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Sailboat Specifications

Hunter 36

Masthead Sloop · Fin W/Spade Rudder

Designed by John Cherubini · Built by Hunter Marine (Usa) · First built 1980

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Hunter 36 sailboat — on the water
Photo: Ahunt / CC0
LOA 35.92 ft  ·  Beam 11.08 ft  ·  Displacement 13,500.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 604.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin W/Spade Rudder
About the Hunter 36 Sailboat

Designed by John Cherubini and built by Hunter Marine from 1980 to 1983, this 36-footer represents an early example of Hunter's commitment to accessible coastal cruising. With its moderate displacement of 13,500 pounds and substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio, the Hunter 36 offers a reassuring blend of stability and performance for weekend cruisers and coastal sailors. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration provides responsive handling, while the masthead sloop rig with 604 square feet of sail area delivers adequate power for most conditions. At just under 36 feet overall with an 11-foot beam, this design maximizes interior volume without sacrificing sailing characteristics—a hallmark of Cherubini's approach to cruising boat design. The boat's comfort ratio of 26.97 suggests a motion that favors seakindliness over racing performance, making extended passages more pleasant for crew and guests. With a capsize screening value of 1.86, the Hunter 36 demonstrates good stability characteristics suitable for coastal and near-offshore sailing. The hull's moderate proportions and fiberglass construction have proven durable over the decades, with many examples still actively sailing today. This model appeals to sailors seeking a capable cruiser that balances comfort, affordability, and sailing performance.

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The Hunter 36 uses a cast iron fin keel attached with keel bolts that are prone to weeping rust stains and corrosion, particularly where the keel meets the hull stub. The keel-to-hull joint should be closely inspected for cracks, movement, or separation, as the attachment design of this era was not as robust as later Hunter models.
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Deck hardware from this era was often through-bolted into balsa-cored deck sections without adequate backing plates or sealant, leading to water intrusion into the balsa core around chainplates, stanchion bases, and cleats. Core rot in these high-stress areas is common on surviving boats.
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The chainplate backing arrangement on the Hunter 36 routes compression loads into the deck structure rather than directly into bulkheads or floors in some configurations, leading to deck delamination and chainplate pull-through over time. Inspect the interior liner for cracking or movement around chainplate areas.
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Market Price Estimate Beta
$30,000 – $91,000
typical asking price
Median $70,500  ·  6 listings used
All listings
$30,000 – $91,000 6
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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 35.92 ft / 10.95 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 29.50 ft / 8.99 m
Beam 11.08 ft / 3.38 m
Max Draft 4.92 ft / 1.50 m
Displacement 13,500.00 lb / 6,123 kg
Ballast 6,000.00 lb / 2,722 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 604.00 ft² / 56.11 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer John Cherubini
Builder Hunter Marine (USA)
First Built 1980
Last Built 1983
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hunter 36's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Hunter 36 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.11. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Hunter 36's comfort ratio?

The Hunter 36 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 26.97. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Hunter 36 safe for offshore sailing?

The Hunter 36 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.86. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Hunter 36?

The theoretical hull speed of the Hunter 36 is 7.28 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Hunter 36 weigh?

The Hunter 36 has a displacement of 13,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 35.92 ft.

How much does a used Hunter 36 cost?

Based on 6 recent market listings, used Hunter 36 sailboats typically sell for between $30,000 and $91,000, with a median asking price of $70,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.

Who designed the Hunter 36?

The Hunter 36 was designed by John Cherubini, first built in 1980.

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