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Review of the Hunter 260 by Tom Warneke

Year built 1999  
Location of boat Nashua, NH  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in Sail  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? YES!It is a great boat for my needs. I like the flexibility and independance of a trailerable sailing boat.It is easy to sail short/single handed and provides enough room to bring along several friends or family memebers for a day sail.Accomodations are adequate for a long weekend or even a week of coastal cruising for a family of 4 (with small kids).Best of all, it sails great. Love the large, full battened main and small jib (about 110%) configuration. Points very well, not the best straigt down wind in light air (but what boat is).  
Gear that's been added No... Spent the first season getting familiar with the boat. Will be adding:Depth sounderVHF Radio (using handheld now)BiminiLinkage between Helm and Outboard motor  
Structural or complex improvements No  
The boat's best features Cockpit layout is greatLove the  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Rudder down haul line chaffes in several places and has worn through a couple of times. Easy to replace line, fairly easy to fix the problem permanently, but a nuisance to have to deal with.Mast raising pole is really flimsy and poorly attached to mast. This needs some more thought on Hunter's part. Thicker cross section (perhaps aluminum) pole should be used. Wider attach point is needed at the base of the mast to prevent the pole's tendancy to swing to the side. Other than that, the mast rasing sytem with the solid, permanent struts is well thought out. Can raise and lower single handed (would be easier and less stressful with proper pole).Companion way hatch can slide forward, even when locked, allowing water to enter cabin during rain. This is primarily a problem when trailering or in really rough water. Besides that, the boat has stayed extremely dry during the first season.Would like to have mid ship cleats for spring lines.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails very well. I often sail under main alone in moderate wind esp. with new crew.Points well. Easy to balance.Boat stays on her feet pretty well. Not quite the same as a lead keeled boat, but stable. The water ballast, swing keel combo offers good pointing _and_ access to shallow cruising grounds.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors well. Will add linkage between motor and helm for tight quarter steerage, although, it doesn't seem to be as bad as I anticipated. Nonetheless, sailboats can use all the help they can get and this will be an easy addition.  
Liveability For daysailing it is excellent. Five adults have plently of room. 7 or 8 would still be OK.Haven't spent much time overnight, but here is what I have noticed so far:Cushions are thick and comfy.Great ventilation from ports -- large aft in rear bunk, one port and starboard over galley and head, screens included!If you pull the halyards tight, and raise the rudder (or tie it securely) the boat is very quiet. No halyards, wiring, centerboard or helm banging around while you are trying to sleep.Lots of lighting provided.Great amount of storage for daysailing, weekend cruising. Hanging locker and  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter people have been very, very responsive and helpful via phone and email. Both before and after the Sale.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Sailing Specialties, Mystic, CT --- Dealer has been OK. I sometimes find it hard to get their attention, although they have been very busy. They didn't follow up on issues without repeated action on my part. Overall I do recommend them.The interior of the new boat could have been better cleaned upon delivery. Dealer was not well versed in trailerable boat operation. Wasn't overly familiar with mast raising system, and trailer had no brake fluid. Motor installation did not include water/oil preasure monitoring electronics specified by manufacturer due to dealer's unfamiliarity with the OB motor I selected -- though the installation was otherwise well executed.Overall they know boats well and, for a price, can do what is needed.As with any boat work, carefully specify in writing what work is to be done with the agreed price.  
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