Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 35.5 by Alan Orr

Year built 1993  
Location of boat Long Island, NY  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Racing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 5-6  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1993  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? ABSOLUTE, I bought this boat originally to cruise LI Sound and the nearby islands. However, since I've really learned HOW to sail I race my boat every weekend and every Wed. night. This boat turned out to be a wolf in sheeps clothing. We have optimized everything that we could and it has paid huge dividens on the race course. With a PHRF rating of 141 we regularly beat boats that owe us 20 seconds per mile.  
Gear that's been added The upgrade list: Hall Quick Vang, All spectra Halyards, Kevlar loose footed maim w/ max roach, Spectra backstay w/ bacckstay adjuster, 8:1 internal outhaul, aft lead cunningham, line adjustable genoa cars, tracks and cars for blade jib, jumper strut, Lewmar #44 primaries #30 cabin top, Kevlar light#1, med#1, heavy#1, battened blade#3, Ultra light reacher, A kite, (3)3/4oz spinnakers, (1) 1/2oz spinnaker, Max 2 blade feathering prop, and a custom built eliptical fin keel that draws 6'. These upgrades plus learning HOW to sail have earned us numerous trophies and 2 consecutive season chapionships.  
Structural or complex improvements SEE ABOVE  
The boat's best features VERY FAST, comfortable, good looks, easy to sail in all conditions, plenty of room for a full crew.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The Bulb Wing Keel doesn't work!! Since we changed to a fin keel it is a totally different boat.  
Sailing characterisitcs A well mannered easy to handle vessel in all sorts of wind and sea conditions. With the correct combination of sails the boat is easily handeled on any point of sail provded you know what you are doing.  
Motoring characterisitcs 2 Blade feathering prop is a huge advantage over the fixed 2 blade that the boat came with. More power in forward and MUCH MUCH better power in reverse.  
Liveability  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter Marine is always available and has been very willing to help whenever I called. Even with an out of production boat like mine they still are there for parts and advice.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Sailing Specialties in Mystic Conn. Jeff Marshal was a very good experience for me. NO bull and did exactly what he said he would. I still call and talk with Jeff from time to time for his advice.  
Other comments Hunter's in general don't have a good reputation. Howerver, the people who put down Hunters are non owners, they can't come up with any reasons WHY! I love my boat and I can't imagine what I would ever trade her for.  

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