HUNTER CHANNEL 323 - Bilge Keel

General Description

The Hunter Channel 323 is a well-regarded British cruising yacht, designed by David Thomas and built by Hunter Boats in the mid-1990s. She has earned a strong reputation for her solid construction, practical layout, and dependable sailing performance, particularly well suited to UK coastal cruising and short-handed sailing.

The bilge keel version is especially popular, offering excellent stability and the ability to take the ground safely—ideal for East Coast, Solent, and Channel cruising. Under sail, the Channel 323 is known for her predictable handling, good windward performance for a bilge keeler, and reassuring motion at sea.

Below decks, the design offers generous accommodation for a yacht of this size, with a bright saloon, practical galley, separate heads compartment, and a comfortable aft cabin. Build quality is robust throughout, reflecting Hunter’s reputation at the time for producing capable, no-nonsense cruising yachts that stand the test of time.

Overall, the Channel 323 remains a sought-after model for sailors looking for a capable, comfortable cruiser with manageable systems and proven offshore pedigree.

'Cowslip'

Cowslip is a well-presented example of this popular and proven design and has clearly benefited from careful ownership and ongoing investment in recent years.

The current owners purchased Cowslip in late 2018 on the East Coast and subsequently sailed her from Essex to Chichester Harbour in 2021. Since arriving on the South Coast, the boat has been lightly used for leisure cruising around the Solent, with no charter history and no demanding passages undertaken during this period.

Her overall condition reflects this considerate use. She presents as clean, tidy, and well maintained both on deck and below, with maintenance focused on reliability, safety, and long-term ownership rather than purely cosmetic enhancement.

Cowslip was surveyed for insurance purposes on 13th October, and the opening paragraph of the surveyor’s conclusion is particularly encouraging:

“‘Cowslip’ is a good example of this popular sailing yacht. She benefits from 2019 standing rigging, and a properly serviced engine. ‘Cowslip’ is in a clean and tidy condition, both externally and internally. No structural issues with the vessel were found.”

Since 2019, the vessel has benefited from a steady and sensible programme of upgrades and renewals, including but not limited to:

• Replacement standing and running rigging




• Upgraded navigation and VHF systems, including AIS




• New water tanks and batteries




• Ongoing electrical improvements, including LED lighting




• Engine-related items including ignition barrel and Volvo seal




• Replacement through-hull fittings




• Regular underwater maintenance, including keel treatment, antifouling, and renewal of anodes




• Safety upgrades, including new fire extinguishers




• Improvements to cockpit drainage, gas locker fit-out, and deck drainage arrangements




• Renewal of saloon windows

These works reflect practical, ownership-led maintenance rather than reactive repairs and contribute to Cowslip being a straightforward, dependable, and confidence-inspiring yacht for her next owner.