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Review of the Hunter 35.5 by Bill Howitt

Year built 1993  
Location of boat Seward, Alaska  
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 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1993  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? I'd definitely buy the boat again. It is a great cruiser/racer. It sails very well in the conditions we have in Resurrection Bay, Prince William Sound, and Kenai Fjords. It goes great in the open ocean conditions of the Gulf of Alaska too and can take big sea conditions.  
Gear that's been added I've added Sails: a Shore half oz Tri-Radial Spinnaker, a Shore Kevlar Blade, A Shore Mylar No. 1. and a North "Tru-Max Gennaker"I've added an adjustable backstay and Autohelm ST-50 Wind, and Multi Function instruments. Also added GPS with chart functions.I added heaters! (A must for Alaska) I have an Ardic 49D Diesel fired forced air and a Red Dot that utilizes engine coolant heat.I replaced the Hood roller furler with a Furlex with removable drum for racing.  
Structural or complex improvements No structural or complex improvements.  
The boat's best features The best feature is the overall sailing performance in a wide range of conditions. I am consistantly faster both upwind and downwind than Catalina's up to 42 feet.The second best feature is the use of interior space and the great woodwork. The quality of the interior teak on my boat is first rate. I get complements on it all the time.The boat looks great. We only have 3 Hunter's in the harbor at Seward in contrast to dozens of Beneteau's and Catalina's. People stop by to ask about the boat all the time.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Access to parts for repairs is terrible! I have had to do work on the sewage system and on the battery charger. Both are buggers to get to.  
Sailing characterisitcs Initially I had trouble balancing the boat in 15 to 20 knots apparent. This was a matter of learning and the addition of the backstay adjuster helped a lot. The secret is get the foresail right first, then trim the main. I start dialing in backstay at about 17 knots of wind.She goes like a bat under spinnaker! 12 knots apparent downwind will drive my boad speed to 7.5 knots!  
Motoring characterisitcs I installed a Gori folding prop and have an excessive amount of vibration at certain engine speeds. But, at 2800 rpm, I can motor at 6.5 knots all day long.  
Liveability Liveability is great for 3 on board, a little tight with 4, and too tight for week long trips with 5. There just isn't enough storage, so you are always moving stuff to make up bunks. The galley is great. Eating arrangements are great. I like the CNG fuel.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Once I got a regular person to deal with, I've had very good experiences dealing with Hunter.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any My dealer was Sailboats Northwest in Seattle. They are out of business now, but I had a good experience with them both during the sale and afterwards while the boat was still in Seattle.  
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