The Hunter Channel 323 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Published Specification for the Hunter Channel 323

Underwater Profile: Twin keels

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 32'3" (9.9m)

Waterline Length: 27'3" (8.3m)

Beam: 10'3" (3.1m)

Draft: 4'3" (1.3m)

Rig Type: Fractional sloop

Displacement: 9,370lb (4,250kg)

Designer: David Thomas

Builder: Hunter Boats (UK)

Year First Built: 1991

Year Last Built: 2001

Number Built: 30

Published Design Ratios for the Hunter Channel 323

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 15.7

• Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
• 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
• Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 45.0

• Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
• Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 207

• Under 100: Ultralight
• 100 to 200: Light
• 200 to 275: Moderate
• 275 to 350: Heavy
• Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 22.7

• Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
• 20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
• 30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
• 40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
• Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.9

• Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
• Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

Read more about these Key Performance Indicators...

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Hunter Channel 323

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1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of just 15.7 suggests that the Hunter Channel 323 is a tad underpowered and will need a stiff breeze to get her going. In light conditions, unless you've got plenty of time on your hands, motor-sailing may be the way to go.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 45.0 means that the Hunter Channel 323 will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 207, tells us the Hunter Channel 323 is a moderate displacement cruiser, which means she'll carry all your cruising gear without it having a dramatic effect on her performance. Most of today's sailboats intended for offshore cruising fall into this displacement category.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 22.7 suggests that crew comfort of a Hunter Channel 323 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a coastal cruiser with moderate stability, which is not encouraging news for anyone prone to seasickness. 

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.9 indicates that a Hunter Channel 323 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0.