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Review of the Hunter 260 by Steve Bott

Year built 1999  
Location of boat Jacksonville, Florida  
The boat is sailed on Rivers  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1999  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, but I would reconsider the options. A roller furling Jib would increase the flexibility and reduce setup time. I would have gone with the fixed keel instead of the center board option. I think having the balast higher has a significant impact on the ability of the vessel to perform in higher winds. I would get the anchore roller, I had no idea how difficult anchore handleing was going to be.  
Gear that's been added I have added dual 12V outlets, dual 12V batt's, Garmin GPS(NEMA capable), Ratheon ST1000+ Autohelm(NEMA,with remote),VHS, Bimini, Mesquito Netting, Dingy(with trolling motor and running lights), Magma Marine Barbecue, Safety netting, Spot light.  
Structural or complex improvements Dealer is installing inspection access to sub floor area to allow for detection and removal of water around balast tank.  
The boat's best features Design of the hull and interior give so much more livable and usable space. We have spent 10 days on the boat scuba diving the reefs system in the keys. We would put in every couple of days for fresh water and showers. Four adults with scuba gear and we had a ball. Because we like to dive we selected the tiller option, so there is lots of room in the cockpit. We can all gear up at the same time and walk off the back of the boat with our fins on.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. We replaced the connectors an all the lines with Wichards so we don't have to worry about losing a pin over the side. The single burner stove is pretty whimpy, It's OK for boiling water as long as the pan isn't to big, but I wouldn't use it for anything complicated. Anchore handling is difficult (I don't have an anchore roller, YET)and have gained a couple of dings near the anchore locker. The plastic pulley's in the assemble on the end of the Spar have broken. I am searching for Stainless replacements for the plastic ones provided.  
Sailing characterisitcs In the 8 months since I purchased the boat We have sailed in everything from dead calm on the St Johns river to small craft advisories 5 miles off Tavernia Key in the Atlantic. The Tavernia Key trip was a dive trip and the weather turned rough. We were able to sail comfortably on a reefed main. In lessor conditions I think I tend to wait to long to reduce sail when the wind increases and found the 260 can be a little unforgiving. On a few occassions I have been "180'd". This has only happened in winds above 15 mph and I blame my inexperience.  
Motoring characterisitcs The Yamaha 9.9 four stroke is quiet and down right stingy with a gallon of gas. Best speed was 11 mph going wide open with the current. typical cruising is 6-7 mph.  
Liveability I think what sold me on the 260 was the room. For a 26' boat we didn't find anything that could compare with the liveability. Four adults living on the boat for several days and we were in fine spirits the entire time. There is enough room where you don't have to be on top of each other and food preperation can be accomplished with out having to have everyone out of the cabin. We added a rope hammock that I hang from the mast support(trailering) to the spar and with a gentle breeze and a good book that's pretty close to heaven.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We purchased the boat from Whitney's Marine in Orange Park, near Jacksonville, Fla. They have always been courteous, and responsive to my needs. The only complaint I have is my "warranty" work seems to get a lower priority in the yard.  
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