Description
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.

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

2020

New 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

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.
Additional Information
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.