HUNTER 36
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 35.92 ft |
| LWL | 29.5 ft |
| Beam | 11.08 ft |
| Draft | 4.92 ft |
| Displacement | 13,500 lb |
| Ballast | 5,999.4 lb |
| Material | 34’ 7”10.56 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 46.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 14.75 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 41 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 14.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 625.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 342.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 583 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 2 |
| Berths | 4 |
| Heads | 6 |
| Water | 75 L |
| Fuel | 36.5 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
Engine
| Yanmar | 3YM3029 hpSee all 44 parts → |
| Yanmar | 2QM2022 hpSee all 40 parts → |
About the HUNTER 36
Thanks to Joe Wellspeak for providing correction.
Designed by John Cherubini and built by Hunter Marine (USA) from 1980–1983, the Hunter 36 is a popular masthead sloop known for its spacious interior and performance-oriented hull. With a displacement of 13500.0 lb and a beam of 11.08 ft, it offers a comfortable cruising experience, though owners frequently report significant maintenance challenges regarding the deck core and rigging hardware.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior volume and ease of handling, particularly those willing to commit to proactive maintenance of the deck and rigging. It is less ideal for novice owners seeking a low-maintenance vessel due to the high frequency of reported structural and mechanical issues.
- Bluewater capability:
- While the Hunter 36 has a moderate capsize ratio of 1.86 and a comfort ratio of 26.97, its bluewater capability is compromised by widespread reports of deck core moisture and rudder/shaft issues, making it better suited for protected coastal waters unless extensive structural repairs have been documented.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from the same era include the Cal 34 and O'Day 35, which offer similar beamy, performance-cruising characteristics. These models are comparable because they share the late-1970s/early-1980s design philosophy of maximizing interior space through wide beams, though the Hunter 36 distinguishes itself with a lighter displacement of 13500.0 lb.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 6.9 |
| 60° | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.2 | 7.2 |
| 75° | 5.4 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.6 |
| 90° | 5.4 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 8.1 |
| 110° | 5.2 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.5 |
| 120° | 5.0 | 6.1 | 6.9 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.8 |
| 135° | 4.4 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.5 |
| 150° | 3.8 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.8 |
| Beat VMG | 3.0 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Run VMG | 3.3 | 4.2 | 4.9 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.6 | 7.4 |
Estimated Value
High ConfidenceAsking price by model year
38 listings · boat years 1982–2014 · median $84,500
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 35.92ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
12 reported issues across 8 systems for the HUNTER 36, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HUNTER 36? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 12 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Yanmar 3YM30
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Used sails that fit the HUNTER 36
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