Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 35.5 by Fred Miller

Year built 1992  
Location of boat Longport, NJ  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? Yes  
Owner bought the boat in 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely  
Gear that's been added Nothing of any consequence. Boat came well equipped.  
Structural or complex improvements None, with the exception of building a new battery box for one of my three batteries.  
The boat's best features Points very high and easy to sail although still getting use to its size coming from a 30 footer previously. Boat is very stable in the ocean with winds to 20 K. Actually never had to reef in strong wind, just let out some sail.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Everything works but had some problem with mast head instruments. Also holding tank issues . . too small [13 gallons I think] The former owner had the aluminum holding tank seams rewelded [probably leaked]. I gave some thought to replacing with a poly tank but was told that poly had a tendency to collapse from negative pressure when being pumped out. Next time around I'll go with a stainless steel tank.  
Sailing characterisitcs Points exceptionally well. Boat has handled large offshore swells with ease.  
Motoring characterisitcs New 3 blade Sailor prop installed in 1993. cruises at 6.5 at 3300 RPM. Zero vibration albeit the engine was realigned at the same time.  
Liveability Unbelievable as it may seem, most summer weekends six of us are sleeping and eating on board. We have learned to deal with the cramped space issues by insisting the kids only bring down bare essentials. The cockpit enclosure [full bimini, dodger, and connector makes and large cockpit table] makes for a comfortable alfresco dining area. My biggest problem is the holding tank size.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Always helpful . .and they actually call back!  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought came from a Hunter dealer in Buffalo NY. A good and easy purchasing experience for us.We had the boat trucked overland to our marina in Somers Point NJ  
Other comments I was initally skeptical about buying a Hunter not having owned one previously . . but not any more . .I have found my Legend to be well built and the support from the Hunter factory exceptional. There is also a lot to be said for buying a boat from a manufacturer still in business. Replacement parts and schematics are always available . .like the rudder I replaced last year after trying to literally dry sail the boat onto a shoal.  

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