Hunter 35 Legend WK + 246 Information, Review, Specs

The Hunter 35 Legend WK + 246 emerged from a significant period of evolution for Hunter Marine. Building on Warren Luhrs' vision of applying production line efficiencies to sailboat manufacturing, Hunter Marine, which had shifted its focus from purely racing boats to more comfortable cruising designs in the early 1980s, introduced the "Legend" series to widespread acclaim, 6]. While the broader Hunter 35 Legend series began production in 1986, the WK + 246 variant specifically commenced in 1988. Designed primarily by the in-house Hunter Design Team, the Legend series sought to blend performance capabilities with spacious, user-friendly interiors.

During this era, Hunter Marine was integrating lessons learned from Warren Luhrs' demanding single-handed ocean races, which influenced innovations like robust construction and efficient design. The "WK" in the model name signifies its wing keel, a design choice aimed at reducing draft while maintaining good upwind performance and stability. There were several iterations within the Legend 35 line, including the Hunter 35.5 Legend, which featured modifications to the deck layout and interior from its predecessor, demonstrating Hunter's continuous refinement of its popular models.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hunter 35 Legend WK + 246 is recognized for its respectable sailing performance, particularly in light to moderate air conditions. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.97, the boat possesses enough canvas to perform well in lighter breezes without being overly tender as the wind increases. Its fractional sloop rig, characterized by a substantial main and a moderately sized foretriangle, contributes to its ease of handling and allows for efficient sail trim across various wind conditions.

The vessel's displacement of 12,600 lbs and a length overall of just over 35 feet, coupled with a waterline length of 29.75 feet, suggest a balanced design that prioritizes stability and comfort in a seaway. The wing keel, drawing 4.5 feet, provides a good balance between hydrodynamic efficiency for performance and reduced draft for accessing shallower anchorages [9,. With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.38 (based on 4,800 lbs of ballast for the wing keel version), the Hunter 35 Legend WK + 246 offers moderate stiffness, allowing it to stand up to a good breeze while providing a comfortable motion for its crew. Anecdotal accounts often describe the Legend series as having good balance and being responsive at the helm, contributing to an enjoyable sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hunter 35 Legend WK + 246 is a key highlight, reflecting Hunter's emphasis on creating comfortable and spacious cruising yachts, 6, 21]. The typical layout includes a V-berth cabin forward, providing a private sleeping area. Aft of this, the salon commonly features a portside dinette and a starboard settee, offering ample seating for dining and relaxation. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, Hunter models of this era were known for generous interior volume, enhancing liveaboard comfort.

The galley is usually well-appointed, providing necessary amenities for meal preparation while cruising. A dedicated head compartment is also standard, typically with a marine toilet, sink, and shower. Owners generally appreciate the finish quality for a production boat of its time, often featuring wood trim and durable fiberglass surfaces, which were characteristic of Hunter's approach to balancing aesthetics with practicality. Storage solutions are generally thoughtful, accommodating the needs of cruisers for provisions and gear, and adequate ventilation is usually provided through deck hatches and portlights.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter 35 Legend series, including the WK + 246, frequently praise its overall value, comfortable interior, and solid construction, often considering it one of Hunter's best lines of boats. The "comfort factor" for living aboard during sailing seasons is a consistently mentioned strength. Many owners are pleasantly surprised by the boat's sailing capabilities, particularly its performance in light to moderate conditions. Its user-friendly design and spacious accommodations make it an attractive option for families and those new to cruising.

However, like many boats of its vintage, the Hunter 35 Legend WK + 246 can have some common issues. Osmotic blistering below the waterline has been noted as a potential problem on models from 1988 to 1991. Owners also frequently report issues with wet or delaminated decks, particularly where original deck fittings and hardware are located, often requiring re-bedding. Some owners have experienced leaks in areas such as the swim deck locker or around the diesel tank, suggesting that thorough inspection of sealing and through-deck hardware is prudent for prospective buyers. Despite these potential maintenance items, the strong owner community and the enduring appeal of the Legend series attest to its fundamental design and cruising suitability.