Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Contact us
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter 35.5 by Michael Pothier

Year built 1990  
Location of boat Elliot, ME  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2003  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, It was a great value. But I would keep in mind that this is not a blue water cruiser by any strech of the imagination. It is a great boat for it's intended use as a coastal cruiser. I've yet to take it out in more than 25 knot winds and large seas.  
Gear that's been added Added a Standard Horizon 170C GPS chartplotter at the steering pedistal.  
Structural or complex improvements Previous owner changed waste holding tank to plastic. changed CNG gas to propane system. Added JRC radar on stern mast with Screen mounted at steering pedistal.  
The boat's best features Living amenities are obviously very comfortable. A pleasant surprise was the light air performance of this boat. For a 6.5 ton displacement, it accelerates well, and moves along quite nicely in as little as 5 knots of breeze! It make the most of very little wind and yet does not seem to sacrifice stability and balance in heavy winds and gusts.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I definitely do not like the non-skid pattern molded into the deck. It is much too slippery for my liking whether I wear sneakers or deck shoes, and could possibly be dangerous. I find the dielsel engine noisey with too much vibration, but I wouldn't really expect too much in a boat in this price range.  
Sailing characterisitcs As I stated, it is great in light winds, and very fast in moderate winds, and stabil in heavy winds. This boat is much faster than I expected it to be. It easily does 7-7.5 knots, and I have seen some 7.8-8.0 speeds (thru the water, not speed over ground) Very well balanced under all conditions. It is my first fin/wing/bulb keel and I find it doesn't track as straight as I'm used to, but that is just a matter of getting used to it.  
Motoring characterisitcs Noisey, but motors well at good speed, and turns beautifully. Lots of freeboard makes her sensitive to the wind.  
Liveability Very comfortable, adequate storage. large head with shower make those long cruises more tolerable. Lacking large storage locker for spare sails and trash bags ETC.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) N/A  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Private sail  
Other comments Overall I am pleased with the boat.  

Contact
About
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Limited Liability
Advertise Here
Copyright 1997-2024 SB Owners, LLC
All rights reserved.

Other Sailboat Owners web sites:
CatalinaOwners.com | HunterOwners.com | MacgregorOwners.com | OdayOwners.com | SailboatOwners.com | 10,000 Boat Names |