Deck/Cockpit:

A distinctive feature of the Hunter range of cruising yachts is the B&R rig named after its designers Bergstrom and Richter. The payoff here is the ability to carry a big-roach mainsail and a smaller 110% Genoa, providing easy sail handling and less rig loading. The cockpit is open and roomy, with no backstay to contend with.

The Hunter 356 cockpit is principally designed for socializing and features the hallmark Hunter look -with high, rounded combings and wide seats delivered complete with cockpit cushions. The transom seat folds back to double as a boarding step, providing walk-through access to the swim platform. The transom has two large storage lockers each side of the walkthrough, one fitted with a hot and cold cockpit shower. A telescoping boarding ladder slips in under the cockpit sole. The 356 helm station is set well back in the cockpit and revolves around a molded wheel console housing the instruments, Danforth compass, drink holders and single-lever Yanmar engine control. A bi-fold cockpit table is set forward of the console and hinges up to provide a stable platform for happy hour drinks. The helm position is comfortable and well thought out. Cockpit storage is excellent with a giant locker on the port side that is large enough for an outboard, roll-up tender, rods and other summer essentials. It even has holders for the companionway hatch boards. The starboard side cockpit seat also hinges back to allow fresh air to flow into an opening Lewmar hatch that services the double berth below the cockpit.

Interior:

Life below decks on the 356 is very comfortable indeed. The immediate impression is one of volume, due in no small part to the large amount of natural light that filters into the boat through what Hunter describes as the windshield; two large windows set into the coach house roof. These are supplemented with good-sized windows in the cabin and smaller windows set into the topsides. The U-shaped galley is set immediately to starboard of the companionway and features Corian bench tops, twin-stainless steel sinks, hot and cold mixer, Force 10 LPG stove and microwave. Refrigeration is excellent with a large fridge and freezer unit, each compartment with a gas strut to keep the lid open while rummaging around for the evening meal. There is ample storage with cupboards and drawers and dishware.

Immediately opposite the galley is the head and shower unit set in an L-shape. The head and shower share a molded cubicle with a teak floor grill and large hanging locker and shelves for wet weather gear. The shower has separate hot and cold taps and a toilet plumbed to a 30 gal holding tank. A molded Corian vanity top with hot and cold water and a large mirror occupies the remainder of the head. The whole area is nicely moulded with easy-clean liners and good storage. The saloon features a U-shaped settee to starboard with a large teak table that drops down to form a double and through which the mast compression post disappears. A three-seater settee is set to port opposite, giving a seating plan that will accommodate eight at a squeeze for dinner. The port settee doubles as a seat for the aft-facing nav station which has a lift-up lid for chart storage. The boat’s circuit breakers and switch panels are set in against the hull with a console for VHF and navigation instruments. All interior joinery is in solid teak or veneers which, combined with the high-gloss teak and holly floor, gives the boat a warm honey glow. Molded roof linings – padded in places – ensure a very good standard of finish. It should not be forgotten that the 356 is a production boat with a kitset fit out, but that said the overall standard is high. The 356 has two double cabins, a v-berth in the bow and a transverse double set in under the cockpit and accessed through the galley. The forward cabin has a hanging locker to port and drawers to starboard and under the berth. There is a large overhead hatch for ventilation and light, and an opening timber window set into the main bulkhead to help open up the boat. There is generous standing headroom in the cabin and plenty of room to get dressed with the cabin door closed. The master cabin is aft and features a large transverse double, ample room to stand up with the door closed and good sitting headroom once in bed. A nice touch is the upholstered headboard and twin bedside cabinets. There is good storage with lockers each side of the bed and a large hanging locker just inside the cabin. The boat’s tanks are located under the bed. The transverse double is a feature of Hunter design and works very well with an overhead hatch for light and ventilation and a moulded ceiling liner.

Performance:

With a dry displacement of just under 6400kg, the Hunter 356 is no lightweight, but accelerates quickly, suggesting an easily driven hull. The wheel steering is impressive with the boat turning on its axis under motor. The sail plan is easily managed and the mainsheet, traveller and Genoa sheets are all within easy access of the helm.

The factory-fitted 27HP three-cylinder fresh water-cooled Yanmar diesel drives a two-blade fixed prop on a one-inch shaft. The engine is well insulated and mounted and pushes the boat along at 6.5 knots at 3400rpm.

All up, the 356 achieves its primary purpose very well – a roomy weekend cruiser with an emphasis on comfort and easy handling. The overall standard of finish is impressive and the standard inclusions generous.