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Review of the Hunter Vision-36 by Bill Hufstader

Year built 1991  
Location of boat 3 mile Harbor, Long Island, NY  
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?  
Owner bought the boat in 1993  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Without hesitation. I cannot find a better boat under 42 feet which offers as many ammenities or is as spacious. Its a quick performer and a comfortable summer livaboard even with 2 kids and pets.  
Gear that's been added I have added many  
Structural or complex improvements I have modified the anchor roller to accept a Delta anchor and have found a clever way of stowing the original danforth in the battery lazarette by drilling a hole to allow the stock to go through. Watch out for the head tank.I glassed in a 1 1/2  
The boat's best features Lively response off the wind. Comfortable and expansive accomdations below. Better than most joinery and cabinetry. Extensive use of wood below deck and very little above. The longer you live with this boat, the more you realize, in the details, someone really sat down and spent some time designing this one. Its really to bad that it was, apparently, too much ahead of its time to be truly appreciated and accepted.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Traveler thru-bolts are forever. Forget removing the deck cover or adding a factory end-cap traveler block upgrade.(My) boat came with a starboard list.Maybe it was the original commissioning, but my boat had a reversed gearshift; forward was reverse, back was forward. I revised the transmission mount before I discoverd that the shift itself can be reversed with a minor change.The orginal Norcold refrigeration was useless. I am very happy with the AB ColdMachine upgrade.I had to cut an access panel to service the strainer on the water pump.I personally don't think an icebox should drain into the bilge. I connected my icebox drain to the saltwater sink foot pump which I never used for washing anyway (but could reattach in a pinch.)I would prefer a remote pump and strainer for the shower sump which would pump the shower (nearly) dry and would foul the strainer before the pump.The engine water intake is too small and does not have a strainer. I periodically have to pump out the seacock to clear it.I would have preferred separate throttle and gear shift controls; especially in an emergency when the engine is cold; the single control tends to stall before engaging. The fuel vent is below the filler cap height and pretty much guarantees a lecture from the harbormaster after each fill. I use a plastic bottle to catch the overflow now.  
Sailing characterisitcs The flexible free-standing mast does a decent job of spilling gusts. When the boat is balanced, you can walk away from the wheel. The boat handles well under power and backs straight and responsivly. Even with the lazyjacks, dropping the sails in a breeze or a seaway can be a chore.  
Motoring characterisitcs Around Long Island, you have to watch for grass in the intake.The boat turns on a dime.  
Liveability Excellent short-term living-aboard. The spaciousness is at the cost of extensive storage area. Good ventilation and hatches.Tankage is adequate for weekending  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Factory is always helpful and courteous. I have been connected to people who are knowledgeable about my model and year.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Boat was brokered through Sailing Specialties. All the folks there are thorough, conscientious and honorable. Highly recommend them.  
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