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Review of the Hunter 260 by Calvin

Year built 1999  
Location of boat Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville Ga  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, I wanted to buy a 260 in 1999 but was scared off by the 9 foot beam. That began an oddessy. First we bought a Mac 26X and kept it for about 6 months. Then we bought a Catalina 250 and kept it for a year and a half. I eventually got tired of dressing half bent over. We finally got our 260 and love its size and sailing characteristics. I would definitely buy it again.  
Gear that's been added The boat came very well equipped, but we have added a solar fan on the foward hatch and are in the process of adding cam cleats to manage the jib sheets. Oh yes, we also bought a chair hammock.  
Structural or complex improvements No.  
The boat's best features Size and good sailing characteristics. As long as we keep the rudder in the full down position there does not seem to be any problem with weather helm. However,we have not had a chance to sail in over 15 knots yet.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The jam cleats for handling the jib lines are definitely a design flaw. I think the tiller is too long and may shorten it at some future time. We have a short bimini and attached to it is a device for storing fenders. This interfers with mast raising to some extent, effectively turning it into a 2 person operation. The boat is not as maneuverable at low engine speeds as was the Cat 250 making it harder to get in and out of tight berths. I wish there was a more convient way to lock the rudder down and still have it have the ability to break away when it begins dragging.  
Sailing characterisitcs The helm is neutral. The boat seems very stable and does not heel excessively. In wind above 5 knots the boat is definitely FAST.  
Motoring characterisitcs I have the Yahama 9.9 with the BIG prop. It develops unbelievable power at low rpm but with that comes a tendency to move the stern to the left especially when the centerboard is up.  
Liveability I believe my wife and I could spend a week aboard, but we probably will not. We do mostly overnighs with plans for some trips to the coast with our club that may last 3 or 4 days.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I have not delt with Hunter yet.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I bought the boat thru Whitney's Marine in Orange Park FL. I have had 6 boats in the last 5 years and this was the most pleasant experience to date. The paperwork was done on time and the people were very helpful even to the extend of loaning me a vehicle to go buy a new wiring connection at the point of delivery. Good folks to do business with!  
Other comments Everyone in our Sailing Club wants my boat.  

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