1970 Columbia 26 Mk II vs Hunter 260 — Comparison
Hunter 260
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II | Hunter 260 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Columbia | Hunter |
| Year | 1970–1975 | 1998–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Crealock | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) | 7.85 m (25.8 ft) |
| LWL | 6.25 m (20.5 ft) | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,905 kg (4,200 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Ballast | 726 kg (1,601 lbs) | 771 kg (1,700 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 26.2 m² (282 ft²) | 27.5 m² (296 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 23 L (6.1 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II and Hunter 260 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II is a 1970s design by Columbia from USA, while the Hunter 260 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II was penned by William Crealock. The Hunter 260 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II measures 7.92m (26.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the Hunter 260 at 7.85m (25.8ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II is 0.07m longer than the Hunter 260. The Hunter 260 displaces approximately 7% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.33 and 26.2 m² of sail area. The Hunter 260, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 27.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 260 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Hunter 260 has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.87. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II and 37.8% for the Hunter 260, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 38L of water capacity and 23L of fuel. The Hunter 260 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The Hunter 260 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II · Hunter 260