Design and Construction
Hunter's standard construction practice shows clearly in the E36. The hull and deck use balsa coring above the waterline with solid fiberglass below, and the layup combines a modified polyester/epoxy resin with an outer vinylester layer applied throughout to guard against blisters. A Kevlar layer runs from the stem to the keel for impact resistance should the boat meet anything underway, while a structural grid stiffens the hull and the standard keel is iron. A performance version swaps in a deep lead keel for added sail-carrying ability. The deck is through-bolted and bonded to the hull with 3M 5200 adhesive on an outward-turning flange, and that flange is encased in a rubrail running bow to stern. Practical details extend to the bulwark-like toerails and sturdy cabinhouse handrails, with stanchion bases set atop the toerail so water cannot pool around them and cause leaks or corrosion. A low bridgedeck at the companionway top helps keep water from sloshing below.
Rig and Handling
The E36 carries a backstay-free B&R fractional rig with aluminum spars and wire standing rigging, and the stainless steel cockpit arch serves as the base for a Bimini and the main traveler. The standard rig flies a full-batten main; the test boat wore the standard 110 percent furling headsail and optional in-mast furling main. The Performance Package steps up to a big square-top UK-Halsey carbon Tape-Drive main delivering 12 percent more sail area, adds a retractable sprit for a large asymmetrical spinnaker, a winch upgrade, a folding propeller, and a larger 42-inch wheel. On the water in a steady 6 to 8 knots off Miami's Biscayne Bay, the boat tracked smoothly on all angles, tacked easily, and made around 3.4 knots to windward at a 38-degree apparent wind angle in just over 6 knots of true wind; cracking onto a close reach at 45 degrees gave just under 4 knots. The helm was nicely responsive, and the shoal-draft version proved very forgiving of sloppy driving. Under power, the 29hp Yanmar pushed her at 5.5 knots at 2,300 rpm and 7.5 knots at 3,800 rpm.
Accommodations
The swing-down extended swim platform does more than ease water access; by removing the need for a swimstep cutout it frees volume for the belowdecks layout and a larger cockpit table. The cockpit itself is well proportioned, with signature transom seats in the stern pulpit for crew seating and a sturdy table base that doubles as a foot brace when heeled. Below, the saloon, nav station, galley, and head lie to port of the companionway and are well executed; the saloon is flooded with light from portlights, overhead windows, and hull windows, and finished with attractive varnished cherry joinery. A sturdy handrail to port eases movement on the companionway steps. The aft stateroom gains extra volume from the folding platform and is spacious and comfortable with plenty of hatches, while the forward V-berth is a little tight for the toes but offers good storage.
Known Issues
The authority review of the E36 raised no structural defects or systemic faults. The truncated construction notes and on-water testing documented the boat's details as described without flagging recurring problems; the iron standard keel and balsa coring above the waterline are stated specifications rather than identified weaknesses.
Refits and Ownership
Owners shopping the performance variant should note the open transom without swim platform, done in the interest of weight reduction, versus the standard e-version's swing-down platform that locks in place and deploys on a single line through a Spinlock clutch with a gas shock to dampen lowering. The platform's user-friendly engineering is representative of the small touches throughout. The standard Yanmar and furling options make for straightforward systems, and the Performance Package's upgrades are factory-documented rather than aftermarket guesses.
The Verdict
The Hunter E36 is a thoughtfully detailed coastal cruiser that trades racing edge for livable volume and easy handling. Her construction is conventional Hunter of the era with sensible impact protection and blister prevention, and her light-air manners make her approachable for a cruising couple. The accommodations are bright and well arranged, with the aft cabin the clear beneficiary of the platform design.
Pros
- Swing-down swim platform frees belowdecks volume and is simple to deploy
- B&R fractional rig with cockpit arch simplifies sail handling and Bimini mounting
- Light-air performance and forgiving helm on the shoal-draft version
- Vinylester outer layer and Kevlar impact layer address common fiberglass concerns
Cons
- Forward V-berth tight for headroom/foot room
- Standard iron keel less desirable than the lead performance keel for some buyers
- In-mast furling main was optional, not standard, on the test boat
