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Review of the Hunter 260 by Paul

Year built 1989  
Location of boat Cheasapeake  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
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 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? NO!! I would never buy a Hunter Sailboat again in my life. This is odd because I used to swear by them I moved up to a 260 from a Hunter 20. So that is two Hunter sailboats. The first was a great little boat this 260 is a Nightmare!!  
Gear that's been added  
Structural or complex improvements A new 2000 cockpit instead of a 1998,because Hunter doesn't make the cockpit for the 1998 anymore because of severe cracking by the helm seat. A whole new rudder assembly, because the original rudder split in half right up the seam on the boats maiden voyage.  
The boat's best features I wouldn't know I only had it out a few times in two years. It has been in the shop more then we have had the boat.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. 1)Cockpit by helm seat severe cracks 2)cleats breaking 3)sail falling out of track 4)rudder assembly and rudder 5)bidge pump not working automatically 6)throttle cable going through deck not sealed properly 7)water coming in from sliding cockpit doors when raining 8)water leaking from mast pole 9)wood pealing on cabin floor 10)fire extinguishers not mounted in boat but thrown in storage space under cushions 11)engine only had two gears nutral and full throttle  
Sailing characterisitcs I never really got to sail yet. It worked for the first day of it's maiden voyage. One day out of 14 months isn't bad is it? doesn't answer the helm even in slight breezes  
Motoring characterisitcs see number 11 under Problems!!  
Liveability Don't know haven't had it long enough  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Yes I have dealt with Hunter in Florida and their "authorized" service center in MD. They were very rude obnoxious people passing the buck all the time on who is responsible for repairs. Won't give straight answers on when you ask for a supervisor. With their "authorized" service center in MD, slapping the boat together wrong, won't let you water test it to see if it is ok before you pay them. Refusing to honor the work that was done and paid for previously and making you pay for all the mistakes that they make before. They do not honor warrenties!  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any The dealer was told of cracks in the cockpit, leak around mast pole, and of the pealing wood and totally ignored the request for them to repair them. When told of the rudder splitting right up the seam they said "oh well, it has nothing to do with us!" later it was found to be a defective rudder.  
Other comments If I were you I would look somewhere else. Do not buy from Hunter they are a crooked company! and they Don't stand behind their boats anymore! For years I loved Hunter sailboats but after being told by the Florida Company that they knew that the repairs wouldn't work right when they sent the parts. Also I got three different stories on how the warrenty works and what it covers. It's a shame it was from the same person on the same day! My opinion is that Hunter's new policy is "Buyer Beware!"  

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