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Bill, I have 3 friends with Hunter 356's and while they are nice boats, all three regret not taking more time to compare. Issues have included constant deck leaks. rubrails falling off, jammed mainsail furling, two have a strange whining noise when under sail that no one can solve, and fit & finish problems. I think they sail ok, but agree with the others that downwind sailing is not a strength of the 356. I have sailed on all three and can compare them to a 2001 Beneteau 331 & 381 we chartered in the BVI's, both with mainsail furling. The Beneteaus had bigger engines 30 & 42hp, respectively. I did not like all the 356's winches being located on the cabin top, which means if you are single-handing or your crew is below or of no help, you must deal with all the sheets & lines standing in the companionway in front of the wheel, climbing over your passengers, etc. If you have crew, they are blocking your view when tacking. I also thought the line clutches were very cheap compared to the Beneteaus, but that is an easy upgrade. Good luck in your search for the elusive oerfect boat.
Bill, I have 3 friends with Hunter 356's and while they are nice boats, all three regret not taking more time to compare. Issues have included constant deck leaks. rubrails falling off, jammed mainsail furling, two have a strange whining noise when under sail that no one can solve, and fit & finish problems. I think they sail ok, but agree with the others that downwind sailing is not a strength of the 356. I have sailed on all three and can compare them to a 2001 Beneteau 331 & 381 we chartered in the BVI's, both with mainsail furling. The Beneteaus had bigger engines 30 & 42hp, respectively. I did not like all the 356's winches being located on the cabin top, which means if you are single-handing or your crew is below or of no help, you must deal with all the sheets & lines standing in the companionway in front of the wheel, climbing over your passengers, etc. If you have crew, they are blocking your view when tacking. I also thought the line clutches were very cheap compared to the Beneteaus, but that is an easy upgrade. Good luck in your search for the elusive oerfect boat.