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Review of the Hunter 356 by Jerry Clark

Year built 2003  
Location of boat Kentucky Lake  
The boat is sailed on 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 2003  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely!  
Gear that's been added Complete Raymarine Package - ST60 API/Wind, Speed,Depth 7" Color Radar/GPS/Chartplotter/Sonar 6001 Below decks autopilot with 150G Computer. In Mast Furling 3 blade self feathering prop Northern Lights 5.5 KW Generator Marine Air Refrigerator/Freezer Microwave Propane Oven - extra cylinder and Magma Grill Sharp 20" Aquos LCD TV with full motion KVH G4 Antenna XM Satellite Radio  
Structural or complex improvements Added Bimini, Dodger and Full canvas/strataglas enclosure. Mounted KVH G4 satellite tv antenna on pole on starboard rear for satellite tv.  
The boat's best features Sailing: In-mast furling works great and simplifies sail handling. I single hand most of the time. The 6001 belowdecks autopilot really helps with singlehanding. Boat handles very good in all wind conditions (light to 30 knots) Interior: The layout is exceptionally good on this boat for the size.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I have sailed the boat 225 miles in the first month since commissioned. There have not been any serious problems. Commissioning was outstanding and only minor items have developed that I have fixed myself (tightened nuts and bolts - etc.) Could use additional electrical outlets on starboard side. Air Conditioning controls could be better located near nav station.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sailing has been in very light to heavy winds on Kentucky Lake. Max winds were 30 knots - winds in 15 to 20 knot range during several outings. After about 15 knots, reefing is needed to eliminate excessive heeling. Boat sails well on all points of sail. Will sail up to 30 degrees apparant wind. Speeds under sail are typically about 55 to 60 percent of true wind speed while reaching and beating. Running is slightly slower. I am extremely pleased with the boat's performance.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motoring has been very quiet. The boat handles very well with good response to throttle movements. Fuel consumption is outstanding. Based on Yanmar specific fuel numbers, at 1800 rpm with the non-standard 3 bladed feathering prop, we can achieve 4.4 knots which gets 14.7 NMPG with a max range of 557 NM. At 2500 RPM, speed is 6 knots,9.3 NMPG with range of 347 NM. Max speed at 3400 RPM is 7.3 knots with 5.2 NMPG and range of 198 NM.  
Liveability We have spent 4 weekends on the boat since commissioning in variable weather from cool (low 50's at night to hot 90's during day. On board AC is fabulous. This boat is extremely liveable.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No dealings with Hunter direct.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We traded our 1998 260 for this boat at Lighthouse Landing in Grand Rivers, KY. They are an A1 outfit and work very hard to take all the warts off the boat before the initial sail. They just can't be beat!  
Other comments This is a great boat for the size and price and we expect to use it for a long time.  

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