Hunter Legend 35 (1987)

[ArkadiyS]

We have not considered Hunters in the past, but were intrigued by Hunter Legend 35 that seems to have very nice interior, and decent write-up (BoatUS). Would like to hear opinions on this boat, and anything specific that we should be looking for/at when we see her. Thanks!

 

[Coddiwomple]

WE just recently bought a Hunter 40 Legend 1986. We love it. Quality and spacious. sails fast.

 

[Steverhnm]

I have a 1990, 35.5, really enjoy it. Not sure when the put the Wing Keel on. Points well, never need more than a 110 Jib, It's fast in my opinion, downwind it's a little squishy because of the wing keel. However, when plowing through seas, there is no doubt the wing helps keep the boat from bouncing around. The interior is roomy, lots of storage space. The aft birth is good size but no headroom. You get the headroom starting in a 40, but then that is a whole 'nother beast... Engine access is acceptable, but not great. Love the large head and separate shower, really makes a difference for us big guys. Plenty of room and storage in the aft section. have 6 golf cart batteries, 26 gallong holding take just on the other side of the aft berth. And oh, my favorite, lots of storage.... I know I said that twice... I like that feature because I like having spare parts...

 

[tjar]

I have a 1993 35.5 as well. Essentially the same boat as the 35. I echo Steve's comments. The boat is fast and handles well. Lots of headroom in the main cabin, but I do bump my head often in the aft cabin and on the forward cabin door header. I only have two 12-volt batteries (on my to-do list) and they seem to be adequate for a couple of nights at anchor. The original holding tank should have been replaced. If not, do it ASAP!
I too had not considered buying a Hunter; had my heart set on a Catalina 34. But when our broker showed us one and pointed out that it didn't have a B&R rig, my wife and I were sold. We haven't regretted the decision at all.

 

[Phil Herring]

The 35/35.5 are great boats. Lots of happy owners in the world. As tjar says, check the holding tank. If it's the original aluminum it will need to be replaced and that's a project.

 

[ArkadiyS]

What is the difference between 35 and 35.5? Most reviews show them side-by-side? Thanks for the feedback. This particular boat still has the original "sunken-in" furler. Should this be one of the first items on the replacement list?

 

[ArkadiyS]

TJAR, we sail Cat 30 TRBS, and were looking for more of a performance boat (Tartan 34-2, Ericson 34-2, Cal 33, etc), but were not willing to sacrifice all of the space/comfort and storage... We cannot fit Cat 36 into our marina (LOA cannot be more than 36', strictly applied), so Hunter became the natural default....

 

[tjar]

The Hunter 35 originally came with a full keel. I think later models were available with the optional bulb keel. With the 35.5, the bulb is the only configuration available, and I think they made some minor changes to the aft cabin. But the hull, decks and performance are identical.
Yes, the 35.5 does have the sunken furler. I understand that Hunter did this to get the jib/jenny closer to the deck to carry more sail area and improve performance. It's one of the reasons the boats are so fast. I haven't had any problems with it being below the deck. You can access it from the anchor locker. Some people just don't like Hood furlers and want to replace them for that reason. The only issue that I've had is trying to get the drum opened to replace the furling line. There is a stainless steel shroud covering the drum and corrosion has welded it to the aluminum shaft. But, that could be a problem on one above deck too.

 

[ArkadiyS]

We are planning on seeing the boat this Sunday. Will keep you posted, and will probably have more questions for the group. Thanks for all of the responses and feedback!

 

[ArkadiyS]

Are Hunter 35s tender? How do they perform in big(ger) wind (above 20kts?

 

[Steverhnm]

I've, sailed mine in 15 to 25 knots of wind on the sea of cortez, did an 11 hour crossing which is 75-80 nautical miles and the boat was awesome. Averaging 7 and up to 8 knots. Like a rocket sled. Epic sail. Love this boat.

 

[ArkadiyS]

I've, sailed mine in 15 to 25 knots of wind on the sea of cortez, did an 11 hour crossing which is 75-80 nautical miles and the boat was awesome. Averaging 7 and up to 8 knots. Like a rocket sled. Epic sail. Love this boat.

Steven, what sails do you fly in these conditions? What sails do you have on regularly?

 

[Steverhnm]

Well, i have a new, full batten, main which is a beast to manage, crispy sails are great for sailing, they are a challenge to manage. Feels like wrestling an octopus trying to get it down. I see lazy jacks in my future.

I have the original Hood 810 furler and what I think is a 100, maybe a 110. With that furler its either in or out in high winds. When i first got the boat my first thought was a bigger jib but the PO said he sailed to LaPaz (175 Miles) all the time and it was plenty. I am agreeing with him at this point. The boat won't point without the jib. Seems like the combination is just right to make the main the powerhouse it should be, it's big. I actually had to put in the first reef at one point on that trip. Seas were rolling 1-2 feet with a wide period and the point of sail varied from beam reach to close reach, same tack, the whole way. I am usually a lake sailor on a 26 foot Clipper Marine sailboat, so that was a treat.

I have an asymmetrical and spinnaker, but have not flown them yet on the Hunter.

 

[ArkadiyS]

Done...we bought 1987 Hunter Legend 35, and will be spending next weekend (assuming that Matthew stays away) getting her home to CT (long Island Sound). Looking for info on the interior woodwork. It seems that most of the brightwork inside has a varnish coating..is that correct?

 

[tjar]

Congratulations! I'm sure you will enjoy it.
My 35.5 woodwork is not varnished. I just apply a coat of teak oil once a year and it looks great.

 

[Steverhnm]

Same here, teak oil only. Anybody know what the cabin sole is finished with? Damaged mine and need to refinish part of it. Never try to pull the SS handhold near the sink when on stands. The compression of the keel makes it tough to remove. Not sure what the heck i was thinking but I'll never do that again....

 

[nfg2u]

6 Coats of Epifanes High Gloss and 1 coat of Epifanes Rubbed Effect is what I used to refinish the sole on my 1990 35.5.

 

[IvanRBS]

Congrats. I have an 88 Legend. Yes she is tender but you will be anchored and BBQing before the rest of the gang arrives. The 110 is OK for upwind, I use a 130 on regular basis. She demands attention in large following seas. Typical prop hum over 7 knots. I am 6' an have learned when to duck. Wife loves the bright salon. Hunter changed the galley layout in 89.