Hunter Channel 31 vs. Channel 32/323 t/k's

[kirielad]

I would be interested to read of any members experience of the above please, particularly comparison of sailing / overall performance between them, and how they might stack up against similar sized Frenchies, i.e Jen SO32, Feeling 30, etc. Bit of an ask I know, but someone must have sailed one!

Thanks

 

[pwc51]

I have owned a Channel 32 t/k for the last 20 years - built from 'kit' (the first one!). Absolutely brilliant family boat and a great sea boat - but then I am biased! Standard sails can be a little under canvassed in light airs but stands up to canvas as wind speeds increase. Performance once wind above 10 to 12 knots is pretty much comparable with other similar sized craft - you'll not be embarrassed!

Keel castings aren't particularly high quality and tend to need a bit of tlc each winter.

The 32 and 323 are fundamentally the same - I believe it is only some internal cosmetics that are different. Have not sailed the 31 but internal volume / stowage on 31 is considerably lower than 32.

 

[kirielad]

Thanks for the reply. Am I right in thinking that the 31 is intended to be more of a cruiser-racer than the 32? Not sure if David Thomas penned all of these?

 

[Bilgediver]

Thanks for the reply. Am I right in thinking that the 31 is intended to be more of a cruiser-racer than the 32? Not sure if David Thomas penned all of these?

That is my understanding as this was discussed many times in Port Edgar where there was a Channel 32 and a 31.

The 31 gives more performance but sacrifices space so it depends what you want.

The Channel 32 is a good boat for cruising and the one from here sailed across to Norway and back twice. Once in the Mobile North Sea Race.

 

[misterg]

Thanks for the reply. Am I right in thinking that the 31 is intended to be more of a cruiser-racer than the 32?

I don't think so - the 31 was the replacement for the 323 (in 2000) which was in turn a 'cosmetic' update of the 32.

I think they were both David Thomas designs, but the 31 is a bit sleeker, at the expense of some accommodation. The 31 had good reviews when it came out (don't they all ).

We own a 323, and IMHO they sail very well - reasonably fast, well balanced and comfortable. I haven't sailed a 31, but can't deny that they look better than the 323.

Remember that Peter Poland took the demonstrator Horizon 32 bilge keel wheelhouse cruiser to a division and group win in the 1999(?) RTIR. The hull and keels are the same as the Channel 32 (& 323).

Andy

 

[wxw]

Keel castings aren't particularly high quality and tend to need a bit of tlc each winter.

Hi, I realise this is a very old thread but maybe you're still around. I'm looking at a Channel 32 just now. Could you be a little more specific about what you mean by not particularly high quality and what sort of maintenance is needed to the keel castings?

 

[Bilgediver]

Hi, I realise this is a very old thread but maybe you're still around. I'm looking at a Channel 32 just now. Could you be a little more specific about what you mean by not particularly high quality and what sort of maintenance is needed to the keel castings?

The Channel 32 I mentioned here some years ago is still here and requires no more maintenance than any other steel keel. Providing the correct paint procedure is followed you should have no problems. If the keeps have not been maintained it will be obvious at the purchase survey.