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Review of the Hunter 260 by Ray Trombino

Year built 1998  
Location of boat Aquia Harbour, VA  
The boat is sailed on Rivers  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1998  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. Of course, I've had it for only a couple of months, but we have done an overnight on it, and a three-day, two-night trip (in some very rough weather) to get it home.  
Gear that's been added Bimini; companionway cover; wheel steering; remote outboard controls; VHF; AM/FM/Stereo cassette; extra 12-volt outlets; Bi-data; compass... all dealer installed. Added propane grill and an extra 4:1 purchase in the anchor locker to speed lowering mast on the water. Also removed reefing hooks and replaced with a reef line and cleats for the same reason.  
Structural or complex improvements No.  
The boat's best features Very roomy, great styling, and a lot of big boat features on a small boat. I needed a boat that could handle a 2-foot channel, go under a 26 foot fixed bridge, and yet be roomy enough for overnights. Hunter was the only one to fit the requirements. The 9.9hp four-stroke Honda is a great propulsion system, and the wheel steering gives lots of room in the cockpit.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I would replace the jib sheet jam cleats with cam cleats. With the jam cleat, it's hard to release quickly without having the bitter end of the sheet take off for the bow. A cam cleat with a fairlead would be a better choice. The bimini doesn't install as advertised. Following the directions, it fouls the main sheet. Clearing the mainsheet requires that it have a tilt to the rear that is very noticable. I'm working on replacing the rear struts to see if that will solve the problem.  
Sailing characterisitcs Very fast in light winds. With both sails up, it is very tender in stronger winds (over 15 knots). Part of this is my getting used to water ballast after having a fixed keel boat. I'm sure as I adjust to the boat, this  
Motoring characterisitcs Running under power is a joy. At 4.5 to 5 knots, with light winds, I use about 1/2 gallon per hour. The Honda is smooth, quiet and powerful. Going from a dead stop, you need to use idle speed or the torque will cause the boat to crab. However, that can be useful in tight situations. Once moving, it's not a problem.  
Liveability Very good. The quarter berth is big, but it takes getting used to having two people in it. We opted for one in the quarter berth and one on the vee-berth as the best arrangement. The butane stove is great! Also, the combined fresh water system is extremely easy to fill. The head is a bit tight, but no worse than some planes I've flown.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) When I've needed help, they were right there and with the right answers.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I bought the boat from Norton's Yacht Sales. The MOST professional dealersh I have ever encountered. You would think it was their boat, the way they cared for every detail.  
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