Design and Construction
The boat’s defining feature is its twin-keel arrangement, which allows it to sail in shallow water and dry out upright. Maximum draft is 4.26 feet. The twin keels also involve a compromise, trading some windward performance for reduced draft.
Beam is just over 10 feet, and displacement is near 9,900 pounds. The boat carries 4,211 pounds of iron ballast, giving a ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 42.5 percent.
The hull and deck are solid fiberglass. A spade rudder sits behind the twin keels, and Hunter Marine used an outward-facing hull-to-deck flange on this design.
Rig, Handling, and Auxiliary Power
The Channel 32/323 carries a deck-stepped mast with swept-back spreaders. Its B&R rig eliminates the backstay and adds sail area. The fractional sloop sail plan carries roughly 435 square feet, and the mast rises about 46 feet above the water.
An in-mast reefing system makes it easier to reduce sail in strong winds, particularly for a short-handed crew. Auxiliary power comes from an 18-horsepower Yanmar 2GM20F diesel driving a shaft. Maximum speed under power is 6 knots.
Accommodations
Below, six berths are spread among three cabins. The large saloon has a U-shaped dinette that converts to a double berth. Forward, there’s a V-berth and lockers; the aft cabin contains a double berth and a hanging locker.
The galley includes a two-burner stove, oven, fridge, and sink. The head has a marine toilet, washbasin, and shower. A navigation station provides a chart table and instrument panel, while large windows and hatches bring light into the interior.
Two versions were offered. The standard version has more headroom and storage, while the owner’s version provides more living space. An optional wheel, windlass, and sprayhood were also available.
Known Issues
The in-mast reefing mainsail depends on a serviceable mast slot and furler. The twin keels transfer grounding loads through two appendages, so both keel-to-hull interfaces warrant a close inspection.
Because the mast is deck-stepped, it puts compression loads into the cabin top rather than the keel. The mast partners therefore also deserve careful inspection.
The Verdict
The Hunter Channel 32/323 is a purpose-built shallow-draught cruiser with an unusual rig and a practical interior. Its twin keels suit shallow sailing and upright drying out, while the three-cabin layout provides useful accommodation for a boat of this size. Low production makes it scarce.
Pros
- Twin-keel hull allows shallow-water sailing and upright drying out
- B&R rig eliminates the backstay and adds sail area
- In-mast reefing eases short-handed sail reduction
- Three-cabin, six-berth layout with a full galley and head
Cons
- Only 72 were built, so there are fewer examples than with mainstream Hunters
- Twin keels trade some windward performance for reduced draft
- Deck-stepped mast loads the cabin top rather than the keel
