Hunter 35 Legend Information, Review, Specs

The Hunter 35 Legend was introduced in 1986, reflecting Hunter Marine's commitment to innovation and efficiency in sailboat manufacturing, a philosophy rooted in the powerboat production background of its founder, Warren Luhrs. The company, established by Luhrs in 1970s Florida, sought to apply streamlined production methods to the sailboat industry. The "Legend" series, to which the 35 belongs, emerged during an era when Hunter was increasingly focusing on comfortable cruising designs.

The design of the Hunter 35 Legend features a fin keel and a spade rudder, typical for its time, and a fractional sloop rig. A notable variation is the shoal draft wing keel version, which draws 4.5 feet compared to the standard 6.5 feet max draft, offering greater access to shallower waters. Some models also featured a "blister" style coach roof. In 1989, a slightly modified version replaced the original, known as the Hunter 35.5 Legend, which included modifications to the deck layout and interior accommodations. The 35.5 version also introduced the option of a deep fin keel and featured a walk-through transom, two private staterooms, and a large enclosed head with a separate shower. While specific designers like Glenn Henderson became prominent in later Hunter designs, the initial Legend series largely emerged from the Hunter Design Team's overall philosophy of balancing performance with comfort.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hunter 35 Legend is recognized for its very respectable sailing performance, particularly in light to moderate conditions. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.91, the boat is moderately powered, suggesting decent light-air performance without being an extreme light-wind specialist. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.38 indicates a stable boat, though some owners suggest it is "a little lightly ballasted" and recommend reefing early in stronger winds. This points to a design that prioritizes a good balance of stability and responsiveness for cruising. The Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 205.55 places it in the lighter end of the medium-displacement category, contributing to its respectable performance and maneuverability without the heavy feel of a traditional full-displacement cruiser.

Owners have generally praised the Hunter 35 Legend for its good handling characteristics and overall balance under sail. The boat is considered fast and handles well, making it an enjoyable vessel for a variety of sailing conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hunter 35 Legend is designed for comfort, making it a popular choice for liveaboards and cruisers. Owners often highlight the spaciousness, particularly the generous headroom in the main cabin. The layout typically includes two private staterooms and a large enclosed head, often with a separate shower stall, enhancing its suitability for extended cruising or liveaboard situations. The original Hunter 35 featured a single round sink in the galley, while the later 35.5 model often boasted double sinks and an oven.

General interior finish quality is often described as comfortable, with good use of materials for its era. The boat is designed with plastic tanks for fuel, water (65 gallons in one tank), and holding, which was a nice selling feature at the time. Storage is generally considered adequate for cruising needs.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter 35 Legend and 35.5 Legend generally express satisfaction with the boat's comfort and overall liveability. Many commend its solid construction and comfortable motion. The spacious interior, with ample headroom in the main saloon, is frequently cited as a significant advantage. The boat's sailing characteristics, described as fast and well-handling, also receive positive remarks.

However, like any vessel, some common issues have been noted by owners. Osmotic blistering below the waterline was a concern for some models, a common issue for fiberglass boats of that period. Additionally, water intrusion in the deck, particularly near the original deck fittings, and issues with rudder delamination have been mentioned. Some owners have also reported issues with the original factory holding tank and occasional diesel leaks. Despite these potential concerns, the Hunter 35 Legend series maintains a strong owner community, reflecting its enduring appeal and reliability as a cruising sailboat.