Hunter 35.5 Legend Information, Review, Specs

The Hunter 35.5 Legend entered production in 1989 and continued to be built until 1995. Its creation marked a significant update from the earlier Legend 35, featuring modifications to both the deck layout and interior accommodations. During this era, Hunter Marine, under the guidance of Warren Luhrs, concentrated on keeping its boats affordable while maximizing accommodations, a philosophy that resonated deeply with the cruising community. The company was known for shifting its focus from purely racing boats to more comfortable cruising designs, integrating lessons learned from Warren Luhrs' record-breaking single-handed ocean races, which served as "floating test beds" for innovative features. While the specific designer for the 35.5 Legend is often attributed to the Hunter Design Team, the boat encapsulates Hunter's identity of balancing performance with comfort and ease of handling. Some enthusiasts consider the Legend series, including the 35.5, to be among Hunter's best lines of boats.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 35 feet and a waterline length of nearly 30 feet, the Hunter 35.5 Legend is classified as a moderate displacement cruiser. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio, at approximately 16.4, suggests a well-balanced design capable of good performance across a range of wind conditions, with some owners noting surprising agility in light airs. The boat's Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 36.9% indicates reasonable stability and stiffness, making it comfortable in a seaway. However, some owner feedback suggests that the boat, while capable, may benefit from early reefing in stronger winds due to being "a little lightly ballasted". Anecdotal evidence from owners often praises the 35.5 Legend as a good sailing vessel, capable of handling beautifully in various conditions and performing well even up to gale conditions. It is also considered manageable for single-handed sailing, particularly with appropriate modifications.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hunter 35.5 Legend is celebrated for its spaciousness and bright ambiance. Hunter's design ethos prioritized maximizing accommodations, and this is evident in the 35.5. The typical layout includes a V-berth cabin forward, followed by a portside dinette and a starboard settee in the salon. Moving aft, the boat features a galley and a head, with an inviting aft cabin. Natural light floods the interior through two large trapezoid skylights over the salon, complemented by a translucent companionway slide, seven cabin portlights, and three hull portlights. Owners frequently comment on the generous headroom, with one individual standing 6'1" finding it to be ample. The interior's practical layout ensures optimal comfort for various sailing configurations, whether sailing solo, with family, or with friends. Storage is generally good, including a large starboard lazarette, and features like a diesel engine by Yanmar further enhance its cruising capabilities. While specific details on the finish quality are less common in reviews, Hunter's reputation for comfortable family cruisers suggests a focus on practical and durable materials, often featuring wood trim. Some models included CNG for cooking in the galley.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter 35.5 Legend often express high satisfaction, with many considering it one of Hunter's better-built models. Its solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway are frequently praised, making it a reliable choice for extended cruising. The roomy and light interior is also a consistent highlight among owners.

However, like any vessel, the 35.5 Legend has its commonly noted areas for attention. Recurring issues include the potential for osmotic blistering below the waterline, which some models from 1988 to 1991 experienced to varying degrees. Owners have also reported problems with the removable deck area covering the steering cables, which is notorious for developing leaks and allowing water into the boat. Other reported issues include factory holding tank problems, diesel leaks from faulty lines into the bilge or bathroom cabinets, and some find the shower to be a bit small. Despite these common maintenance points, the Hunter 35.5 Legend maintains a strong owner community and an enduring appeal, a testament to its overall design and utility for cruising sailors.