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Review of the Hunter 35.5 by Mark Roozendaal

Year built 1989  
Location of boat Victoria, BC  
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? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, I would buy this boat again. Our main reason to purchae this model was its ease to sell. We want to head offshore in a few years so our current boat needed to be easy to unload. The accomodations are very spacious so it was an easy sell to the wife.  
Gear that's been added The main has been fully battened to increase performance and ease handling.  
Structural or complex improvements  
The boat's best features The 35.5 is a good compromise for a cruising boat. It has lots of room downstairs with all rooms reasonably sized. Hunter was able to do this without taking too much away from the lines or the sailing performance. Great head!  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The holding tank is undersized for the boat. At only about 11 gals it fills up pretty fast. The vent in the cockpit is downright stupid.  
Sailing characterisitcs For a crusing boat the sailing is acceptable... I do a lot of racing so I'm probably a bit biased. The mainsheet / traveller is on the cabin top so it is nicely out of the way but, combined with a soft rig, lacks the power necessary to trim the main properly. The shrouds are far outboard and so push the jib tracks fairly far out as well. The wide sheeting angle makes for great reaching but poor pointing ability. The stock 36" wheel isn't quite big enough to sit comfortably on the high side and steer. A 48" wheel will fit and this would be great upgrade.  
Motoring characterisitcs We've upgraded to a Campbell Sailor prop. It motors very well both forwards and in reverse but still has minimal drag while under sail.  
Liveability Excellent. Lots of room, lots of light, and nicely laid out space.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We purchased our boat from Specialty Yachts in Vancouver. The purchase was not a good experience. I had to be continually on the broker to get his action items completed in time for the closing date. As well, soon after I took possession of the boat I discovered *major* engine problems that had been missed during the mechanical inspection performed by Stem to Stern Marine. I found that the engine had been hydrauliced pretty badly and severly overheated in its history. I'm lighter by many thousands of dollars now. Buyer beware is definitely the rules of the road but I wonder why the broker, previous owner, and especially mechanical surveyor didn't notice or mention anything...  
Other comments  

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