H35.5 Vs H340

Les · Oct 27, 2010

Man oh man, do you have a difficult choice. I had a Hunter 35.5 for six years and then moved up to a Hunter 380 (same style as the 340 you're looking at). The 35.5 is a terrific sailor--very fast and responsive. It was designed by the Hunter designed team (large group) and I think they did a great job. I won boat of the year in racing with the 35.5 and we did some cruising in it. We only cruised the 380 for nine years.

But the 340, 360, 380 and 420 were all designed by Greg Hendersen who had a reputation for designing racing boats. He made the hulls a little wider with a longer water line length. But I think you are correct, the interiors were a little more plush. Our 380 also had a door to the fore peak and a folding window in the bulkhead. That was nice! Also the Henderson designed boats tended to have good access to thru hull fittings and the engine. The best part of the 3X0s were the arches. I really fell in love with the fiberglass arch on my 380. I even liked the stainless steel arches. Makes a load of sense. I am sorry that my latest Hunter (H27) doesn't have the arch. But the 27 is an entry level boat mostly for day sailing so I suspect they left the arch off for cost reasons.

So you have some tough decisions before you. As I see it.... Do they both cost the same? Even so, the 340 will cost you less in insurance because it is newer. If you want to race go for the 35.5--it has a terrific reputation. If either boat has a roller furling main, I would tend to lean toward it. That was another innovation that I came to like very much. I have it on my present boat. The 340, if I remember correctly has a bigger head and shower system. That would also influence me--comfort is my middle name. If I remember correctly the 35.5 came with NPG gas while the 340 came with propane. I'd opt for propane as NPG gas is getting hard to find.

Either boat is a good choice. Both are well made and both would have a good resale value.

I forgot to add that the 35.5 had the beginnings of the B and R rig but it has a backstay. The 340 has a true B and R rig and no backstay.....if my memory serves me correctly.

I wish you well. Have fun deciding.

Les

petersea · Oct 27, 2010

H35.5 Vs H340 Vs H37.5
OK here is my take on this.....The 340 is newer then the other models and also the smallest of them. The 35.5 and 37.5 are similar except in size. You are kind of all over the place here with making a fair comparison. I think you have answered your question when you talk about the roller main and larger cockpit in the 340. The 340 being newer will have more creature comforts and as we get older that is important ! ! Unless you have to have the "bigger" boat due to size go with the 340. (this assumes all are in decent shape and don't need any major items replaced like engine or sails unless reflected in the price difference) All three have hull speeds within 1/2 a knot of each other. Since racing is not a consideration I still think the 340 is the way to go, I say this based on my past ownership of a 336 that is very similar to the 340. Good Luck !

Steve Dion · Oct 27, 2010

Les:

The B&R rigs actually started with the 1983-1987 Hunters (after the Cherubini designed Hunters). Our 1985 had a B&R Rig with the back stay.

...and Glenn Henderson was the start of some new at Hunter.

http://www.sailtimechannelislands.c...nderson-and-the-renaissance-of-hunter-marine/

Alan · Oct 28, 2010

Steve is correct about the B&R lineage. None of the Legend Series boats came with a B&R rig. They had the standard fractional rig with slightly swept spreaders. B&R rigs come in both fractional and masthead versions with and without a backstay. Their distinguishing characteristic is the use of diagonals and heavily swept spreaders.

H35.5 Vs H340

shavdog

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Les

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petersea

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Steve Dion

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Alan

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shavdog

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