35 Comments
It was not apparent in your original message if you had seen the owner reviews or not. So often in this forum people ask for information without mentioning which other resources they have checked. Since it seems like you're looking at a 35 and not a 35.5, I can provide some input. We've had our '88 Hunter 35 since new. we chose a new boat because I don't have time to fix problems with a used boat. If I had to do it over again I'd really consider a used boat more strongly but this takes a lot of time too. The 35 is basically a very pratical boat and a really good value for the money. Both the deck and interior layout leaves little to be desired. The 35.5 has a nicer galley/nav sta/head layout but the 35 has a centerline aft berth with a large lazerette. The tradeoff in the last item is the clearance between the matress and the underside of the cocpit, it's minimal but do-able. Currently we are using the V-berth which we started using last year. There are no major problem areas with the 35 to be concerned about, at least none that I'm aware of, with possibly one exception, and that is water leaks. The first several years all the ports and skylights on our boat had leak problems, along with a few other areas too. After a few years I finally got the port leaks solved and last year (10 years since new) I finally got the skylight leak problem solved. My comments on these are in the archives. Other leak problem areas (generally fixable) are where the cables enter the cocpit near the helm, stantion screw penetrations into the deck, screw penetrations in the walk-thru platform behind the helm (covers the cables to the quadrant), anchor locker (not sealed at the top where the locker meets the underside of the deck), conductor penetrations thru the deck (running light wires fore and aft). In the Northwest any moisture contributes to mold and mildew. The 35 is a fast boat and will give a Cal 40 a good run for the money, and the Cal 40 was a fast boat of the 60's and 70's. For me, a lake of the size ypu mentioned would be too small; I'd like more water. However, it'd make a good 'waterfront cabin'. Because of the big main one needs to reef when the wind pipes up. I didn't used to reef until the wind got above 24 kts but then my main sorta got 'blown out'. As the years went by I feel better reefing in the 18 to 21 knot range and sometimes even as low as 12 knots. It'smuch easier to sail and the speed loss is minimial, it depends how long one has to put up with the higher winds. The CNG stove is bit of a pain for fuel - don't like paying the premium compared to LPG. At dockside we often use a hot plate to conserve fuel cost. In the summer there isn't the need for hot meals that much anyway. Ice box: Huge! Actually too big. Insulation is pitiful. Hunter did a real cheap job on this. The owner can add additional insulation but at much greater cost than if it could have been done at the factory and with much more difficulty. We added refrigeration and four golfcart batteries for the house bank and a large alternator (needed to feed the refrigerator). A couple big solar panels would help. We also have a Rutland wind generator we use on our month long annual trip. Lighting: The salon lights on the forward bulkhead we retrofited to halogen bulbs with an adaptor light socket insert. Improves ambiance on overcast days. Wiring: The electrical conductors are not "marine grade"; i.e., not tined. The run to the main panel has to be up-sized if any new loads are added. Sails: A 150 is really great in light airs. Head sails are difficuld to change with the Hood furler but we fixed that problem with a removeable pre-feeder - changes really easily now. I'd really recommend an asymetrical - they're cheap and add a lot of 'horsepower'. Hull: Not one blister since new. Lazerett: We are adding a platform to stow our stuff easier. Hope this helps.
rg.