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Review of the Hunter 35.5 by Sean

Year built 1990  
Location of boat Southern Maryland  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? Yes  
Owner bought the boat in 2006  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? “Somewhere” has been one of the greatest bargains I have ever come across. However, I have learned more about plumbing, Compressed natural gas, propane, diesels, hot water heater/heat exchangers. Going green and AC/DC systems. Considering we went for a budget boat on a small budget, yes; I absolutely would buy this model boat again. The same exact boat, probably not considering it is a beat up charter boat.  
Gear that's been added Funny Question.  
Structural or complex improvements When the survey was completed, it was about 35 degrees and raining. This complicated things to say the least. We were unable to determine what the true state of the forward deck was. At the time it seemed solid. After spending the winter living on the boat, I noticed several hair line cracks around joints or general curves. Through the course of the winter weeks, these cracks on the deck opened up into crevasses around the forward hatch. I sealed them with a putty but the damage was done. The entire forward deck is now crunchy. The interior of the boat can be easily described as trashed. I spent the winter living on it with my wife and cat sonar. By the end of the winter the interior was in good condition. I will need to refit all top hatches. They don’t close the way the should. The hull looks like something out of Mad Max or some post apocalyptic world. I know that some of the rudder is missing and that blisters exist. I’m going to spend the month of August working on this. The nice thing about the ugly hull is that I can it whatever I want and not care about a little mark.  
The boat's best features I spent several years racing performance boats all over the country. Considering the boat weighs in at 13,000lbs, it screams. It also handles rough water very well. I don’t bother going out unless it is a small craft warning. I just lost a head sail on the way up the Chesapeake bay. 10 to 14 foot waves with gust to 33. AWESOME. The layout for the size gives you ample room. I love the shower up on deck. I think I embarrass my wife at the marina though! The “afterberth” gives us plenty of sleeping/storage room.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Overall the boat is reasonably well designed. The problems that are popping up are because of age. I do have a few gripes. The batteries are a huge pain in the ass. My shoulders are wider that the hole to get into to deal with the batteries. That was just poor planning on their part. I had my female coworker inside the compartment, upside down working on the batteries for me. I got STUCK for several minutes. My I think I’m about medium size and I had serious issues. The other problem I have with the boat is the lack up raw lumber in places that are susceptible to water. They should have used a treated lumber. It also seems that main systems are hard to find. Everything is hidden to make it look pretty. This has made working on things a total nightmare. Heed my warning !!!!!Nightmarish!!!!!!!!!  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat is squirrelly down wind and tends to experience uncontrolled jibes. Other than that, it is a dream to sail and will scream like a raped ape upwind.  
Motoring characterisitcs Cruses well at about 5knts. The boat hates reveres and has almost no backing power. Backing into the slip can be a little tricky but we haven’t embarrassed ourselves yet.  
Liveability We live on it and our relationship has improved. I think that says a lot. The boat has two very comfortable sleeping compartment and doors to separate spouses if required. The boat is very comfortable for two people. Heating in the winter requires 3 space heaters. Today is 100 degrees and the boat stays cool with only 5,000 btus of AC. I have sailed it for several days with 5-7 people on board. It was very comfortable. This is a fine boat to call home.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) nope.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!! ASK for Tim Wibright at Annapolis Yacht Sales. Any little question was answered. He called or e-mailed within the hour and helped us get a loan. The surveyor was also outstanding and spent the day with me. Tarin Kelsey:410:353:3822  
Other comments I like to describe the boat as an old pole dancer. A little decrepit but still a whole lot of fun.  

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