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Review of the Hunter 260 by Craig Clyne

Year built 1998  
Location of boat Boise, ID  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 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? Dont know  
Gear that's been added electric water pump, fan, stereo, binini, snapshackles to halyards and boom vang for faster setup  
Structural or complex improvements The trailer will be modified extensivelyMay create pull out latching drawers beneath cabinseating in lieu of lifting cushions to get atstorage access.  
The boat's best features The wheel steering is worth the money. It helps for singlehanding and does not need the constant attention that a tiller would require.The keel is the best and worst feature of this boat. It provides superior sailing but creates a horrible trailering experience.The rigging works well. Mast set up is straightforword. Cabin layout is good. Like the cabinet above the galley.Cockpit layout is good too.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. 1. one stanchion screw arrived stripped out.2.screws securing the jamb for the cabindoorway are all stripped out They are drilled through 1/4 inch of gel/fiberglass. No way to tap, must epoxy into place.3. The rudder raising rope routed through the pipethat the rudder is attached to has 0 mechanical advantage. I have rerouted the rope out of this pipe. I use a boathook to tweak the rudder for pin placement.4. The water line where it Tee's below the bathroom sink needs check valves in each branch.I had to stuff a cork in the bathroom sink to get the galley sink faucet to function.fyi on trailering a 260 keelboat:1. dealer will not balance the boat, mine probobly had 1200 lbs of tongue weight. I pushed the winchand ladder pole back 18  
Sailing characterisitcs The keel makes wind gusts very predictable and you actually look forward to them. This is somewhat different than the 23.5 I had that had the tendancy to round up.Have yet to try the reefing. You can definitley go above 20 knots wind without resorting to it.  
Motoring characterisitcs I use a Honda 9.9 and can acheive 7 knots.Here again, the wheel steering is great.  
Liveability We pretty much leave the table pivoted toward the bow to maximize cabin space. The galley stove (butane) works very well. Although fuel is more expensive than alcohol, those little butane cans last longer than you would expect.Lots of lighting, plenty of space under the galley to store utensils, food, etc. The cushions are good quality.The teak interior creates a very nice atmosphere.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I had considered the H26 last fall. I had seen the 240 and suspected that a 260 must not be far behind. I called Hunter and asked and was assured there was no such critter. Three days later, it was in an ad in the October Cruising World. I called Hunter back and this time they spent 20 minutes explaining the new boat and what changes were made etc.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I will have to see how the trailor and keel repair are handled.  
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