Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 35.5 by Mark Tempelmeyer

Year built 1989  
Location of boat Austin Texas  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1995  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, we've really enjoyed every aspect of this boat.  
Gear that's been added - Cunningham control- New Sails- TV with integral VCR to keep kids entertained  
Structural or complex improvements - Central A/C and Heat, one compressor, two handlers  
The boat's best features This is one fine sailing boat, and I have been happiest with the sailing characteristics of the boat.Besides that, the cabin layout is very rational and comfortable. By rational, I mean that everything is appropriately sized ... the table can really sit six people ... you can really change your clothes in the head ... two people can really sleep in the v-berth  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The waste system is underdesigned. There is backflow from the holding tank into the head if the joker valve is worn at all, the holding tank is too thin and prone to rupture, and the holding tank vents at the aft end of the cockpit, meaning that the cockpit occupants get odor when the head is pumped.Also, I wish that the icebox and shower drained through a seacock rather than into the bilge.Continuous line Hood roller furler is cumbersome to use and hangs up regularly.  
Sailing characterisitcs Exhilerating!Fast, noticeable acceleration in a puff or out of a tack.A little tender, but reasonably neutral helm as the boat heels. Easy to handle and forgiving.  
Motoring characterisitcs Goes forward and backward well, backs straight.  
Liveability Very livable, although my wife prefers Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas morning at home.Lots of 35.5 owners live aboard ... we're very comfortable for a week at a time.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Excellent ... I spent some time deciding between this boat and a new 336, and Hunters support staff helped me with facts on both boats without trying to sell a new boat. That seems unnatural, and was very nice.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any No comment, but if you are shopping in Austin, please contact me and I'll clue you in on the broker scene here.  
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