. The boat was handed over in less than perfect conditions (urine in the porta pottie, loose battery that tipped over on transit, stained aft cushion cover, and not very clean) and I had to wait over a month for the title. More recently, the dealer has responded quickly to fixing the items that have needed attention under warrenty. This required someone from his shop to drive 3h each way to make the repairs to the boat.  
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