Hunter 35 Legend WK + 246 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Hunter 35 Legend is characterized by its Bergstrom & Ridder (B&R) rig, a hallmark of the Legend series that eliminates the need for a backstay. This configuration allows for a highly roached mainsail, which provides the primary driving force for the vessel. On the water, the 35 Legend is surprisingly nimble for a mid-sized cruiser. With a Displacement-to-Length ratio (D/L) often hovering in the low 200s and a generous Sail Area-to-Displacement ratio (SA/D) nearing 20, the boat is optimized for light to moderate air performance.

According to historical editorial insights from Sail Magazine, the B&R rig’s swept-back spreaders allow for tighter sheeting angles on the jib, though they do limit the ability to square the mainsail away when running deep downwind. Handling is generally described as responsive, with the large elliptical rudder providing significant bite. However, because of the powerful mainsail, the 35 Legend requires early reefing; owners typically find the boat rounds up if pressed too hard in gusts exceeding 18 knots. The wing keel version trades a small degree of upwind pointing ability for a draft of only 4’6”, making it a preferred choice for coastal explorers over the deeper 6'6" fin keel variant.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Hunter 35 Legend was revolutionary for its time, utilizing a "wide-body" approach that carries the 11’7” beam well aft. This design philosophy created a volume that remains competitive with many modern 35-footers. The layout features a large, wraparound settee in the main salon and a legitimate U-shaped galley that serves as a benchmark for ergonomics in this size bracket.

The vessel was primarily offered in a two-cabin configuration. The aft cabin is a particular highlight, featuring a transverse double berth that sits beneath the cockpit sole, offering more lateral space than the traditional V-berth. The forward cabin, while more conventional, provides adequate privacy for guests. Throughout the cabin, Hunter utilized a mix of teak veneers and molded fiberglass liners, which simplified maintenance while providing a bright, airy feel. The "Legend" series aesthetic often included a "European" styling with integrated plexiglass windows that wrap into the coachroof, significantly increasing natural light but also creating a distinct profile on the water.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Hunter 35 Legend with a focused inspection of its structural and rig components. While the B&R rig is robust, the lack of a backstay puts significant tension on the shroud terminals and the chainplates. These should be inspected for stress cracking or "tea-staining" (rust bleeds) that may indicate fatigue.

1. Compression Post and Deck Sag: A known issue in earlier Legend models is the compression post under the mast. If the support at the base has degraded or the deck core has softened due to water intrusion near the mast step, it can lead to "deck sag," making the doors to the head or forward cabin difficult to close.
2. Plexiglass "Wrap-Around" Windows: The signature large windows are prone to crazing and leaking over time. Replacing these curved panels is a labor-intensive and relatively expensive task, as the sealant often fails due to the different expansion rates of the acrylic and the fiberglass.
3. Rudder Delamination: Historical reports on forums such as CruisersForum suggest that the large spade rudders on these models can occasionally trap water, leading to internal core saturation and eventual delamination or "wicking" up the stainless steel post.
4. Gelcoat Crazing: Common to many production boats of this era, the Hunter 35 Legend often exhibits spiderweb crazing in the gelcoat, particularly around high-stress areas like the cockpit coamings and stanchion bases.

Community & Resources

The Hunter 35 Legend benefits from one of the most active owner communities in the sailing world. The Hunter Owners Alliance serves as a vital repository for technical manuals, original brochures, and DIY repair guides specifically for the 1980s Legend series. Because Hunter Marine (now Marlow-Hunter) has maintained a high level of consistency in its parts sourcing, many original components can still be identified or substituted through these community-managed databases.

The Verdict

The Hunter 35 Legend Wing Keel is a quintessential coastal cruiser that offers an exceptional amount of living space and "per-foot" value. While it may not be the first choice for a rugged blue-water passage, it excels as a weekend getaway vessel or a seasonal cruiser.

Pros

• Exceptional Interior Volume: Rivals many 38-footers of the same era.
• Light Air Performance: The B&R rig and large mainsail make it a joy to sail in typical summer breezes.
• Shallow Draft: The wing keel opens up cruising grounds that are inaccessible to deeper-draft competitors.
• Active Support: An enormous amount of owner documentation and community knowledge is available.

Cons

• Rig Complexity: The swept-back spreaders require a specific tuning technique and limit downwind angles.
• Window Maintenance: The wrap-around ports are beautiful but prone to leaks and UV damage.
• Early Reefing Required: The boat is tender and can become handful if not depowered early in heavy weather.