Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Contact us
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter 356 by Steve Korich

Year built 2003  
Location of boat Middle River MD  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
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 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely. We were looking for a boat to daysail with our young boys and stay on for weekends plus 1 to 2 week-long cruises each summer. The previous boat was getting a little small for the growing family. The 356 was perfect for us.  
Gear that's been added Upgraded the house batteries to a pair of 4D gel-cell. Added a chartplotter. Added a dodger to the bimini she came with.  
Structural or complex improvements None.  
The boat's best features The 356 has a great balance of features. The saloon is roomy and bright. The cockpit is comfortable. We have the in-mast furl main which makes solo-sailing simple and easy. The galley has ample room with top-loading ice-boxes. The reverse-cycle heat/AC makes early spring/late fall and mid summer more comfortable and extends the sailing season. The Glenn Henderson design improvements are frequently un-noticed but make the total boat much better. Much better boat than even the Hunters of the mid-90's. Walk-through transome and stern rail seats are very useful. The lazarette is huge and this boat has storage space everywhere.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. These are trival compared to the strong points, but I've found engine access a bit cumbersome, the dining table is too cramped and the windlass has been trouble.  
Sailing characterisitcs We've sailed her for one full season. The helm is very balanced and comfortable in the choppy waves of the northern Chesapeake. Reefing is simple with the in-mast furl main. This boat points much better than our 29.5 and due to the greater weight it takes heavy air and waves far better. Sails are easy to tame. I single-hand sail most of the time and this boat is easy to sail (with a little help from the auto-pilot).  
Motoring characterisitcs The boat handles well. It manuvers very well in reverse which is excellent when it comes time for backing into the slip solo. The Yanmar engine has plenty of power when manuvering, good speed at 3000 RPM and good economy at 2500 RPM.  
Liveability Great - lots of storage space is useful for weekend and week-long trips. Enough space that your not always in someone's way when below. Enough privacy with separate cabins and the head/shower are spacious and well designed.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I have emailed questions directly to Hunter and they have always been prompt and helpful.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Great experience with my broker. Purchased through Tidewater in Havre de Grace. They are professional and worked hard to sell my old boat and find my new one. I asked tons of questions and I always felt I got straight answers.  
Other comments  

Contact
About
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Limited Liability
Advertise Here
Copyright 1997-2024 SB Owners, LLC
All rights reserved.

Other Sailboat Owners web sites:
CatalinaOwners.com | HunterOwners.com | MacgregorOwners.com | OdayOwners.com | SailboatOwners.com | 10,000 Boat Names |