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Review of the Hunter 35.5 by Paul Nilsen

Year built 1991  
Location of boat Canada  
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 2011  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? if I could turn the clock back I would be rich  
Gear that's been added new lifelines, hydronic heat, radar, plotter, cockpit cushions  
Structural or complex improvements heat was prof installed 35 hrs  
The boat's best features the admiral says; the huge galley, the sink faces the salon so she can talk to guests, the companionway is short, the scoop stern is easy to load dogs,groceries, the skylights, the dodger. Also the heat and tv for the chef duty. The helms boy likes the rig, the large owner berth, fair size cockpit lockers considering rear cabin size, excellent value for size, a good starter big boat price point. As nice as the 34 it replaced but with the more modern stern detail.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The boom is far back and a little low which is fine for racing but it is a little close for stern rail seats, not like a 340. Even the 34 boom is farther forward from the cockpit. The front furler in the anchor locker keeps the foresail low to the deck, good for racing but not as efficient with a dinghy on the foredeck and a large gen. The front v berth is short, not for 6 ft plus unless you are fetal. The ''couch'' is quite narrow towards the bow. The chart table makes a great spot for another fridge below. The hull rib by the settee sole trips every new guest. The stern stantions at the walkthrough can be loose as they are a single mount not double like some newer Hunters. The other posts sum up the rest.  
Sailing characterisitcs original sails still holding up but posts rave about the power of a new battened main so I will report after the switch. Has a 36 in wheel stock I would suggest a folding unit up to 42 will fit.  
Motoring characterisitcs fine diesel 3gm30 had low hrs but rumoured to get 5000 hrs duty cycle. Came with a three blade prop 16x13 bit of overbite but 2500rpm is a sweet spot for smoothness.Backs up well don't oversteer.  
Liveability Able to keep the admiral happy with comforts but wish list for her includes, backsplash at sink ala new hunters, Corian ala new hunters, headboard in rear cabin to ward off cold hull. Stern h/c shower a must with dogs and sand and kids and gear.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) used boat  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any brokerage had listing, would have preferred to have broker not represent both seller and me but good salesman regardless, engaged the admiral in the experience very well. Established trades for boat work required and older established brokerage too.  
Other comments It still has original ext wood cabin trims and looks classic.  

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