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Review of the Hunter 356 by Gary Grant

Year built 2002  
Location of boat Sodus Point, NY  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. We traded a 2001 320 after we were able to get on board the 356 at a Hunter Rendezvous. Although we have not yet taken the big trip, we are certain that it will perform as we need it to. My wife who is extremely prone to motion sickness has not had a bad experience on this boat.  
Gear that's been added It came with ST60 instruments though I added the wind instrument. The equipment list includes a Sony CD player with speakers on the arch, autopilot, and refrigeration. I have added a second house battery. I also had the hull barrier coated and a multi-year bottom paint applied over that.  
Structural or complex improvements No.  
The boat's best features The volume of the boat is extraordinary, yet it remains a good performer. We have in-mast furling so sail handling is very easy. The divided head provides plenty of room even for this 6'5" 300 pounder.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Water leaks into the companionway through the boards. Because of the angle of the companionway, the bevel of the boards lies nearly horizontal. Water moves through in enough volume to soak clothes stored in the aft berth locker above the engine. In addition, the wooden bottom board was split at the junctions of its three boards. This was repaired with epoxy at commissioning. Now the board is warping away from the backing slat. The companionway channel retains water at the bottom because it slants away from the two weep holes meant to provide drainage. The MSD was defective (a broken hose fitting) and was replaced. The Sony receiver would not get radio reception with the battery charger on. The charger was changed with only some improvement. A diode has been ordered. The main breaker snaps off at 20 amps instead of 30 amps. A new one is on order. The hose fitting on the cockpit shower mixer was crossthreaded and leaked. The unit will be replaced. The latch o-ring allows water through the latch into the rear lazerette. All of these problems were successfully addressed or are being addressed by my dealer. The only question that Hunter needs to solve at this point is the companionway problem.  
Sailing characterisitcs On a beam reach in 16-20 kts, we got 7.5+ kts on the GPS. In lighter air, she continued to move well. We have not had a lot of opportunity to sail her at this point.  
Motoring characterisitcs The Yanmar is adequate to drive the boat. Again, we have not had enough experience with the boat to judge in any definitive way.  
Liveability The strong point for us after moving from the 320. The additional volume, the size of the shower/head, and the aft berth size give us a sense that we can be comfortable in extended cruising situations. The storage space is tremendous with all sorts of nooks and crannies and the little touches like plastic bilge storage bins. A real wet locker and the apartment size cockpit locker are great assets.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I only called to register the barrier coat in order to keep the hull warranty intact. The contact was pleasant, professional and inviting.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any The dealer, RCR Yachts maintains a presence at the marina where I am located. All of the brokers have made an effort to get to know me and to make my experience a satisfying one. The commissioning department is excellent. I have been encoujraged to call anytime a problem is discovered or a question occurs to me. I have done so and each time have felt valued and listened to. Despite a heavy spring commissioning schedule, the responses has been positive and timely.  
Other comments Everyone who sees this boat marvels at its size and quality for the money.  

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