Hunter 356

2003 Hunter 356 now for sale with DBY Boat Sales.

Hunter Marine has long been one of the world's top builders of production cruising sailboats. This 2003 model Hunter 356 midsize cruiser, is the perfect yacht for somebody looking to buy an as new boat. The outstanding condition this vessel is in is a credit to the current owner.

The 356 is a well-balanced combination of looks, room and speed that marks the first of the newer generation of Hunters.

The Hunter 356 has a fractional sloop rig with a 110 percent headsail. Roller furling on the headsail and a fully battened main in lazy jacks which is all controlled from the cockpit.

The bulb-wing shoal draft keel measures only 5 feet in total depth and opens up more safe waterways and anchorages than some deeper keel boats.

A broad 12 foot beam creates generous space both topside and below decks. The boat has a 35 foot, 6 inch length overall -- with 30 feet, 7 inches of that being at the waterline.

Hunter have produced a hull that comes back very wide at the transom, but most of which is above the waterline. A special "reflex" design underneath allows the hull to think it's a narrower boat, therefore creating less drag. The Hunter 356 leaves surprisingly little wake.

One hull feature we hope you won't ever need to appreciate is the protective Kevlar layup in the forward section. It extends from the stem back to the keel sump -- the most likely area to be punctured if you hit something. Think of this Kevlar as a bulletproof vest for your boat.

Another unique construction feature is the composite rudder. It's impervious to corrosion, plus it's lighter and stronger than conventional materials more commonly used.

Hunter's hull-to-deck joint is practically bulletproof, too. The flange is first sealed with 3M's 5200 marine sealant, then is through-bolted, not screwed, on 6 inch centres. A heavy-duty rub-rail track is then screwed in on 6 inch centres between the bolts, and a stainless rub-rail is put in place.

The Deck
The deck layout of the 356 has more room than you'd usually find on a boat this size. A stainless steel arch keeps the cockpit as open as possible. That's where the mainsheet's attachment is, so it's close to the end of the boom -- not midway -- for better control.

Hunter's use of two spreaders and reverse diagonals eliminates the need for a backstay. The B&R rigging lets the lower stays move inboard and the upper stays attach outboard of the walkway, giving excellent passageway fore and aft. The strut arrangement also allows for a smaller-diameter mast, keeping the centre of gravity lower to minimize pitching.

Moulded two-tone skid-resistant decking and stainless steel grab-rails are another high quality feature as standard.

At the bow, you'll find a pair of anchor rollers. One holds a Delta plough anchor and the other is available for whatever second anchor you choose to deploy or left available for a mooring buoy line. Inside the anchor locker, there's an electric Muir anchor winch, 30 m of chain and 50 m of warp plus a washdown pump to keep everything clean and tidy.

The 356 can easily be single handled or by a crew of two as all lines can be worked from the cockpit and she even has an electric main halyard winch.

Deck hardware is all top of the line: Harken, Lewmar, Spinlock, Profurl and Schaffer. Also, Hunter's use Whitlock steering -- a superior rack and pinion system that eliminates the sloppiness of cables.

Raymarine ST60 depth, wind and speed instruments are on the wheel console, and a Raymarine VHF radio is mounted in the cabin along with a Plotter.

The cockpit has generous storage capacity underneath the aft seating and on the transom. There's also a cavernous space to port that's big enough to hold all watersport gear, gen set, fuel, tools, lines and fenders etc.

The cockpit table folds out from its vertical storage position along the centreline like a butterfly. The helm seat flips back to form steps down to the transom. A three-rung telescoping ladder makes boarding from the water super easy.

The cockpit is fully enclosed with a large Bimini supported by a sturdy Stainless Steel arched frame and connects to a spray dodger with opening clears.

The Cabin
The cabin of the Hunter 356 is where you'll really notice the difference in the way Hunter's boats are built. There's a definite upscale look and feel to most production yachts.

The joinery is softer and rounder on the 356 than most yachts. Bullnose mouldings, detail features and upgraded hardware on the cabinetry say quality.

The saloon features an attractive teak and holly sole that's polished to a high gloss. It contrasts with the soft feel of the upholstery and the cabin curtains.

The convertible dinette can sleep two -- and another guest can bunk on the settee opposite it. This is in addition to the double berth forward and the queen-size berth aft in the master suite. The queen-size aft berth takes standard-size sheets, and boasts an innerspring mattress.

Headroom throughout the Hunter 356's cabin is a generous 6 feet, 5 inches, for the most part. Even in the head, with its separate stall shower and the stand-up area in the forward part of the master suite, just about everyone can get around without stooping over.

There's plenty of storage space, too, with a pair of hanging lockers forward and one aft, plus drawers in each of the sleeping compartments. A large navigation table, aft and to port in the saloon, will accommodate full-size charts -- and there's room on the bulkhead above it to install additional electronics if ever required.

The galley on the 356 has an L-shaped Corian countertop. A double basin stainless steel sink is set into the counter, along with a two-burner gas stove and large, deep refrigerator and freezer units.

Teak fiddles around the counter's perimeter are sturdy enough to double as handholds. A microwave oven is mounted in the bulkhead and the galley has hot and cold pressurised water.

Hunter are production boats well known for a high quality finish.

An inspection will not disappoint.