You might want to read all of the Hunter reviews at SailNet's "boat check",
I found this one particularly interesting:

"I hate this boat. I strongly recommend that you avoid it, and all Hunters
for that matter. It leaks horribly, design flaws and poor construction are
everywhere. Ex: The boat is extremely tender-- double reef in 15 knots of
wind. The bilge is too shallow-the floor rots. The batteries are in the
lazarette! The whole boat flexes causing leaks around windows, the mast,
etc. The seacocks are of a dangerous design. DO NOT BE DECEIVED by a
seemingly large interior, etc. Hunter should be ashamed of themselves. I
strongly recommend that you buy a Catalina if you are looking for "a lot of
boat for the money." AVOID ALL HUNTERS. "

I heard someone comment about a Hunter after a race last season, I assumed
that all of the badmouthing I'd heard in the past was somewhat unfounded,
needless to say I was surprised when I heard this gentleman summarily
dismiss Hunters as "garbage". I myself like the lines on the early Hunters,
but have heard many dismiss these boats as "garbage", so I would proceed
very carefully before considering one of these boats. Also keep in mind that
asking prices are just that, asking prices. You might be surprised to find
out what someone would sell their boat for after trying to sell it
unsuccessfully for a year or so.
John Cairns
"Jim Cate" wrote in message
...

Does anyone have experience or knowledge of the Hunter 36, 1980 model.
I would prefer a 32 to 34-foot boat and would prefer an O'Day, Cal,
Pearson, Newport, Islander, Tartan, C&C, Irwin, S-2, Columbia, etc.,
because I think those boats are probably better made and have better
reputations, but there is a Hunter 36 in our area with the options I
prefer that seems to be in good condition, at a reasonable price. In
other words, most of the other boats are older, in poorer condition, and
priced higher. My plan would be to use the boat for bay sailing and
occasional coastal cruising but not for extended blue-water passages.

Thanks,
Jim