1989 Hunter Legend

2024

· Bluetooth/CD Stereo

2023

· Re-bed Deck Filling Fittings

· Main Sail Serviced

· Mixing Elbow

· Head Rebuild

2022

· Engine Fuel Injector O-rings

· Fresh Water Pump and Accumulator

· Shower Sump Pump

· New TV Antenna

2021

· Engine Fresh Water Pump

· Replaced Head Seacock

· Anchor Line 200 Ft, Anchor Swivel and 30 Ft Chain

2020

· Cutlas Baring

· New House Batteries (4 - 110 AH)

· Replaced Front Hatch

· New Life Lines

2019

· Replaced Shore Power Plug

2017

· Canvas Refreshed

2015

· Dutchman System Replaced

2012

· Rollerfurling Rebuild

· New Canvas (Main Cover, Bimini, Sun + Rain Bridges, Doger, Companion Way Cover and Pedistool Cover)

· Rig Refresh (Unstepped Mast, Rig Inspection, New Wiring, LED Anchor Light, New Sheeves, Replaced Steaming/Deck Light)

· Replaced Instruments (Speed, Dept and Wind)

· Auto Pilot

2008

· Replaced All Windows

2007

· Flag Ship Marine Air Condition/Resistive Heat System Installed

2004

· Replaced Engine Mounts

· Sandblast and Barrier Coat (sanded and painted every spring)

2003

· Upgraded Prop Shaft to SS 1”

· Ungraded to a 3 Blade Prop

· Stainless Steel Arch installed w/integrated Dinghy Davis, Cockpit Light etc

Hunter Marine was launched in 1972 by Warren Luhrs, with many early cruising models designed by John Cherubini. By the 1990s, an inhouse team was responsible for most of the design work, which included the Bergstrom & Ridder rig with swept spreaders. The Hunter Legend 37 was launched just prior to the company's move to its trademark arch for the mainsheet traveler, with a production run from 1986 to 1988.

First impressions

The 37 doesn't look like a cruising boat despite its many amenities belowdecks. The sleek, uncluttered foredeck, reverse transom and a nearly 60-foot-tall mast combine to give this sloop a sleek profile. The cockpit with pedestal steering and large destroyer wheel is roomy enough for six.

Naval Architect and SAILING Magazine's Technical Editor Robert Perry noted in his review in 1986 that the 37 has the appearance of a high-performance boat, with a nod to Swan for introducing yachts with lowered coachroofs that seamlessly blend into the foredeck. Aboard the Hunter Legend 37, this attention to detail helps reduce the visual impact of its substantial freeboard.

Construction

Despite comments from traditionalists that boats of the mid-1980s resemble Clorox bottles in style and strength, the Hunter Legend 37 has proved an exception. It features a solid fiberglass hull, balsa-cored deck, Bergstrom & Ridder fractional rig with swept spreaders, balanced spade rudder and two keel options: a deep fin or a shoal-draft bulb with wings. Longitudinal stringers installed in the hull midsection to each side of the keel provide additional structural support. And although there isn't much teak or mahogany on deck, the interior is graced with a mix of exotic woods.

On deck

Sailboats with style often sacrifice functionality, but here again the Hunter Legend 37 succeeds with a sculpted cockpit that provides room for six, albeit the space behind the helm is tight. Many owners have removed the arched bench behind the wheel.

With a 59-foot, fractional rig and swept spreaders, it's easy to see this boat could be a speedster in capable hands. The rig can carry a big main, its power kept under control in 25 knots of wind using only the backstay, cunningham and boom vang. The wide sidedecks are welcomed by sailors sent to work the foredeck.

Down below

Roomy and comfortable are the key words belowdecks. The U-shaped galley to port features a two-basin stainless steel sink, top-loading refrigerator, a two- or three-burner stove with oven, adequate storage, counter space and lots of small drawers. The saloon has a drop-leaf table and a circular seating pattern that encourages socializing, with settees to each side that can be used as single berths. Headroom is 6 feet 3 inches in the saloon and the boat carries 72 gallons of freshwater.

A navigator's station to starboard has a hinged desk drawer and various storage compartments. The aft berth, located beneath the cockpit, has a pedestal queen bed that can be reached from either side through the cabin door or the head. The arrangement eliminates having to disturb the other person, but the ceiling is low.

"It's like a real bed instead of having to climb over somebody," said David Alves, owner of the shoal-draft model Progeny in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

The forward V-berth cabin sleeps two, has a hanging locker and a vanity sink with mirror. Some owners have removed the sink to increase storage.

"The separate cabins are perfect for two couples," said Alves. "There's one shared head that also becomes a shower. The head can be accessed from the aft cabin and from the saloon. The plumbing is simple. You stick a hose on a fitting on the back of the door, then stand and shower."

The teak-and-holly sole gives the interior a warm glow while flush-mounted deck skylights allow natural light to enter the cabin.

Engine

The Hunter Legend 37 is equipped with a 34-horsepower Yanmar 3HM35F diesel fitted with a two-bladed propeller. The engine is fed by a 33-gallon aluminum fuel tank installed under the aft berth where access is easy. The sides of the engine can be accessed from twin side doors or the larger front opening, but servicing the top is a bit more difficult due to tight clearance. Owners report the freshwater-cooled engine is capable of pushing the boat along at 7 knots while cranking 2,800 rpm on the tachometer. Although some pre-owned Legend 37s are advertised with 27-horsepower or 35-horsepower engines, most are factory-fitted with the 34-horsepower Yanmar.

Underway

Fast is the most frequently heard word from the mouths of owners when describing the boat's sailing characteristics. It seems generally agreed that the boat performs remarkably in light air, perhaps due to the high sail area-to-displacement ratio.

"The boat has a huge main and that's where the power is," Alves said. "I use a 110% jib on an above-deck Harken furler that was installed by the previous owner. The original furler was flush with the deck. Changing over freed up the anchor locker."

Alves said the boat sails well up wind even though it's a wing keel with bulb, which seemingly would lack the upwind performance of a deep fin keel and be subject to more vibration as it moves through the water.

Steve Royall, who sails his Legend 37 Gone Tomorrow out of Marina del Rey, California, said the boat is fast in light air and when reefed correctly performs admirably in heavy wind.

"When we have Wednesday night races, I chase people down just to show them I can," he said. "It's a fast boat. And it really points."

Royall recommends a 155% genoa in light air and a 135% when bigger breezes are forecast.

"It sails like a dream. I can get 8.5 knots out of it, which is faster than hull speed," he said.

Conclusion

The Hunter Legend 37 is both racer and cruiser in the truest sense of that sailing hybrid, capable of winning in club competition or providing luxury and comfort on a weeklong cruise. Its racer profile will turn heads while its belowdecks accommodations are likely to encourage friends less interested in competition to stay aboard a bit longer. This boat is equally at home in both worlds.

The Galley is located immediately on your left (Port for you salty dogs) and has a lot of room for all of your cooking needs: Great storage in the overhead bulkhead cabinets (3) deep double bowl Stainless Steel Sinks with a nice high arched faucet. An angled counter at the centerline of the boat allows for easy entry up and down the companionway. Plenty of drawer storage at the sink area keeps all of your utensils close at hand. A gimballed Hillerange 3 burner stove and oven allows for great meals while underway or at an anchorage. Large refrigerator with a seamless countertop lid gives the chef of the day plenty of room to prepare your meals. This also allows for easy access to the master stateroom (Aft).

Just forward of the Galley is the Main Salon, located primarily on the Port side (Left side of the boat for you landlubbers). Beautiful upholstery on a very nicely sized L-shaped settee (and table) allow for great seating and storage (both under the seats and in the cabinets along the bulkhead. A flat screen TV is on the forward bulkhead for when it is time to relax. Across from the port side is a long settee on the starboard side, great for that quick nap while underway, or for additional seating around the table (when the leaf is up). When the leaf is down, you have unincumbered access to the forward guest cabin.

All the way forward is a very spacious V-BERTH, with 2 large partition styled doors, allowing for a very open look to the boat, basically extending the main salon area forward, or it allows for privacy to your guests. Great headroom, and plenty of space for changing clothes and getting ready for the day. Fantastic storage in the double door hanging locker on the port side of the cabin, and a bonus vanity sink on the starboard side gives this fairly traditional V-berth cabin an extra touch of class. Super convenient and very appreciated by any guests aboard.

All of your electronics are well within reach at this Nav Table. Easy access to your AC and DC panels, the chart table, 2 Chart tubes (remember those?), Air conditioning and heating unit and stored below with easy access to the control panel as well. Large table (facing outboard) to be used to chart your next destination or to be used as a desk while working from the boat (LIVE THE DREAM). Above the table various electronics are available to aid in your voyage: Jensen Hi-Power CD/Bluetooth Stereo, Garmin GPS 128 12 channel display head, Raymarine ST60+ Autohelm series tridata display head, Uniden ES UM235 VHF with distress button, and various other monitoring and electrical components. Swiveled seat that securely stores out of the way keeps access to the cabin open, yet the seat is easy to use while at the desk.

Still moving aft, just past the Nav Table is the "walkthrough" style head. Nicely outfitted and layed out well, this head allows both guests access form the cabin and also direct access from the Master cabin Aft. Wet head style but with gorgeous teak floor grate and seat over the head, this compliments the overall decor of the vessel. Small vanity sink in a large cabinet base with sliding storage accessible at the bulkhead make keeping all of your toiletries out of sight, yet close at hand. Great head room and beautiful doors that open and close very easily allow great access to this space from the cabin or the salon.

This is a well-situated master cabin with the large queen-sized bed running along the centerline of the boat. Reciprocal storage on both sides of the entire cabin, with fans, contained shelf, sliding storage, lighting and vented portlights to the cockpit makes this a very comfortable space. The mattress has a very luxurious feel to it. both sides also have hanging lockers with shelves for storage. Also it is well to note that this space has two separate entry points: one through the galley and one through the head (both mentioned above).

In the cockpit area, ZOO CREW has comfort and easy access to the running rigging, the cabin, and the stern. The traveler sits well in the cockpit, built into the step up to the companionway, so it is both easily and directly accessible, yet out of the way as a separate rail. All of the electronics are easy at the ready whether along the sea hood for your tri-data displays or at the Edson binnacle/pedestal for navigation. Equipped with a Ritchie Compass, Raymarine SL&S Pathfinder Plus display, Raytheon/Apelco Fishfinder/Depth Sounder, and a Garmin GPS 478 Color chartplotter display. Comfortable seating with very nice canvas and great access to the stern, you will be comfortable in this cockpit whether underway, at an anchorage, or at the marina enjoying conversation and cocktails.

Out on deck you will find unobstructed access all the way forward, with everything in good repair and an excellent shine. The Hunter Legend 37 allowed for great headroom down below and yet kept a very low profile up on the deck with a sleek modern look.

Listing MLS by Yachtr.com