Summary: I was impressed with Hunter 356. To paraphrase a popular ad: "This is not your father's Hunter." It's hard to find better names in the equipment business than Harken, Seldan, Pro Furl, Lewmar and Corian. The boat has a base price of about $114,000 in Seattle, which includes Hunter's Cruise-Pac. Most owners will undoubtedly want to add a few goodies. Various packages are available through the dealers, but figure somewhere between $130-$140,000 for a fully outfitted boat.       I kept coming back to the fact that the Hunter 356 was only 35.5 feet. The cockpit and main saloon had the feel of a much larger boat.The boat handled very nicely under power and sail with good visability. A fully battened main would produce more performance but the convenience of rolling up the jib and main makes for incredibly easy sail set and "take down" and speaks more to the easy cruising theme of the boat.       Thanks to Signature Yachts of Seattle and Hunter for inviting us for a test sail. Hunter 356 Specifications Length Overall 35'6" Hull Length 34'6" Waterline Length 30'7" Beam 12'0" Shoal Draft 5'0" Deep Draft 6'5" Ballast - deep 5,023 lb Ballast - Shoal 5,064 lb Displacement (dry) 13,900 lb Mast Height (from dwl) 55'3" Sail Area (actual) 721 ft2 I 44'10" J 13'2" E (standard) 15'0" Headroom 6'5" Fuel Capacity 38 gal Water Capacity 75 gal Hold Tank Capacity 30 gal Water Heater 6 gal Auxiliary Power (Yanmar) 27 hp CE Classification A A stainless steel traveler arch puts the traveler up, out of the way and allows end-boom sheeting of the main. It is also a good mount for speakers, lights and attachment point for bimini tops and dodgers. Two struts come out from the mast at an angle, creating a strong triangle base, allowing a smaller mast and less weight aloft. Below the boom is a winch, part of the main furling system (we never needed the winch). The main rolled up via a continuous line in the cockpit. The Lewmar hatch over the aft cabin provides light as well as an emergency exit.. ... back to page one           ... on to interior photos

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