Hunter 336 Information, Review, Specs

Crafted by Hunter Marine, a builder with roots in efficient powerboat manufacturing before its successful pivot to sailboats in 1973, the 336 reflects a mature design ethos. The company, founded by Warren Luhrs, was known for applying production line efficiencies and fostering innovation, often informed by Luhrs' own demanding offshore racing experiences History and Evolution section of builder article. This background translated into designs like the 336, which prioritizes spacious interiors, robust construction, and user-friendly features.

History and Design

The Hunter 336 began its production run in 1995, with its design credited to Rob Mazza, who joined Hunter Marine as head designer in 1991. Mazza's objective for the 336 was to create a coastal cruising boat that was easy to handle. During this era, Hunter Marine was celebrated for moving towards more comfortable cruising designs, shifting from a purely racing focus History and Evolution section of builder article. Their manufacturing ethos emphasized providing accessible sailing experiences with features that enhanced comfort and ease of use.

A notable feature of the 336, consistent with other Hunter models of its time, is its fractional sloop rig, often incorporating the distinctive B&R rig system. This rig, characterized by swept-back spreaders and no backstay, allowed for larger mainsails and simplified sail handling, directly influenced by Warren Luhrs' racing endeavors Design Philosophy and Identity section of builder article. While specific significant variations like "MkI" or "MkII" are not widely noted, owners sometimes discuss minor differences in cabin layouts or original equipment.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hunter 336, with its bulb keel and spade rudder, is designed for a blend of stability and responsiveness. Its calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.56 suggests a boat that performs well in light to moderate air, making it capable of moving efficiently even when the wind is not robust.

The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 0.37 indicates a moderate level of stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind without excessive heeling, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 211.05, the 336 falls into the category of a moderate displacement cruiser. This allows for a balance between speed and load-carrying capacity, suitable for coastal cruising without feeling sluggish.

Owners frequently describe the 336 as easy to handle, even for a couple or single-handed sailor. Its large cockpit and efficient engine, a 27 horsepower Yanmar, contribute to its good motoring characteristics, with the helm maintaining near-perfect balance regardless of RPM. Anecdotal evidence suggests the boat handles well, though some owners note the need to reef the mainsail around 15 knots of wind to maintain comfort and control.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hunter 336 is renowned for its spaciousness and light, airy feel, characteristic of modern Hunter designs. The boat was offered with two distinct interior layouts to cater to different owner preferences. Typically, the layout includes two comfortable cabins, allowing for sleeping accommodations for up to six guests.

Key interior features commonly found include a V-berth forward, a large salon, a functional galley, a dedicated head, and a spacious aft cabin. The aft cabin is often highlighted as a significant advantage, providing ample space and privacy. The use of materials like teak flooring and high-quality fabrics, such as Sunbrella, contributes to an elegantly designed interior finish. Storage is generally considered good for a boat of its size, and the design prioritizes ventilation to enhance comfort onboard. The "sugar scoop" transom is also a highly praised feature, offering easy access to the water.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter 336 frequently praise its solid construction and comfortable, open interior layout, often noting it as a significant upgrade from smaller vessels. The large cockpit is consistently mentioned as a strong point, providing ample space for socializing and sailing. The reliability of the Yanmar engine is also a common theme among owners, described as "bullet proof". The boat's ease of handling, even for single-handed sailing, is another frequently cited positive.

However, some recurring issues are noted in owner forums. Leaky cabin ports are a common problem that may require re-bedding. While generally a good sailing boat, some owners have expressed that they were not impressed with its sailing capabilities in certain conditions, occasionally attributing issues to the traveler setup or the large roach main not being properly tuned. Despite these minor points, the Hunter 336 generally receives positive feedback for its blend of cruising comfort and practical design, solidifying its reputation as a great boat for spending time on the water.