Looking for comments and specific problems with the Legend 37.5 (and probably the 35.5 too, as they are such similar boats.) I have a mid 90's 37.5 under contract and am preparing for the survey. I would appreciate pointers/advice/warnings/anything else on particular problems, concerns and/or things to be aware of in the survey, sea trial, etc. (I have read the reviews and checked archives here on the HOW site.) I now have an older H31 that I am selling. It has been a great boat, but checking out the comments, reviews, etc. on this site really helped me detect some critical problems in the purchase process, and save some $$$ and heartache. Hope you all can come through for me now too. Thanks.
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Jim Ewing
37.5
Hi Don, We bought a '93 37.5 in 1999. Things that we found wrong with Prospect were: a few surface blisters in a couple of areas on the hull. It looked like the gelcoat or resin wasn't uniformly mixed. Had this fixed and no further problems. Rudder. The rudder had cracked and the steel structural webbing had started to rust and this made the rudder crack further. Didn't try a repair got Foss Foam in St. Petersburg to make a new one. Prop. The previous owner had neglected his zincs in a fairly electrically dirty marina. the prop started acting as the zinc. We trashed the prop and put on a new one. Added a galvanic isolator and keep two zincs on the shaft. If you've got A/C and water cooled refrigeration check the pumps out. We ended up having to replace the fridge pump after my rebuilt effort didn't last. Structurally our boat was sound but had some minor gelcoat spider webs. Check for a leak in the anchor well. We had one that I fixed and now the bilge is DRY. Check that the big portlights don't leak. We had to rebed two. Also the mast base (not on our boat) is known to develop leaks. That's about it. We really love the boat. It's fast and comfortable. We've done two trips to the Bahamas and two to the northern Keys and several weekend getaways (in addition to bringing her down from Charleston). If you have any specific questions e-mail me at Prospect@netster.com Jim "Prospect"
Hi Don, We bought a '93 37.5 in 1999. Things that we found wrong with Prospect were: a few surface blisters in a couple of areas on the hull. It looked like the gelcoat or resin wasn't uniformly mixed. Had this fixed and no further problems. Rudder. The rudder had cracked and the steel structural webbing had started to rust and this made the rudder crack further. Didn't try a repair got Foss Foam in St. Petersburg to make a new one. Prop. The previous owner had neglected his zincs in a fairly electrically dirty marina. the prop started acting as the zinc. We trashed the prop and put on a new one. Added a galvanic isolator and keep two zincs on the shaft. If you've got A/C and water cooled refrigeration check the pumps out. We ended up having to replace the fridge pump after my rebuilt effort didn't last. Structurally our boat was sound but had some minor gelcoat spider webs. Check for a leak in the anchor well. We had one that I fixed and now the bilge is DRY. Check that the big portlights don't leak. We had to rebed two. Also the mast base (not on our boat) is known to develop leaks. That's about it. We really love the boat. It's fast and comfortable. We've done two trips to the Bahamas and two to the northern Keys and several weekend getaways (in addition to bringing her down from Charleston). If you have any specific questions e-mail me at Prospect@netster.com Jim "Prospect"
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Ron Cousino
Legend 37,5
Don, I have a 1993 37.5 that I purchased in the fall of 94 the only thing that showed up on my boat during my survey was a deck void near forward hatch (I understand this is common on this model) since then the only problems I have experienced have been a few hull blisters on each haul out (about every 18 to 24 mo's.) and rudder delamination, (repaired in 96 and no further problems) My boat has been a very dry boat with the only exception just recently a very slight leak around the deck mast step. The boat has most normal electronics, plus heat/air, refrigation, ect ect no problems there. Did replace the standard 2-blade with a Jenson 2-blade flex-o-fold (love it!) In summary, I would buy another, I love the boat and agree with the previous response, the boat is very comfortable, and fast and will easily out perform just about anything in her class including a lot of 40 footers. Good Luck! Capt. Ron
Don, I have a 1993 37.5 that I purchased in the fall of 94 the only thing that showed up on my boat during my survey was a deck void near forward hatch (I understand this is common on this model) since then the only problems I have experienced have been a few hull blisters on each haul out (about every 18 to 24 mo's.) and rudder delamination, (repaired in 96 and no further problems) My boat has been a very dry boat with the only exception just recently a very slight leak around the deck mast step. The boat has most normal electronics, plus heat/air, refrigation, ect ect no problems there. Did replace the standard 2-blade with a Jenson 2-blade flex-o-fold (love it!) In summary, I would buy another, I love the boat and agree with the previous response, the boat is very comfortable, and fast and will easily out perform just about anything in her class including a lot of 40 footers. Good Luck! Capt. Ron
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Tim Gabrielse
31 to 37
I also went from a Hunter 31 to a Hunter Legend 37. While a couple years older, I love ( and so does the wife) the 37 VS the 31. The 37.5 will be a huge improvement in speed and comfort. You'll love her. Tim gabrielse
I also went from a Hunter 31 to a Hunter Legend 37. While a couple years older, I love ( and so does the wife) the 37 VS the 31. The 37.5 will be a huge improvement in speed and comfort. You'll love her. Tim gabrielse
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Pat Spino
Legend
Hunter installed aluminum holding tanks in the Legends. These tanks were too small and will eventually leake. Make sure it isn't leaking (COMMON PROBLEM)! Consider replacing with a plastic tank. Check for overhead hatch leaks. Things that may cause headachs: 1) stuck ball valves 2) poor battery access 3) poor access to holding tank overboard dump ball valve. 4) rudder--Hunter rudders are not well made and have a tendence to delaminate. Have your surveyor check it and you should paint it a light color. My bottom is black but I use white on the rudder. 5) Check with water meter on the deck where the furling line enters and exits. 6) Hunter installed a Hood Line Drive furler. It takes some practice and know-how to use it properly. To reef considerable tension must be kept on both lines in order to set the line into the "teeth" of the drum. That technigue will allow reefing in just about all conditions except extreme. 7) Legends are terrific boats--maybe the best Hunter has built. Enjoy the speed and comfort as well as the ease of sailing. Good Luck PS
Hunter installed aluminum holding tanks in the Legends. These tanks were too small and will eventually leake. Make sure it isn't leaking (COMMON PROBLEM)! Consider replacing with a plastic tank. Check for overhead hatch leaks. Things that may cause headachs: 1) stuck ball valves 2) poor battery access 3) poor access to holding tank overboard dump ball valve. 4) rudder--Hunter rudders are not well made and have a tendence to delaminate. Have your surveyor check it and you should paint it a light color. My bottom is black but I use white on the rudder. 5) Check with water meter on the deck where the furling line enters and exits. 6) Hunter installed a Hood Line Drive furler. It takes some practice and know-how to use it properly. To reef considerable tension must be kept on both lines in order to set the line into the "teeth" of the drum. That technigue will allow reefing in just about all conditions except extreme. 7) Legends are terrific boats--maybe the best Hunter has built. Enjoy the speed and comfort as well as the ease of sailing. Good Luck PS
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George Dibble
h37.5
Bought mine new. One of the last to come off the line. Had a choice of going with 37.5 or 37.6. We liked the 37.5 better. Have had no real serious problems. VHF buttons on mike didn't work and toilet developed a pumping problem. Also, hatch cover on port side lazerette cracked when I stepped hard on it. Hunter made all of these good under warranty. I have had the boat out in some pretty nasty weather, performed superbly. winter the boat on the hard so doesn't suffer hard winters. I have been most pleased with all aspects of the boat. Having owned two Catalinas (and others) previously, I I'll stick with Hunter. Bottom line: H37.5 is a great boat.
Bought mine new. One of the last to come off the line. Had a choice of going with 37.5 or 37.6. We liked the 37.5 better. Have had no real serious problems. VHF buttons on mike didn't work and toilet developed a pumping problem. Also, hatch cover on port side lazerette cracked when I stepped hard on it. Hunter made all of these good under warranty. I have had the boat out in some pretty nasty weather, performed superbly. winter the boat on the hard so doesn't suffer hard winters. I have been most pleased with all aspects of the boat. Having owned two Catalinas (and others) previously, I I'll stick with Hunter. Bottom line: H37.5 is a great boat.
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Bill Howitt
Legend 35.5
I bought my Legend 35.5 new in 1993 and it is still a great boat. I recommend it. I pretty much agree with all the other comments about things to look for. I'd recommend upgrading the roller furler to a Furlex (I have one) or a ProFurl. If you buy the boat, do it while you have it hauled and are recommissioning. I'm really partial to the 35.5. I've sailed both and I think the 35.5 is a better performer. Either way, you can't go wrong.
I bought my Legend 35.5 new in 1993 and it is still a great boat. I recommend it. I pretty much agree with all the other comments about things to look for. I'd recommend upgrading the roller furler to a Furlex (I have one) or a ProFurl. If you buy the boat, do it while you have it hauled and are recommissioning. I'm really partial to the 35.5. I've sailed both and I think the 35.5 is a better performer. Either way, you can't go wrong.
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Barrie Mcdonald
Fabalous Legend 37
Hi Don! My wife and I purchased a Hunter Legend 37 in November this year, the boat was Launched in 1988. What a great boat this is. We went from a 29 foot Ericson to this 37 Legend and have no regrets. Plenty of room, great gallery and we love the double island queen size bed in the master state room. As for sailing, its very fast. This boat gets up to 8 knots very easily and we have touched 10 knots in big winds. We must cross the Strait of Georgia to get to either the Canadian Gulf islands or the American San Juan Islands. This boat has cut our crossing times virtually in half. Its great for taking family or friends with two seperate state rooms. You will love your 37.5. Its virtually the same boat with a different interior layout. Enjoy your new boat. Barrie
Hi Don! My wife and I purchased a Hunter Legend 37 in November this year, the boat was Launched in 1988. What a great boat this is. We went from a 29 foot Ericson to this 37 Legend and have no regrets. Plenty of room, great gallery and we love the double island queen size bed in the master state room. As for sailing, its very fast. This boat gets up to 8 knots very easily and we have touched 10 knots in big winds. We must cross the Strait of Georgia to get to either the Canadian Gulf islands or the American San Juan Islands. This boat has cut our crossing times virtually in half. Its great for taking family or friends with two seperate state rooms. You will love your 37.5. Its virtually the same boat with a different interior layout. Enjoy your new boat. Barrie
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Don Wilbert
great boat
I read over most of the other responces, and agree with most of the comments. I have had the 37.5 for 4 seasons. She's fast , but overpowers quickly. I have had small problems, delaminating rudder, crummy Barient winch's, and had to rebuild the lousy hood furler. However, she's the biggest and best 37-38 footer for the buck around. My wife loves the cabin, and I love how she sails......
I read over most of the other responces, and agree with most of the comments. I have had the 37.5 for 4 seasons. She's fast , but overpowers quickly. I have had small problems, delaminating rudder, crummy Barient winch's, and had to rebuild the lousy hood furler. However, she's the biggest and best 37-38 footer for the buck around. My wife loves the cabin, and I love how she sails......
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Randy
35.5 and 37.5
I have owned both boats new. The 37.5 was a 1995 and I think the 35.5 was a 1988. I agree with the others that they are fast and comfortable and the best buy for the buck. The bottom on the 35 was completely redone due to blisters with Hunter sharing the cost. The other big problem was the skylights leaking. Never did solve that. Also, the shaft was prone to knocking in certain sea conditions. Never did solve that completely either. The 37.5 had no major problems, I just got tired of the very small uncomfortable cockpit and the backstays in the middle of the stern rail seats and dealing with the huge main over top of the bimini and dodger. I now have a 2000 420 and while it is much more comfortable, it is apparent some quality corners were cut compared to the 37.5. Good luck with your 37.5. I know the new owner of my 37.5 is very happy.
I have owned both boats new. The 37.5 was a 1995 and I think the 35.5 was a 1988. I agree with the others that they are fast and comfortable and the best buy for the buck. The bottom on the 35 was completely redone due to blisters with Hunter sharing the cost. The other big problem was the skylights leaking. Never did solve that. Also, the shaft was prone to knocking in certain sea conditions. Never did solve that completely either. The 37.5 had no major problems, I just got tired of the very small uncomfortable cockpit and the backstays in the middle of the stern rail seats and dealing with the huge main over top of the bimini and dodger. I now have a 2000 420 and while it is much more comfortable, it is apparent some quality corners were cut compared to the 37.5. Good luck with your 37.5. I know the new owner of my 37.5 is very happy.
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tony g
great boat
have 1993 37.5.bot new.very satisfied for the price.have had to replace cutless brg.in 7th yr.understand this is common problem.also had topside paint probs.initally which was not hunter's fault.apparantly paint mgfr.was the culprit as other boat brands had similar problems.hunter flew a guy in and completly redid the job--no charge.hood furler problem but drum replaced no charge by hood.seems light for extensive offshore.we sail long island,block,buzzards' martha's and nantucket.i'm 62 and ready for a heavier, more sea kindly boat(in a blow).i'd buy it again otherwise.good luck.
have 1993 37.5.bot new.very satisfied for the price.have had to replace cutless brg.in 7th yr.understand this is common problem.also had topside paint probs.initally which was not hunter's fault.apparantly paint mgfr.was the culprit as other boat brands had similar problems.hunter flew a guy in and completly redid the job--no charge.hood furler problem but drum replaced no charge by hood.seems light for extensive offshore.we sail long island,block,buzzards' martha's and nantucket.i'm 62 and ready for a heavier, more sea kindly boat(in a blow).i'd buy it again otherwise.good luck.
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Norm Searle
Hunter 35.5
I purchased my 35.5 new in 1990. I would be hard pressed to find one negative point regarding the boat, its quality, performance, durability, value, etc. Am I sold on the 35.5? You bet! This is my third Hunter, having first purchased a 27 and 34, neither of which would I say the same about. Not that they were bad boats, they just weren't of the same quality as the Legend 35.5. I'm an engineer (electrical)and a detail person, nothing slips by me easily and I believe my comments regarding the 35.5 about as straight forward as I can be regarding, at least, my experiences with my 35.5. Feel free to contact me at tiefmach@execpc.com if I can offer any other input. Good Luck!
I purchased my 35.5 new in 1990. I would be hard pressed to find one negative point regarding the boat, its quality, performance, durability, value, etc. Am I sold on the 35.5? You bet! This is my third Hunter, having first purchased a 27 and 34, neither of which would I say the same about. Not that they were bad boats, they just weren't of the same quality as the Legend 35.5. I'm an engineer (electrical)and a detail person, nothing slips by me easily and I believe my comments regarding the 35.5 about as straight forward as I can be regarding, at least, my experiences with my 35.5. Feel free to contact me at tiefmach@execpc.com if I can offer any other input. Good Luck!
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