It's so interesting that you did this review. I have an interesting story about this model. I operate a marine apparel company specializing in tees for sailors, which comes into play in this story. I get a call from a couple that want about 5 dozen tees celebrating their circumnavigation to hand out to friends. I agreed to make them and asked for the info on the vessel. It was this review that you are doing. I had to ask several times, a Hunter 35.5? "YEP" Of course, the captain told me they got it offshore ready before they left. I asked a million questions because I was shocked. It took them 5 years as they took their time and always aware of weather.. Shocked? I was too! So my take to your conclusion is that it can go offshore with the right sailors.

It's interesting. Hunter always got a bad wrap on their designs when they came out but years later are appreciated. They were the earliest American sailboat manufacturers to have aft cabins, innovative rigs, and modern shoal draft keels. Always a bit ahead of their time. 5-10 years later, the other other manufacturers would follow suit.

Hunter used a plywood deck core for this series, which quickly turned punky if fittings were not properly sealed. The most vulnerable area was under the curved seahood, where trapped water soaked into the cabin top. Also, the recessed furler line fitting at the bow, which affected the side deck aft to the chain plates and beyond. It's probably a reasonable bet, though, that after 3 decades, these issues have been identified and repaired.

I think overall these are great boats at a reasonable price, and I've got my eye on one right now. Having said that, I've been doing my research before making an offer, and I've consistently heard a couple of concerns: 1) the holding tank is made of thin-gauge aluminum and many people decide to replace them with a plastic tank, before the aluminum fails. 2) definitely water penetration into the deck can be a concern, in several areas particularly around the furler, where the furling lines run through the foredeck, 3) access to the batteries, 4) access to the head overboard discharge valve - apparently it's almost impossible to reach, 5) delamination of the rudders in 2 of 5 boats that were surveyed... and finally, the structural grid makes inspection of many areas of the boat difficult. I'll be aware of all of these things when i go over the boat, but overall I think it's a boat that could suit me very well, for the type of sailing I plan on doing.

I owned a Hunter legend 35.5 for 5 yrs and it was a great boat for my seasonal cruising. I stored it on the hard for FL summer hurricane season, while I was at my Colorado mountain home. Then I'd head back to Fl every fall, get the boat ready and head to the Bahamas. I'd spend about 5 months island hopping through the Bahamas, then back to Fl. I lived aboard, sailed single handed, sailed in a wide variety of conditions and did all my own maintenance. Other than routine maint and some improvements & upgrades, I never had any issues with the boat. sold it for more than I paid for it

I've owned my Hunter Legend 35.5 for almost 5 years. I enjoy the layout, ease of single handling and sailing performance.

Thanks, Tim! I'd be interested in more (new) full keel or skegged rudder sailboat reviews. The only ones that immediately come to mind are Kraken and Island Packet, but maybe there are more.

I just bought a 35.5 ❤ I’m so excited to start island hopping in November !!!!! 🎉

I crewed for several years on a 35.5 on the BC west coast. It was raced extensively in club and regional race series, including the Swiftsure long course and the Vic-Maui. It pointed well, was surprisingly fast in light air but also handled heavy weather easily. As obvious in the video, it was very comfortable below decks. Highly recommended as a coastal racer-cruiser.

I love that you do a review on this boat (I've been interested in sailing only a short time, and already know the supposed issues with Hunter) just like you would with a name like Beneteau. You make sailing feel so accessible, and I love it! Seriously, I am so much more likely to actually get on a boat and sail because of your average guy sailor approach. Thank you!

I've been watching you for a while now. And you always have great relevant content. Congratulations on the Practical Sailor job.

Just got one of these, mine is a 1995. Can't wait to get out there with it

Great timing got watch before work. Love the content keep it coming!!

I own a Hunter 31 - Produced in the early years of their sailboat construction. It follows most of the design, lite duty specifics here for the 35.5. Traditional lay out and you can't be more than 6 feet tall to use the V-birth - The boat has been perfect first timer trainer - with a full keel of 6 feet. Hunters are good boats to start on - and if you only coastal sail, like I do from San Diego - It's the perfects starter boat!

As always, great job Tim.

nice report

Could you guys do the 40.5 legend? Also great video, thanks Tim

My closest friend and dock mate owns a 1993 Hunter 40.5 Legend. The deck stepped mast leaks at the base despite a variety of countermeasures to stop it. To solve the problem (hopefully) he installed a catch basin mounted inside the cabin around the support pole. A hose runs down to the bilge. Additionally, the large side windows leaked badly; he replaced the plexiglass, installed new caulking, and trimmed both windows with an aluminum frame. One still leaks slightly. A few years ago another sailboat rubbed against his hull and chafed an above the waterline thru-hull. We were amazed just how thin the glass was.....less that 1/4"!

Always good, could you do the Pearson 35 and then suggest upgrades to it or even boat replacements to look at? I always struggle with the idea of going newer now vs making the old girl last even longer.

Tim, how about reviewing the venerable Pearson 365? Or the nicely done S2 36'? Or the prolific (700+ built) Islander 36? Maybe the well done Gulfstar 37 (true blue water cruiser?) And don't forget the Cal 34-III and its cousins - many have made ocean crossings?