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Review of the Hunter 35.5 by Leo Vortouni

Year built 1992  
Location of boat Los Alamitos, CA  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1995  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, although I lusted for a 37.5, but it was a little out of my price range,  
Gear that's been added A Furuno M-821 Radar on a stern mounted post, which also has a lifting block arrangement for my outboard. A set of Ocean Marine Davits for my Avon inflatable. A Village Marine fresh water maker. A dripless PYI shaft seal. A Garhauer solid vang. A Flex-O-Fold prop. An electric anchor windlass.  
Structural or complex improvements Have moved the two batteries to the starboard cockpit locker and added a third starter battery as they could not be serviced from the stern "hell hole" they were in.  
The boat's best features Great looks, inside space, engine reliability, good handling.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The two line roller reefing. Got an upgrade to a single line reefer. Trying to remove or replace the boom cover when the dodger is in place (which is most of the time). Raising the main the last couple of feet. It really needs an electric winch (which I think the newer boats have). The forward hatch (over the V bunk) is prone to leak in heavy seas. The gasget arrangement is not the greatest (although Hunter has given me replacement gaskets).  
Sailing characterisitcs It points reasonably well. The asymetrical spinnaker works well. It has handled winds of 40 knots with a second reef quite well. I purchased a 150% genoa, but find I use the original jib almost as well.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors at 3300 rpm at 7.5 knots. Cruises at about 2800 rpm at 6.5 knots. The Autohelm works fine.  
Liveability It is great for an extended weekend or a week of coastal cruising for one couple or even two.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Bought the boat from a Hunter dealership and the have always been very helpful with any thing I've asked. Also, Hunter factory (or headquarters) in Florida has also been very responsive.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any See previous box.  
Other comments All my friends envy me for having such a nice looking boat!  

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