Hunter 35.5

[FLWestCoast]

Hello:
I am looking exclusively at 1989-1995 Hunter 35.5 because I like the size, layout and features. However, I have no experience with them other than to walk through the few that are for sale near me.
If you have owned a 35.5 please let me know if you liked it, what you liked about it, what you didn't like about it, and if you are aware of any common issues with the 1989-1995 35.5s.

Thank you in advance for your time.

 

[David in Sandusky]

There are 59 owner reviews of the Hunter 35.5 here:

Hunter Owner Reviews

Hunter Owner Reviews

hunter.sailboatowners.com

 

[24jmanley]

We actually own hull#1 of the 35.5s. We have had her since 2016 and have put over 4k nm under her keel cruising the W coast of Florida and the keys.
Pros:
She turns on a dime almost 180 within her own length. Easy docking especially backing her into a slip.
4.5 foot draft is helpful in skinny water.
Nice size for 2-4 people with 2 being best. Plenty of space for me and my wife for extended time aboard.
She is plenty fast in light air.
I single hand her with no problem. All the lines run to the cockpit.
Love the step-through transom at anchor and in the slip. This is a big deal for us both dinghy and slip ease.
Diesel is pretty accessible.
Hunter Owners is REALLY helpful making it easy to get the right parts. Over the top customer service.
Handheld shower on the scoop is a nice feature.


Cons:
She is “corky” in big seas more so than other boats her size. We’ve been beaten up a lot.
Battery placement completely inaccessible. We moved them to the lazarette.
The stove. We have a place to fill the bottles locally but forget about refilling while out. But the bottles do last a long time and are filled for like $2.
Sleeping while underway can be challenging especially heeling to Port. Forget about the v berth. The aft cabin gets hot with the motor running. Salon is too small to sleep.
Fuel tank is small but we carry 25 gal in cans under the scoop for extended range. She burns 1/2 to 2/3 gal per hour at 2500rpm depending on conditions.

My conclusion:
The maneuverability is awesome in and out of port. The step through transom is nice, adequate space for a 2 for long cruises and she single hands easily. But you will get the shiz kicked out of you in rough, confused seas.