Sailing Performance & Handling
The 35.5 Legend is characterized by a high-aspect fractional rig and a large mainsail, which provides the primary driving force for the vessel. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 18.5, the boat is surprisingly nimble in light to moderate air. According to the original Hunter 35.5 Owner's Manual, the boat was offered with two keel configurations: a deep-draft fin (6’ 6”) and a more popular wing keel (4’ 6”).
Owners often report that the 35.5 is "tender," meaning it heels quickly until it reaches about 15 to 20 degrees, where the wide beam provides significant secondary stability. Because of the large mainsail and relatively small headsail, the boat requires early reefing—often as soon as the apparent wind hits 15 knots—to maintain control and minimize weather helm. The spade rudder is highly responsive, allowing for tight maneuvering in marinas, though it lacks the tracking stability of a full-keel cruiser, requiring more active helm work when sailing off the wind in a following sea.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the 35.5 Legend was a primary selling point, offering accommodations that rivaled 38-footers of the same era. The layout features a true two-cabin arrangement. The aft cabin is particularly notable for its transverse queen-sized berth, which sits beneath the cockpit sole and offers more sleeping area than most V-berths in this size class. The main salon provides roughly 6' 3" of headroom and is finished in a mix of teak veneers and molded fiberglass liners.
Variations of this hull were limited, but the boat evolved from the previous "Legend 35" (1987-1988). The 35.5 version introduced the "sugar scoop" transom with an integrated swim platform and a revised T-shaped cockpit that improved the helmsman's ergonomics. The galley is an L-shaped configuration to starboard, featuring a double stainless steel sink and a gimbaled stove, designed for use while underway. While no four-cabin variants exist for this specific hull, the 35.5 served as the design bridge to the later Hunter 356 and 36 models, which further expanded the "Living Architecture" concept.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Hunter 35.5 Legend should focus their inspection on several high-signal areas typical of production boats from this era:
- Compression Post and Mast Step: A common technical issue involves the wooden block or support structure at the base of the compression post. If the mast boot has leaked over time, the wood can rot, causing the deck to "sink" slightly under the load of the rig. Inspect for cracks in the fiberglass around the mast step or a sagging overhead liner.
- The "Hunter Smile": Like many boats with external lead or iron keels, the 35.5 can develop a hairline crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often cosmetic, a deep crack indicates the need to re-torque the keel bolts or inspect the internal "grid" system for delamination.
- Grid Bonding: Hunter used a fiberglass structural grid (liner) bonded to the hull. In boats that have suffered a hard grounding, the bond between the grid and the hull can fail, particularly near the keel sump. This is a critical structural check.
- Rudder Delamination: The spade rudder is prone to water ingress. Check for "weeping" of rusty water from the rudder blade when the boat is on the hard, which suggests the internal foam core is saturated and the internal steel armature may be corroding.
Community & Resources
The Hunter 35.5 Legend benefits from one of the most robust owner networks in the sailing world. The Hunter Owners Association (hosted via SailboatOwners.com) provides an exhaustive technical library, including original factory blueprints and parts lists. This community is a primary source for troubleshooting the specific quirks of the B&R rig and the Yanmar 3GM30F engines commonly found in these hulls.
The Verdict
The Hunter 35.5 Legend is an exemplary "coastal cruiser" that prioritizes dockside living and ease of handling over bluewater ruggedness. It is an ideal vessel for families or couples moving up from a smaller daysailer who want the amenities of a much larger boat without the associated slip fees and maintenance costs.
Pros:
- Exceptional interior volume, especially the aft cabin.
- Good light-air performance thanks to the high-aspect rig.
- Easy-access swim platform and cockpit layout.
- Strong parts availability and community support.
Cons:
- Requires early reefing due to initial tenderness.
- Spade rudder and wing keel are vulnerable to damage in shallow, rocky areas.
- Interior teak finishes are thinner than those on premium boutique brands (e.g., Tartan or Sabre).
