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Review of the Hunter 35.5 by Bill

Year built 1993  
Location of boat Panama City FL  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? Yes  
Owner bought the boat in 2005  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, It is a blast to sail & is comfortable for a one person live aboard.  
Gear that's been added Mostly just replaced & updated old stuff  
Structural or complex improvements Not really. had to redo some less that satisfactory repairs from previous owner.  
The boat's best features Sailing & handling. fast under sail (fun!) & handles very predictably under power. Almost no prop walk, backs MUCH that my old 1984 H31. I single hand almost exclusively & sail up to 50 days or more each year. Very easy to do,even the asymetrical chute is easy with the sock.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Plumbing from the head to the holding tank has a low point in the middle that eventually clogs up in salt water leading to replacing the hose. This is a bear of a job. Also battery access is almost impossible in the stock boat.  
Sailing characterisitcs Boat will out point a lot of other boats & is very fast for a cruiser. About the only thing of similar size that catches me is a J-boat. I have sailed off from all manner of 34-36 footers. I don't have any complaints downwind but 6 out of 10 times I will fly my chute. Reefing normally is required at about 15 kts apparent however I recently replace my mainsail & while the boat is just as fast if not faster, she also stays on her feet better. I recently was closed hauled doing 7 to 7.3 kts with my instrument showing 18-20 kts apparent and she was perfectly under control.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors well. 6.5 kts at 2800 rpm with a clean bottom. backs very well  
Liveability I have lived aboard for 4 years & loved every minute of it. I promised not to make a condo out of her & stayed true to that promise. There is storage room for almost everything so that when I want to go sailing, I can usually throw what ever is out into the sink & go.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No experience  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any This was my second boat from Turner Marine in Mobile. They are a first class straight up operation & I wouldn't hesitate to do business with them again.  
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