HUNTER CHANNEL 323 - Bilge KeelGeneral 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. TASKS/IMPROVEMENTS UNDERTAKEN Tasks / Improvements Undertaken

2019
New water tanks
New standing and running rigging
New VHF antenna
New masthead navigation light
New deck flood light



2020New batteries


2021
New VHF
New AIS
Saloon ceiling lights modified to LED



2022
New ignition barrel
New dodger, stackpack & cockpit pockets
New toilet pump
Through-hull fittings replaced
New propellor



2023
Refurbished roller reefing
New VHF aerial, tricolour, steaming light and all cabling
New bow and stern navigation lights



2024
New pipe from deck drain through aft cabin
Rust treated on keels, antifoul applied (including propellor), hull and prop anodes fitted
New cockpit drain fitted and gas locker refitted



2025
New saloon windows
New fire extinguishers
New Volvo seal


DECKGEAR Deck gear:
Two bow cleats.
Two stern cleats.
Two bow fairleads.
Stanchions (three each side).
Bow roller.
Pulpit and Pushpit.
Winches (four in the cockpit [Lewmer 7]).
Two timber grabrails on the coachroof
Main hatch and wash boards.
Chainplates.
Anchor locker.
12kg CQR type anchor and 20m 10mm chain.
Boarding ladder.
Water and fuel filler caps.
6 rope clutches.
Electric outboard and inflatable tender.

This 1995 Hunter Channel 323 is listed for sale in Emsworth, Hampshire, England. With a 33ft layout and used condition, this boat is suited to buyers looking for sail options in this location. View full details, photos and specifications for reference RB675602 on Rightboat.