We are shopping for a Hunter in the 36 range, and find some of the newer 356 and older (2004) 36 in the 10 to 15 year old range to be close in pricing. What features should we consider that one has over the other, and what are changes to like, or be wary of, between the two models. The 356 we have viewed all seem to have some leakage around the rub-rail area, and they seem to be in the same areas, as if caulking wasn't done properly. Haven't looked at the 36 yet, but the larger master berth and cockpit may be an advantage? I also like the fridge not being under counter to open, in case 'things' are on top of it. If you have either model, or have in the past, please send your reviews on why you like or dislike the model. Also engine, options, and things to look for that are a must. This will be sailed on the Chesapeake bay, with hopeful trips on the ICW..someday.
shopping for a hunter 356 or 36 why would you recommend one over the other?
- Thread starter Paula
- Start date
There are 9 owner reviews posted under the Boat Info tab at the top of the screen.
I've only sailed the 36 a few times and found it surprisingly tender to the point of being uncontrollable. As I infer from your questions that you are a novice sailor, sail handling is key to enjoying this boat.
I've only sailed the 36 a few times and found it surprisingly tender to the point of being uncontrollable. As I infer from your questions that you are a novice sailor, sail handling is key to enjoying this boat.
Been sailing for 42 years, looking at creature comforts maybe more than I should for retirement cruising.
I had a 356. It is a good boat for under 20 knots. Mine was optimized to be a dock girl. It was the admiral's choice to buy and at that time I figured if the Mrs. wanted a bigger, more comfortable boat I should just say "Yes". So I did.
I think as a platform the boat can be set up for mooring life or as a cruiser spending a lot of time on the hook. What I'm trying to say is that the boat can be what you need to it to be. As far as it sailing ability it's pretty good. Mine had in mast furling which wasn't a performance plus but it sailed respectively.
As far as creature comforts that boat had most of it except a genset, which it was set up to have. But there was hot and cold running water, AC at the dock on shore power, refrig with freezer, full instruments , windlass for the anchor. One of the reasons I sold it was that all those goodies were approaching 10 years old and would need replacement. For most it wouldn't just be a plug and play upgrade. Instead it would be a whole new system blah blah blah. Boat bucks galore.
Oh, to answer the OP's questions, our rub rail didn't leak, it was a very dry boat down below. The other things mentioned are details which pale in comparison to the cleanliness of the boat and the maintenance records as well as the systems.
Buy the boat that is optimized to the way you will use it. Never mind the access to the refrig.
I think as a platform the boat can be set up for mooring life or as a cruiser spending a lot of time on the hook. What I'm trying to say is that the boat can be what you need to it to be. As far as it sailing ability it's pretty good. Mine had in mast furling which wasn't a performance plus but it sailed respectively.
As far as creature comforts that boat had most of it except a genset, which it was set up to have. But there was hot and cold running water, AC at the dock on shore power, refrig with freezer, full instruments , windlass for the anchor. One of the reasons I sold it was that all those goodies were approaching 10 years old and would need replacement. For most it wouldn't just be a plug and play upgrade. Instead it would be a whole new system blah blah blah. Boat bucks galore.
Oh, to answer the OP's questions, our rub rail didn't leak, it was a very dry boat down below. The other things mentioned are details which pale in comparison to the cleanliness of the boat and the maintenance records as well as the systems.
Buy the boat that is optimized to the way you will use it. Never mind the access to the refrig.
the 356 and the 36 are very similar - the cockpit and master berth are essentially identical - I'm not sure why you think the 36 is bigger... The main cabin layouts are somewhat different, it's personal choice which galley you like better - the later 36s had less storage space. Top loading refers are much more efficient on energy, but front loaders are easier for day to day use.
The jibsheet leads on the 36 are outboard - the 356 is closer winded because of the inboard tracks. We've sailed Escape into the upper 30's with no issues, but trim is critical on both-it's important to reduce sail early and keep the boat flat. We tend to bear off in a gust - she levels out and takes off, instead of feathering into the wind and heeling more. Boats with lead keels (before 2008) sail better than the iron keel boats - much better foil shape and less drag - plus maintenance of an iron keel is a pain.
I know several 356 owners who "upgraded" to the 36 and then went back or wished they hadn't. Obviously, we love our 356!
They both are fun boats - sail well, seaworthy, and roomy
The jibsheet leads on the 36 are outboard - the 356 is closer winded because of the inboard tracks. We've sailed Escape into the upper 30's with no issues, but trim is critical on both-it's important to reduce sail early and keep the boat flat. We tend to bear off in a gust - she levels out and takes off, instead of feathering into the wind and heeling more. Boats with lead keels (before 2008) sail better than the iron keel boats - much better foil shape and less drag - plus maintenance of an iron keel is a pain.
I know several 356 owners who "upgraded" to the 36 and then went back or wished they hadn't. Obviously, we love our 356!
They both are fun boats - sail well, seaworthy, and roomy
Did you look at Jim Seamans 356 FOR SALE in your area and I have 2007 36 and the big difference is the galley and Hunter
switched to a front load ref instead of the under counter ref and the newer 3YM30 really same motor but the sea water pump
impeller faces front and no strut bars on the mast and these are some differences.
I raced my 36 here in Fl and have inmast and won a few first place and second and 3rd place races so I think it is a great cruiser and racer and I also sailed my 36 fom NY to Florida all outside off shore so it the 356/36 can do it all for sure.
Nick
switched to a front load ref instead of the under counter ref and the newer 3YM30 really same motor but the sea water pump
impeller faces front and no strut bars on the mast and these are some differences.
I raced my 36 here in Fl and have inmast and won a few first place and second and 3rd place races so I think it is a great cruiser and racer and I also sailed my 36 fom NY to Florida all outside off shore so it the 356/36 can do it all for sure.
Nick
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Deadadder;
Thank you for mentioning that JAVA is for sale. Jim Seamans who is the owner has been a serious contributor to the forum over the years and he has kept his boat in excellent condition. That boat is in immaculate condition with upgrades and so forth. Not much to be done to that boat with extras. Sadly, Jim has to sell the boat but this is one boat you should inquire about. You can contact him via the forum email to JAVA.
Thank you for mentioning that JAVA is for sale. Jim Seamans who is the owner has been a serious contributor to the forum over the years and he has kept his boat in excellent condition. That boat is in immaculate condition with upgrades and so forth. Not much to be done to that boat with extras. Sadly, Jim has to sell the boat but this is one boat you should inquire about. You can contact him via the forum email to JAVA.
Be careful. This could become sailingharmony.com. Or maybe ourtimetosail.com.
Sad to see Jim selling his 356 but I know Java is a really good
Boat for someone buy with all his upgrades he has done and that are always done with out cutting corners.
Nick
Boat for someone buy with all his upgrades he has done and that are always done with out cutting corners.
Nick
I have a 2003 Hunter 356 we bought new in March 2003. We have a Northern Lights 5kw generator mounted in the port lazzerette with a custom sound shield. We run the generator 24/7 when not at the dock so we have the water to air heat pump keeping the interior at constant temperature and humidity. We prefer the 356 over the 36 due to the kitchen. We like the refrigerator/freezer better than the new ones like dorm units. These have much more freezer room than the dorm units, and on a cruise, you need the ability to keep frozen foods. We also have a full enclosure we use about 6 months a year that makes the cockpit comfortable in marginal conditions. We have cruised for 6 months from Kentucky Lake to SW Florida and back. We have 7,562 NM on her and love the boat. We have a full compliment of electronics, 2003 Raymarine versions that still work just fine including a 2 KW radar, chartplotter, below decks Raymarine 6000 Autopilot. We added A receive only AIS two years ago while on our cruise. The only major maintenance I have performed is changed the injectors in both engines. We have 1255 hours on the Yanmar 3GMF30 and 3160 hours on the Northern Lights. I have a replacement engine cooling water pump on hand to install next spring on the Yanmar as it is showing seal leakage. I change oil regularly and impellers at 250 hours.
My rub rail leaks a slight bit where I kissed a pile on the port stern. It is so small I haven't bothered to caulk it. Not a leak, just a small amount of moisture. No major system repairs to date. I do need to send off my MaxProp to be refurbished and my main sail is on it's last few years. I have had no interior leaks.
I would agree that you need to look at Jim Seaman's boat, Java. He has loaded it up and kept it in good shape. There are several of us 356/36 0wners who frequent this forum and Jim,has been a regular contributor for years and has done some nice upgrades.
My rub rail leaks a slight bit where I kissed a pile on the port stern. It is so small I haven't bothered to caulk it. Not a leak, just a small amount of moisture. No major system repairs to date. I do need to send off my MaxProp to be refurbished and my main sail is on it's last few years. I have had no interior leaks.
I would agree that you need to look at Jim Seaman's boat, Java. He has loaded it up and kept it in good shape. There are several of us 356/36 0wners who frequent this forum and Jim,has been a regular contributor for years and has done some nice upgrades.
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We have sailed a 356 for the past 5 years. We live aboard for about 5 months each winter. We cruise the Bahamas. We found the boat sails very well, we have the in mast main. We reef and trim to keep the boat up, she sails faster that way. We often sail in winds above 20 kts and found she handles it very well, fast, points well. It is a high aspect rig and may feel tender to some. We have sailed her in gusts to 35kts with out any rounding up or control issues.
The 36 comes with the coaming mounted sheet winches, most owners really like that. Some 356's have the optional coaming mounted spinnaker winches and they have run the jib sheet to these. An owner could add these to a 356 if it was desired.
The 36 has a much larger mast profile than was used on the 356 boats. This was done to allow a much larger slot to accommodate better vertical battens. They removed the two mast struts at that time. Two years ago our mast was damaged in storage. Our new mast is now the bigger profile as Selden no longer makes the smaller one used on the 356. Selden advised we no longer needed the mast struts but we kept them as we find they are good hand holds going forward.
I'm surprised about the leaks you mention. We don't have any. Do they appear to be the result of docking technique ? What is the area involved ?
The main difference between the 356 and 36 is the galley. The 36 galley is better for weekend sailors. The 356 works better for those living aboard or interested in longer cruises, because it has more storage, and a bigger fridge and freezer. The 36 looses galley storage space with the dish drying rack, The under counter fridge takes out the drawers and the convenient trash bin position.
I have friends with a 36 and we have sailed with each other. There are things we like on each others boat, they sail about the same.
Java is well set up and Jim has kept her in good shape.
Bob
checkout this video of a 356 on the ocean
The 36 comes with the coaming mounted sheet winches, most owners really like that. Some 356's have the optional coaming mounted spinnaker winches and they have run the jib sheet to these. An owner could add these to a 356 if it was desired.
The 36 has a much larger mast profile than was used on the 356 boats. This was done to allow a much larger slot to accommodate better vertical battens. They removed the two mast struts at that time. Two years ago our mast was damaged in storage. Our new mast is now the bigger profile as Selden no longer makes the smaller one used on the 356. Selden advised we no longer needed the mast struts but we kept them as we find they are good hand holds going forward.
I'm surprised about the leaks you mention. We don't have any. Do they appear to be the result of docking technique ? What is the area involved ?
The main difference between the 356 and 36 is the galley. The 36 galley is better for weekend sailors. The 356 works better for those living aboard or interested in longer cruises, because it has more storage, and a bigger fridge and freezer. The 36 looses galley storage space with the dish drying rack, The under counter fridge takes out the drawers and the convenient trash bin position.
I have friends with a 36 and we have sailed with each other. There are things we like on each others boat, they sail about the same.
Java is well set up and Jim has kept her in good shape.
Bob
checkout this video of a 356 on the ocean
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In the Winter/Spring of 2014, I had to make a choice between buying a new Hunter e33 or the Hunter 36. I went out on both with the Dealer's rep multiple times with the intent of going for the 36. My thought was that the 36 would be more comfortable and be larger in areas that count. What I found was that the e33 (actually 34.5 feet overall) had a larger and more comfortable forward cabin. About the same size aft cabin and somewhat smaller salon. However, the 33 handled SIGNIFICANTLY better than the 36. And the 33 was about $30 - $40K less expensive. From my perspective, the e33 has a smaller cockpit, but offers much more in the way of handling, design features and comfort. I suggest checking one out. I sail on the Potomac near DC, but I sailed her from Annapolis to DC after I took possession. Great, fun boat!
Paula,
My wife and I have a 2002 H356 that we bought 8 years ago. We had the boat surveyed before we committed to the sale and the only concern the surveyor noted was evidence (water mark staining on the inner hull) of leaking from the hull deck joint behind the hanging locker in the aft berth. The seller agreed to have the yard where the boat was stored remove the rub rail and inspect and caulk the joint from midship all the way around the stern. I wish that I had waved the repair. They did more cosmetic damage to the rub rail and the SS retained band than what it was worth. The hull deck joint is through bolted with 3M 5700 sealant on the mating surface of the exterior flang. I don't think that there was ever enough leakage to run all the way to the bilge before evaporating.
We sail extensively on the northern Chesapeake. I retired this summer and plan to spend more time sailing and venturing further south in the years to come. The boat has been very comfortable for week long cruising and we are planning for months long cruising in the years to come. If you are going to be joining us on the Chesapeake, consider joining the Hunter Sailing Association Station 1 (HSA1). We are all Hunter owners on the Chesapeake. We are sponsoring a Chesapeake Bay Hunter Rendezvous at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons Island June 23-26. Go to www.Back2Bay.org for more information.
Bob R.
UNFURLED H356
My wife and I have a 2002 H356 that we bought 8 years ago. We had the boat surveyed before we committed to the sale and the only concern the surveyor noted was evidence (water mark staining on the inner hull) of leaking from the hull deck joint behind the hanging locker in the aft berth. The seller agreed to have the yard where the boat was stored remove the rub rail and inspect and caulk the joint from midship all the way around the stern. I wish that I had waved the repair. They did more cosmetic damage to the rub rail and the SS retained band than what it was worth. The hull deck joint is through bolted with 3M 5700 sealant on the mating surface of the exterior flang. I don't think that there was ever enough leakage to run all the way to the bilge before evaporating.
We sail extensively on the northern Chesapeake. I retired this summer and plan to spend more time sailing and venturing further south in the years to come. The boat has been very comfortable for week long cruising and we are planning for months long cruising in the years to come. If you are going to be joining us on the Chesapeake, consider joining the Hunter Sailing Association Station 1 (HSA1). We are all Hunter owners on the Chesapeake. We are sponsoring a Chesapeake Bay Hunter Rendezvous at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons Island June 23-26. Go to www.Back2Bay.org for more information.
Bob R.
UNFURLED H356
I have a 2005 Hunter 36 that I bought in 2007. I sail in the upper Chesapeake Bay. I think it's a great boat. I think most traditionalists will like the top loading fridge/freezer, but I like the front loading one. Yes, there's not as much space in the fridge (though there is quite a bit) and definitely not as much freezer space, but my wife and I like the easy access. It's basically the same boat, but for a few subtle differences. As you've heard from others, there are the jib winch locations, the lower braces against the mast on the 356, and I think the stern storage lockers are a little different between the boats. I think the 356 are a little higher and open from the side, the 36 open from the back. One thing that the 356 has that the 36 doesn't is another set of stainless steel handrails near the front of the coach roof, on each side of the forward hatch. It's a small thing, but it's nice to have something besides the lifeline to hold onto when you're moving toward the bow, especially an inboard handhold. It also makes it easy to secure the dinghy and lash it down in front of the mast. The 36 doesn't have those forward handholds -- no idea why Hunter would have done away with them there. Dumb. On the interior, the main difference is the galley. I like the dish storage and the front loader fridge. I do wish there was more drawer storage like on the 356, but there are trade-offs. I like the dinette table better on the 36 than the 356. I don't like the "tray" in the middle of the table that takes up table space, plus when you lower it into a bed or lounge, it's not as big as on the 36. Also, the 356 has overhead teak handrails in the ceiling, versus the 36 with handrails integrated just below the side windows. Again, that's no big deal either way, just a difference. Those are the main things I can think of. Overall, my 36 has been a great Bay boat. The only thing that doesn't work is the fresh/waste water gauge. It's the rectangular one with "HUNTER" on it and LCD bars. The power light goes on, but no bars anymore. I don't know if it's the sensors/tape on the tanks themselves or if there's an issue with the unit on the panel. I haven't really worried about it because we mostly just do weekends on the boat. With an inverter and a quiet flush head, the only thing I don't have on the water is AC/heat, but we won't go out on the hook if it's super hot or frigid. Simply put, the 36 works great for me! I only wish I could have afforded the 38!!
We have a 2003 356 that we have had for the past 2 seasons, getting back into boating after a long time out and sailing for the first time. Prior to purchasing my wife had not been sailing except on vacation quick tours on much larger boats but took to the 356 very well as it is comfortable, stable and easy to sail.
Based out of Middle River in the northern Chesapeake Bay, the boat handles the bay waves and weather well and in comfort. As long as you reef early, which is very easy with the furling main and jib you should have no issues and it is a joy to sail. With the cabin top winches for jib sheeting the boat points very well and is quite fast even with furling main although having the sheets run aft and able to more easily control them from the helm would be nice I think.
In looking for a boat one of the deciding factors for us was that it had a diesel generator, we have a 4.2KW Entec West, that allowed for AC power at any time we wanted. Although we do not run it constantly it is definitely a very big positive to have the option available, for microwave, A/C or any other devices on demand. Could be a important option to consider in your selection process.
As mentioned above the top loading freezer/fridge is very large and the cold plates keep everything at the correct temperature as long as you give them time to cool down and run them sufficiently. I like this arrangement over the front loading smaller units. Even though it took time to get used to the only thing my wife doesn't like is that the freezer and fridge is too deep for her sometimes and I get the call to retrieve something.
Also the seating around the dinette table is a little close and am contemplating cutting down the table a few inches to improve. Also saw an option available in Europe where you could add a fold down table extension for people sitting on the settee to increase dining seating.
On purchase we did not have a dodger, windlass or auto pilot and have sense added those, with me doing the work(except the canvas). Still need to look at upgrading batteries, add solar, possible chart plotter / radar upgrade. Point is that the way way the boat is optioned out will allow you to using quicker and with less pain and expense.
Either way these are very nice boats with very minor differences.
Jeff
s/v LegaSea
Hunter 2003 356
Based out of Middle River in the northern Chesapeake Bay, the boat handles the bay waves and weather well and in comfort. As long as you reef early, which is very easy with the furling main and jib you should have no issues and it is a joy to sail. With the cabin top winches for jib sheeting the boat points very well and is quite fast even with furling main although having the sheets run aft and able to more easily control them from the helm would be nice I think.
In looking for a boat one of the deciding factors for us was that it had a diesel generator, we have a 4.2KW Entec West, that allowed for AC power at any time we wanted. Although we do not run it constantly it is definitely a very big positive to have the option available, for microwave, A/C or any other devices on demand. Could be a important option to consider in your selection process.
As mentioned above the top loading freezer/fridge is very large and the cold plates keep everything at the correct temperature as long as you give them time to cool down and run them sufficiently. I like this arrangement over the front loading smaller units. Even though it took time to get used to the only thing my wife doesn't like is that the freezer and fridge is too deep for her sometimes and I get the call to retrieve something.
Also the seating around the dinette table is a little close and am contemplating cutting down the table a few inches to improve. Also saw an option available in Europe where you could add a fold down table extension for people sitting on the settee to increase dining seating.
On purchase we did not have a dodger, windlass or auto pilot and have sense added those, with me doing the work(except the canvas). Still need to look at upgrading batteries, add solar, possible chart plotter / radar upgrade. Point is that the way way the boat is optioned out will allow you to using quicker and with less pain and expense.
Either way these are very nice boats with very minor differences.
Jeff
s/v LegaSea
Hunter 2003 356
After reading many of the replies here, I got to thinking about what of the characteristics mentioned, you would want in your Hunter, no matter the class.
I really tricked my boat out with all their was to offer. I feel a Bimini and Dodger are important, you don't want to be sailing in the elements all the time and they really mitigate that hot, summer sun. I got the Raymarine nav and multifunction chart plotter display package. Very useful and you don't need paper charts in the windy cockpit. But you definitely need paper charts for planning and backup. A depth finder is essential in the Potomac and the rivers of the Chesapeake. I also had all control lines led aft. I sail alone a lot or with inexperience crew, so I can manage all sheets from the helm. I also have in-mast furling and a furling jib. Very helpful when sailing alone or with just two, and quick to reef. I also bought a windlass. Your back and older age are not the place to start saving money. Finally, I also got a GENSET for the reasons discussed by Jeff356 above. Very useful when on the hook.
Down below is where the comfort starts. I got the A/C-Heat Pump unit that runs off the generator or shore power. Because the front-open, college dorm sized fridge is so small and inadequate for a long voyage, I bought the drop-in freezer option that can work as a freezer or alternate fridge. Very helpful for extra cold storage. I also added the Sirius XM with aux input option to the radio so we have commercial free tunes above while sailing. Finally, I added the TV/DVD player option and independently had the TV speaker output wired through the Bose speakers for better clarity and volume. There is nothing better than after a long day sailing, finding a nice transient slip or dropping the hook in a calm anchorage and settling down in cool comfort to watch a movie...then to bed.
I know many of these options may not be available on a used boat, but many can be added after market. Old salts may be critical of my interest in comfort, but I also like to entice my wife and daughters aboard. And, after almost 40 years of sailing, who can blame one for adding a little bit of comfort below! Also, the boat is close to home, so I use it as a guest apartment when visitors exceed the house size
Thanks for reading.
Jack
I really tricked my boat out with all their was to offer. I feel a Bimini and Dodger are important, you don't want to be sailing in the elements all the time and they really mitigate that hot, summer sun. I got the Raymarine nav and multifunction chart plotter display package. Very useful and you don't need paper charts in the windy cockpit. But you definitely need paper charts for planning and backup. A depth finder is essential in the Potomac and the rivers of the Chesapeake. I also had all control lines led aft. I sail alone a lot or with inexperience crew, so I can manage all sheets from the helm. I also have in-mast furling and a furling jib. Very helpful when sailing alone or with just two, and quick to reef. I also bought a windlass. Your back and older age are not the place to start saving money. Finally, I also got a GENSET for the reasons discussed by Jeff356 above. Very useful when on the hook.
Down below is where the comfort starts. I got the A/C-Heat Pump unit that runs off the generator or shore power. Because the front-open, college dorm sized fridge is so small and inadequate for a long voyage, I bought the drop-in freezer option that can work as a freezer or alternate fridge. Very helpful for extra cold storage. I also added the Sirius XM with aux input option to the radio so we have commercial free tunes above while sailing. Finally, I added the TV/DVD player option and independently had the TV speaker output wired through the Bose speakers for better clarity and volume. There is nothing better than after a long day sailing, finding a nice transient slip or dropping the hook in a calm anchorage and settling down in cool comfort to watch a movie...then to bed.
I know many of these options may not be available on a used boat, but many can be added after market. Old salts may be critical of my interest in comfort, but I also like to entice my wife and daughters aboard. And, after almost 40 years of sailing, who can blame one for adding a little bit of comfort below! Also, the boat is close to home, so I use it as a guest apartment when visitors exceed the house size
Thanks for reading.
Jack
We bought our h36 late summer this year and thanks to the warm fall, got to sail her quite a bit on the Chesapeake bay. We had a '91h 30. This is a great boat for light airs < 10knots and moves along well in those conditions. We begin to reef by 15kts and because its a fractional rig, we furl-in some jibe first, then some main. The vertical marks on the main help you reef it in to a known and repeatable point. I happily gave up some performance of the slab reefed main for in mast furling, especially since 60 is around the very next corner! The Admiral and I sail more now that it's not as much work to "raise the main". But when reefed, she sails well in 15-20, but is still a little work for us yet until we gain more experience.
A surprise missed by the survey was that the main sail leech was sun damaged for about the first 8-10-inches over the entire leech. The lighter Dacron used for in-mast furling rotted from uv damage and could be ripped by hand. We had the leech recut for now and lost about 5-6 percent maybe. The cause was the main was not dropped in the winter and always was berthed with the bow pointing North. Yep, that nice slot in the mast exposes the leech to uv year-round. The sail maker told me this was not unheard of. We back into our slip to face south so we can get another few seasons until new sails.. I guess a uv cover on the leech would help in that situation.
I'm not a fan of the way the two giant 4D batteries are wired to the 1-2 switch as separate banks. Following JAVA's lead, I'm moving the batteries to under the starboard salon seat. That's 240lbs of ballast that will help reduce the slight list to port the h356 and 36 have. Further, the 60 amp Hitachi alternator gets really worked. I noticed recently the rubber boot on the B terminal has melted where it contacts the terminal! May go bigger or direct better cooling to the alternator.
Take a look at the comprehensive review of the h36 by the owner/poster "Melrna" at the following link. It influenced our decision to go with the 36.
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/hunter/42360-hunter-36-pros-cons.html
A surprise missed by the survey was that the main sail leech was sun damaged for about the first 8-10-inches over the entire leech. The lighter Dacron used for in-mast furling rotted from uv damage and could be ripped by hand. We had the leech recut for now and lost about 5-6 percent maybe. The cause was the main was not dropped in the winter and always was berthed with the bow pointing North. Yep, that nice slot in the mast exposes the leech to uv year-round. The sail maker told me this was not unheard of. We back into our slip to face south so we can get another few seasons until new sails.. I guess a uv cover on the leech would help in that situation.
I'm not a fan of the way the two giant 4D batteries are wired to the 1-2 switch as separate banks. Following JAVA's lead, I'm moving the batteries to under the starboard salon seat. That's 240lbs of ballast that will help reduce the slight list to port the h356 and 36 have. Further, the 60 amp Hitachi alternator gets really worked. I noticed recently the rubber boot on the B terminal has melted where it contacts the terminal! May go bigger or direct better cooling to the alternator.
Take a look at the comprehensive review of the h36 by the owner/poster "Melrna" at the following link. It influenced our decision to go with the 36.
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/hunter/42360-hunter-36-pros-cons.html
A very good review she is a knowledgable owner.
This site has a good review of the 36 posted under "mods" for this model. Also a knowledgable owner and worth a read for any 356/36 owner or potential owner, check it out here, http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/mods.php?task=article&mid=71&aid=6189&mn=36
A number of owners have called the boat tender, I think all have in mast furling. I would like to hear from a 356/36 owner with a slab reefed sail, full battens, if they also consider it tender. One would think the bigger mainsail would result in the vessel being even more tender. I don't know the actual area difference between the two sails, the in mast furling boat has a 12" longer boom. The Hunter owners manual does not give this specification.
Can the slab reefed mainsail be flattened better than an in mast furled one ? With the ease in reefing an in mast sail do these sailors just reef rather than try to flatten the sail ? We have an in mast furled main and do flatten it as much as possible with the out haul and play the traveller in the gusts before reefing. We sail in winter time on Florida's east coast and the Bahamas so we have lots of opportunities to sail in winds above 15 kts.
Bob
Bob,
I too use the outhaul to flatten the main as well as move the jib cars aft to flatten the foot of the jib and let it open up on top. The 2004 356 and 2008 36 carried the same sail area according to the manual as follows:
Jib - 295 sq Ft
Standard main - 426 sq Ft
In-mast furling main 384 sq Ft
Total area 721 versus 679 sq Ft
The attached h36 sail plans show the amount of roach in the standard main. The drawing looks to be identical in the '04 356 manual.
Dan
I too use the outhaul to flatten the main as well as move the jib cars aft to flatten the foot of the jib and let it open up on top. The 2004 356 and 2008 36 carried the same sail area according to the manual as follows:
Jib - 295 sq Ft
Standard main - 426 sq Ft
In-mast furling main 384 sq Ft
Total area 721 versus 679 sq Ft
The attached h36 sail plans show the amount of roach in the standard main. The drawing looks to be identical in the '04 356 manual.
Dan