This is the first Hunter I have seen in recent years that comes with a racing, or "performance" package, option. It shows how far Hunter has come and overall I'd say this is an attractive design. While the styling might be not exactly Euro it sure is beyond traditional and shows a close connection with previous recent Hunter models while being new. I thank the design and marketing crews at Hunter for providing me with such a complete package of drawings. It makes my job easier when I don't have to guess at small details like, for instance, hull shape.

This is a beamy hull with full bow and stern and an L/B of 2.87. As is expected these days the stern is very broad and overhangs are minimal. It's all about internal volume. The half angle of entry is 24 degrees, indicating quite a full bow. This is in contrast to many modern boats we see that actually have a hollow or concave DWL forward. But, despite the wide angle of entry, photos of the e36 sailing show a nice clean bow wave with no evidence of a rooster tail climbing up the stem. I would think given the overall proportions of this design that it is quite a stiff boat.

The rig comes in two geometries with the standard rig having a lot of mainsail roach but a traditional headboard. The performance option rig comes with the same basic rig dimensions but they add a fat-head main that adds 12% to the mainsail area. Using Hunter's figures I get SA/Ds ranging from 19.9 down to 16.38. Note the B&R style rig with highly swept spreaders and diamond shrouds.

The layout features an enclosed athwartships double berth aft with a large hanging locker. The galley has a two-burner stove, double sinks and a front-loading reefer. The nav station faces aft and uses the port settee for a seat. Forward there is a V-berth double. It's kind of tight on toe space but there are two nice hanging lockers aft of the berth. This would be a very comfortable layout for two couples. I imagine that with all those windows the feel below will be very light and airy.

The cockpit is big and with the mainsheet on the arch there is no interference with the wide-open space of the cockpit or the ability to sail the boat with a full bimini and dodger. The downside is that the side decks are narrow.

This new Hunter has a lot of appeal and should be a very successful model.

LOA 34'11"; LOD 34'6"; LWL 31'1"; Beam 12'4"; Draft 5' (shoal), 6'5" (deep); Displacement 15,353 lbs.; Ballast 4,536 lbs.; Sail area 768 sq. ft.; SA/D 19.9; D/L 228; L/B 2.87; Auxiliary Yanmar 29-hp; Fuel 38 gals.; Water 75 gals.

Hunter Marine
Route 441, Alachua, FL 32615
(800) 771-5556
www.huntermarine.com

Our Best Estimate of the sail-away price
o.b.e. 156,990