bristol yachts owners association

  Index  

Barrier coat

Boom specifications

Bottom painting

Bowsprit specifications

Chain stopper

Chainplates

Cockpit anchor chocks

Cockpit drains

Cockpit coamings

Companionway

Deck drains

Deck plates

Dodger coaming

Dorade boxes

Dorade guards

Forward hatch

Fuel tank dimensions

Hawse pipes

Lazarette hatch

Mainsail detail

Mast specifications

Mooring bit

Propane locker

Rope clutches

Rudder Stuffing Box

Rudder post top bearing

Running backstays

Sealing deck core from water

Sealing mast from corrosion

Seat drains

Solar vents

Spreader sockets

Staysail stay

Weatherhelm reduction

Whisker poles

• Types of Sailboats
• Parts of a Sailboat
• Cruising Boats
• Small Sailboats
• Design Basics
• Sailboats under 30'
• Sailboats 30'-35
• Sailboats 35'-40'
• Sailboats 40'-45'
• Sailboats 45'-50'
• Sailboats 50'-55'
• Sailboats over 55'
• Masts & Spars
• Knots, Bends & Hitches
• The 12v Energy Equation
• Electronics & Instrumentation
• Build Your Own Boat
• Buying a Used Boat
• Choosing Accessories
• Living on a Boat
• Cruising Offshore
• Sailing in the Caribbean
• Anchoring Skills
• Sailing Authors & Their Writings
• Mary's Journal
• Nautical Terms
• Cruising Sailboats for Sale
• List your Boat for Sale Here!
• Used Sailing Equipment for Sale
• Sell Your Unwanted Gear
• Sailing eBooks: Download them here!
• Your Sailboats
• Your Sailing Stories
• Your Fishing Stories
• Advertising
• What's New?
• Chartering a Sailboat
• Cruiser Yachts under 30'

The Bristol 24 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Bristol 24 is a classic American sailboat that was designed by Paul Coble in the 1960s as a trailerable cruiser.

It has a long and narrow hull, a full keel with a cutaway forefoot, and a masthead sloop rig. The boat is known for its solid construction, spacious interior, and comfortable motion at sea. It was built by the Sailstar Boat Company and later Bristol Yachts.

Published Specification for the Bristol 24

Underwater Configuration:   Long Keel

Hull Material:  GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall:  24' 6" / 7.5m

Waterline Length:  18' 1" / 5.5m

Beam:  8' 0" / 2.4m

Draft:  3' 5" / 1.0m

Rig Type:  Masthead Sloop

Displacement:  5,920lb / 2,685kg

Designer:  Paul Coble

Builder:  Bristol Yachts Inc (US)

Year First Built:  1969

Year Last Built:  1972

Number Built:  800

Owners Association:  Bristol Owners Association

Published Design Ratios for the Bristol 24

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 14.5

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 51

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 447

4. Comfort Ratio: 28.6

5. Capsize Screening Formula:   1.8

A Few FAQs...

Based on the published Design Ratios for the Bristol 24, how would you expect the boat to perform under sail?

The Bristol 24 has a low sail area/displacement ratio of 14.2, which means it has less sail power relative to its weight. This makes it underpowered in light winds, but also more stable and seaworthy in heavy winds. The boat also has a high ballast/displacement ratio of 50.7, which means it has more weight in the keel to counteract the heeling force of the wind. This makes it stiffer and more powerful, but also slower to accelerate and turn. The boat has a high displacement/length ratio of 447.3, which means it has more volume and wetted surface relative to its waterline length. This makes it heavier and more comfortable, but also less efficient and responsive.

Is the Bristol 24 still in production and, if not, when did production end and how many of these sailboats were built?

The Bristol 24 is not in production anymore. Production ended in 1983, after 17 years of continuous manufacturing. A total of 750 boats were built by Sailstar Boat Company and later Bristol Yachts.

What, if any, alternative versions of the Bristol 24 were built and what are the differences between them?

The Bristol 24 was originally sold as the Corsair 24 by Sailstar Boat Company. When Bristol Yachts bought out Sailstar in 1971, the boat was renamed the Bristol Corsair 24 or simply the Bristol 24. The main difference between the Sailstar and Bristol versions is the type of ballast used in the keel. The Sailstar boats have concrete ballast, while the Bristol ones have lead ballast. Lead is denser and heavier than concrete, so it provides more stability and lowers the centre of gravity of the boat.

The Bristol 24 also had two alternate interior arrangements: standard and dinette. The standard layout had two straight settees in the main cabin and a galley on both sides just aft of the bow cabin. The dinette layout had a drop-down table that converted to a double berth on the port side and a quarter berth on the starboard side, with the galley on the starboard side only.

How many people can sleep on board a Bristol 24?

The Bristol 24 can sleep four or five people, depending on the interior layout. The standard layout can sleep four people: two in the V-berth in the bow cabin and two in the settees in the main cabin. The dinette layout can sleep five people: two in the V-berth, two in the dinette berth, and one in the quarter berth.

How did the sailing press review the Bristol 24?

The sailing press generally gave positive reviews to the Bristol 24, praising its quality construction, roomy interior, and comfortable motion at sea. Some examples of reviews are:

• In a 2005 review in Cruising World, Liz Shaw described the boat as "the solid hull of hand-laid fibreglass is heavy, even overbuilt — we hit a rock in Maine, and while the noise of the impact was terrifying, the hull suffered barely a scratch."
• In a 2010 review in Good Old Boat, Michael Robertson wrote that "the Bristols are well-built boats that have stood up well over time."
• In a 2012 review in Practical Sailor, Darrell Nicholson stated that "the Bristol’s solid construction has earned it a reputation as an affordable pocket cruiser that can take some punishment."

What do owners of the Bristol 24 have to say about their boats?

Owners of the Bristol 24 generally have positive things to say about their boats, highlighting their durability, spaciousness, and seaworthiness. Some examples of owner testimonials are:

• On SailboatData.com, an owner named John wrote "I have owned my B24 for over ten years now and love her dearly. She is solid as a rock and sails like a dream."
• On SailboatOwners.com, an owner named Dave wrote "I have owned my B24 for three years now and have sailed her extensively on Lake Michigan. She is roomy enough for my wife and I and our two kids, and handles well in all kinds of weather."
• On BristolOwners.org, an owner named Jim wrote "I have owned my B24 for six years now and have sailed her from Maine to Florida and back. She is a tough little boat that can take anything the ocean can throw at her."

What is the history of the builders of the Bristol 24 and is the company still in business?

The Bristol 24 was built by two companies: Sailstar Boat Company and Bristol Yachts. Sailstar Boat Company was founded in 1961 by Everett Pearson, who later co-founded Pearson Yachts. Sailstar specialized in building small fibreglass sailboats, such as the Sailstar 17, the Sailstar 22, and the Corsair 24. In 1971, Sailstar was bought by Clint Pearson, Everett's brother, who also owned Bristol Yachts. Bristol Yachts was founded in 1966 by Clint Pearson, who left Pearson Yachts to start his own company. Bristol Yachts focused on building larger and more luxurious fibreglass sailboats, such as the Bristol 27, the Bristol 32, and the Bristol 40. Bristol Yachts continued to produce the Corsair 24 under the name of Bristol Corsair 24 or Bristol 24 until 1983.

Both Sailstar Boat Company and Bristol Yachts are no longer in business. Sailstar Boat Company ceased operations in 1971, after being acquired by Bristol Yachts. Bristol Yachts ceased operations in 1997, after facing financial difficulties and changing ownership several times.

Is the mast on the Bristol 24 deck-stepped or keel-stepped?

The mast on the Bristol 24 is deck-stepped, meaning that it rests on a metal plate on the deck and is supported by a compression post inside the cabin. This makes it easier to raise and lower the mast for trailering or maintenance but also requires more attention to the rigging tension and mast alignment.

What is the average cost of a secondhand Bristol 24?

The average cost of a secondhand Bristol 24 varies depending on the condition, age, location, and equipment of the boat. According to some online listings, the price range for a used Bristol 24 can be from $2,000 to $15,000 USD.

The above answers were drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material; to the best of our knowledge,  we believe them to be accurate.

Other sailboats in the Bristol range include:

Recent Articles

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409 Specs

Aug 22, 24 11:02 AM

Slocum 43 Specs & Other Info

Aug 22, 24 02:31 AM

Sovereign 51 Specs & Data

Aug 21, 24 05:54 AM

Here's where to:

• Find  Used Sailboats for Sale...
• Find Used Sailing Gear for Sale...
• List your Sailboat for Sale...
• List your Used Sailing Gear...

Our eBooks...

A few of our Most Popular Pages...

Copyright © 2024  Dick McClary  Sailboat-Cruising.com

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• About The Boat
• Boat Review Forum
• SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

Bristol 41.1

• Add to quote

I have searched the internet and the archives on this and other BBs, but can find little info on these sailboats. I am specifically interested in A) construction (were proper techiques used, are they cored and where, hull/deck fastening, etc) B)sailing manners C) any specific problem inherent with the B41.1. With a 120 PHRF, I know that they are not speed demons, but as a long-term liveaboard/cruiser for the Caribbean, their speed appears to be reasonable. Thanks - Any info will be appreciated!!  

Ian, you''d probably benefit by chatting with a friend who has taken his 41.1 as far north as Maine and also cruised for several years throughout the Caribbean. Send me an email offline and I''ll reply with his email address. Jack [email protected]  

Ian, My wife and I are also very intersted in Bristol 41.1 as a cruising boat and some offshore work. We are trying dig up any info we can on construction and sailing qualities. Emailed some questions to Ted Hood but got no reply. I did find out elsewhere that water tanks are a big problem. They are SS and built right up against the hull, causing condensation and then leakage. Worst of all the are very difficult to replace and difficult to bladder due to baffeling. On the good side I think her speed is good when compared to other cruisers such as; Whitby42, CSY44, Pearson424. Another plus for me is her prop runs protected in a cutout in the skeg. We sailed our last boat a Starrett 45 from Maryland up to the Canadian border and back and the last think you want to do is snag a lobster pot sailing the Gulf of Maine at night. I would very much like to hear about any info you can dig up on the 41.1. Especially interested in the centerboard. Does it bang around in a seaway. Is it difficult to service and is it safe offshore. A experienced sailor once told me " I''d rather go to sea in a Good centerboard boat than a poor fixed keel boat". Our other choice would be a Brewer 12.8 Thanks ...Dennis  

Dking59 said: Ian, We sailed our last boat a Starrett 45 from Maryland up to the Canadian border and back and the last think you want to do is snag a lobster pot sailing the Gulf of Maine at night. Thanks ...Dennis Click to expand...

Dennis, From all the info we have been able to gather on the Bristol41.1 & Brewer 12.8, they both appear to be well built with good sailing characteristics. We are leaning towards the Bristol for several reasons: 1)draft will allow access to more areas 2)we prefer the interior finish a little more 3) they hold their value extremely well 4) most important - the Brewer''s cockpit does not drain very fast and the companionway is very exposed to sea water see - http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/pl_display_photo.jsp;jsessionid=aaaeMAKTRbrwd7?slim=quick&boat_id=1012164&boatname=42%27+Brewer+Brewer+12.8+Ketch&photo_name=Cockpit&photo=7 We would not feel comfortable with any extended blue-water sailing with the interior exposed to that degree! (The Whitbys are not configured in this manner). From what I understand, the centerboard can make substantial noise. However, one owner said that he installed some type of buffer that eliminated the rattle. ian  

The 12.8''s were built both with and without bridge decks. Those that were built without bridge decks were set up with gasketed lower hatch slides and with latch for the lower board. Having that lower board removeable really makes the boat a lot more liveable in terms of getting in and out under the dodger when in port. Jeff  

Also when I looked at the whole listing one of these two boats are actually a Whitby 42 and not a Brewer 12.8 despite what the ads say. The two big differences between the Brewer 12.8''s and the Whitby 42 is that the Brewers are cutters with keel/centerboards drawing 4''6" with the board up and the Whitby''s have fixed keels and ketch rigs. Jeff  

Jeff, My concern is: will the hatch board stand up to a breaking wave? Also, the cockpit appears to be too large for extended off-shore work, especially since they drain slowly. The Bristol just seems to be a better setup for offshore.  

The cockpit volumes are very similar between the Bristol 41.1 and the Brewers although when we were looking at the two boats back to back, the Brewer seemed to have a more useable cockpit. Both had the same number and size of cockpit drains. We felt that the Bristols were slightly more biased towards coastal cruising and since my father was planning to spend time offshore leaned towards the Brewers. The lower hatchboard on the Brewers have a smaller span than usual and so would of course hold up to a breaking wave. Besides if the location where the lower hatch boards are located were ever actually exposed to a breaking wave, the boat would have far worse problems than a broken hatch slide. If you are so concerned about wave action in the cockpit you can rig a storm shutter on the lower slide when venturing offshore. You will need to do that anyway on the Bristol''s larger and more exposed port lights. Both boats are good boats and so I don''t think that you would go wrong with either of them. Jeff  

Ian, I have the same concern about the Brewer cockpit. It is very big and very wide. This makes it difficult to wedge yourself in on a rough day. The Bristol cockpit is narrow enough to sit aside of the wheel and brace your feet on the other seat. One thing the Bristol does not have, is that nice big anchoring system at the bow that the Brewer has. I know when we cruised we set two anchors many times and it sure would be nice to have two anchor rollers and plenty off room to work. Now that I think of it, several of the Bristols we looked at did not even have a windlass. Unusual for a true cruising boat. Dennis  

I think I saw some information on a Pearson site that Bristol was somehow once connected to Pearson and the people that ran that company.  

I was correct Pearson became Bristol in the Seventies here is the story interesting to read.http://www.pearson40.org/pearson_history.htm  

You are mistaken, Pearson never ''became Bristol''. The Pearson Brothers (or were they cousins), Clint and Everett started Pearson Yachts. They were bought out by Grummin in the mid 1960''s. Clint Pearson later started Bristol Yachts and Everett alter started TPI which as a contract builder, builds J-boats and which have built a wide range of boats over the years including the Alerions and Freedoms. Since Everett and Clint were such different personalities the absense of one from the other''s business made their individual companies very different from Pearson Yachts during the time that they were together. Any article that says differently has it very wrong. Respectfully, Jeff  

Perhaps this URL will be helpful in understanding the Pearsons'' involvement with both Pearson and Bristol, and how Pearson changed - and didn''t - over the period it had its longer, original identify. www.pearson40.org/pearson_history.htm Jack  

Oops... I hadn''t read this thread until I posted the URL that was already posted; sorry for the duplication. I''m not sure how a ''Pearson became Bristol'' conclusion could come from that URL''s review of Pearson''s history. Ian, I gave you the earlier option of talking with a long-term 41.1 owner who cruised his boat many sea miles. I would think you would benefit from talking with experienced owners. One''s inability to brace a foot in a wider cockpit is a minor issue, and is dealt with in a variety of ways by both manufacturers and owners; it''s not a problem without multiple simple, inexpensive solutions. When sailing offshore in-season, I would not think a W42 or B12.8 cockpit''s volume would be a critical issue, given the freeboard and location of the cockpit. OTOH if boarding seas into this cockpit is a legitimate worry, you are looking at the wrong boat. And WRT the lower hatchboard, if you honestly feel it is vulnerable just build a double-braced hatchboard that can be used offshore vs. the ''standard'' one used day-to-day. Start with a replica of your existing board, built to the same thickness but in inexpensive ply, and then thru-bolt strongbacks, horizontally, to the top and bottom of the hatchboard, on the side facing the cockpit. Sliding that ''offshore hatchboard'' in place, it will be supported by both the strongbacks (lying flush with the vertical coamings of the hatch) and by the board itself (resting in its companionway slot). Jack [email protected]  

The Bristol 41.1 is what is known as a second-generation Bristol (yes Bristol Marine was formed by one of the Pearson cousins and if you see both a Bristol and Pearson out of the water, the underbodies are quite similar).The first generation Bristols were narrow beam, full keel, large overhangs bluewater tanks - great sea boats. The second generation Bristols are more user friendly, wider beam, better accomodations below, good downwind racers from the old school and generally strongly built (my 29.9 is solid fiberglas hull, cored deck), bluewater boats. I've been caught in two full gales in Paloma (a second-generation Bristol) and have faired quite well in both. For additional information about the 41.1, log onto the Bristol Owner's site at Bristol Owners' Association Home Page and click on "about the boats", there is also a history of Bristol on the site.  

Why are you posting on a 4 year old thread?  

Chances are likely that he's not going to reply, since he's only had 12 posts in five years, and his last post for Dking59 was over FOUR YEARS AGO. Please don't revive old threads. Also, please read this post to get the most out of your time on sailnet.  

@Dave43 - do you realize that you are replying to @Dking59 's post from February 2004? While your insight is valuable, I would suggest that you may simply wish to start a new thread on your Bristol 41.1 Oh, one more thing... Welcome to SailNet!  

• ?            
• 176K members

Top Contributors this Month

• Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email
• What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media
• Media New media New comments
• Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com
• Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale
• Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday
• Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe

Any Bristol 40 owners?

• Thread starter scuba201
• Start date Oct 16, 2019
• Brand-Specific Forums

Any Bristol 40 owners out here? Signing the paperwork on one tomorrow.  

doublebuffle

I am shopping for one. I am going to list my C30 this Summer and see what happens... I would love to hear your impressions so far and what to look for. I want to do some cruising around New England.  

a best friend has one. we sail side by side all the time. love the boat. his is a cutter rig. another close friend had one and moved up to maine with it, a yawl. both owners love their boats.  

pretty boat  

doublebuffle said: I am shopping for one. I am going to list my C30 this Summer and see what happens... I would love to hear your impressions so far and what to look for. I want to do some cruising around New England. Click to expand

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

Congrats @scuba201 . Nice layout for the boat. You should have fun on her.  

Wow, thanks for all the responses.  

• This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter

Mason 33 Used Boat Review

Beneteau 311, Catalina 310 and Hunter 326 Used Boat Comparison

Maine Cat 41 Used Boat Review

Cheoy Lee Clipper 36 & 42 Used Boat Review

Tips From A First “Sail” on the ICW

Tillerpilot Tips and Safety Cautions

Best Crimpers and Strippers for Fixing Marine Electrical Connectors

Thinking Through a Solar Power Installation

Stopping Mainsheet Twist

Working with High-Tech Ropes

Getting a Clue for the Blown-Out Clew

Monel Seizing Wire is Worth the Extra Cost

Fuel Lift Pump: Easy DIY Diesel Fuel System Diagnostic and Repair

Ensuring Safe Shorepower

Sinking? Check Your Stuffing Box

The Rain Catcher’s Guide

Boat Maintenance for the Technically Illiterate: Part 1

Whats the Best Way to Restore Clear Plastic Windows?

Mastering Precision Drilling: How to Use Drill Guides

Giving Bugs the Big Goodbye

Galley Gadgets for the Cruising Sailor

Those Extras you Don’t Need But Love to Have

UV Clothing: Is It Worth the Hype?

Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing

How to Select Crew for a Passage or Delivery

Preparing A Boat to Sail Solo

On Watch: This 60-Year-Old Hinckley Pilot 35 is Also a Working…

On Watch: America’s Cup

On Watch: All Eyes on Europe Sail Racing

Dear Readers

Chafe Protection for Dock Lines

• Sailboat Reviews

This solid '60s cruiser comes in several layouts and is a good value, but is short on space and features.

The Bristol 27 is a product of an early collaboration between Clint Pearson of Bristol, Rhode Island, and designer Carl Alberg. The stamp of both men is clearly evident in this solid-as-a-rock traditionally styled small cruiser.

The Boat and the Builder Pearson, with his cousin Everett Pearson, was a founder of the original Pearson Yachts in 1955 and a pioneer in the mass production of fiberglass yachts. The boat that brought the company to prominence was the 28-foot Triton, drawn by Alberg, who at the time was still in the U.S. Coast Guard and designing boats on the side. Clint Pearson recalled recently that the Triton and subsequent Alberg designs were so successful that the firm found it cheaper to hire a full-time naval architect (Bill Shaw) than to work with Alberg on a royalty basis. (Alberg died in 1983.)

But when Clint Pearson left Pearson Yachts in the early 1960s, after Grumman Allied Industries bought the company, he quickly turned to Alberg for help with his new line of semi-custom boats. The Triton had been very popular, Pearson said, and Carl had been a nice guy to work with. Alberg drew the lines for a 27-footer to complement Bristol Yachts only other model, a 19-footer, and the first Bristol 27 was built in the spring of 1965.

At this point, no one is sure exactly how many of the 27s were built. An early Bristol Yachts brochure says that more than 300 were sold in the first three years. The best guess is that 400 or more were built between 1965 and the mid-1970s. Because of their rugged construction, its safe to say that most of them are still plying the waters somewhere today.

Except for the 1970s-era Bristol 24, designed by Paul Coble, and the 27.7, designed by Halsey Herreshoff, Bristol in recent years has concentrated on much larger boats. The company, although much reduced in workforce, was still operating inthe fall of 1991, concentrating on the 47.7 and a 35.5, both Ted Hood designs.

The Design The Bristol 27 is a product of its era and of the traditional bent of Albergs thinking-that is, a combination cruiser and club racer. At 6,600 pounds displacement with 2,575 pounds of internal lead ballast in its full keel, the boat is fairly heavy by contemporary standards. Fast enough on its own merits, it has an average PHRF rating of 234. By comparison, the lighter Catalina 27 with fin keel and spade rudder has a PHRF rating of about 210, and the Cal 27, also with a divided underbody, a rating of 192 to 200. Clearly, the Bristol was designed to be seaworthy rather than swift.

With its narrow beam (just eight feet), fair sheer line and generous overhangs, the 27 is pleasing to the eye. Unfortunately, the exaggerated stepped cabin top, which towers over the deck, is out of proportion to the height of the topsides. (A dodger helps camouflage its ungainly appearance.)The boat has a short waterline of only 19′ 9″, which is typical of boats designed under the old Cruising Club of America racing rule. The idea was to save rating with a short waterline; once heeled, however, part of the long overhangs become immersed and effective sailing length increases by several feet. Thus, its displacement/ length ratio of 382 is deceiving. Assuming a sailing length of 22 feet, the number drops to 276. Still, these are good numbers for a traditional cruising sailboat.

The keel, though full, has a gently curving forefoot to aid in maneuvering. The lead ballast is encapsulated inside the keel and the rudder is hung on the trailing edge, where it is well protected from grounding.

The 27 was produced in three models: the Weekender, which features an eight-foot cockpit, but less room below, and two versions of the standard cruising model, with a 6′ 2″ cockpit. One has opposing settees in the main cabin and a split galley aft; the other has the galley to starboard and a convertible dinette to port. The dinette model, with the galley and a table to port, proved the most popular, despite the loss of the starboard sea berth. The table was no doubt part of its appeal, and the galley is easier to work at, though the sink is a bit far off the centerline and may not drain when the boat is heeled far over.

Some owners of the settee version complained that no provision had been made for a table.

Some of the earliest models featured a bridgedeck, which added to the seamanlike appearance, but was later dropped in favor of a low sill. The bridgedeck is safer, but the sill is easier to step over when going below.

Construction The Bristol 27, like most Bristol yachts, was built like a brick lighthouse. The hull is solid hand-laid fiberglass, largely woven roving, according to company literature. We probably overdid it on the fiberglass work because of the relative unfamiliarity of the new material, said Eddie Medeiros, a longtime Bristol Yachts employee who is now vice president for operations. He estimates the hull is 1/2-inch thick below the waterline and 3/8-inch thick above.

The deck, deckhouse and cockpit are integrally molded; the hull-deck joint is through-bolted and caulked. In reviewing Practical Sailor survey responses on the 27, we found a number of owners who complained of hull-deck leaking. Deck and walkways are coated with Dexoleum, a non-skid coating that, on the boat we sailed, is beginning to show wear. Theres a teak cap rail and teak grab rails (as well as teak hand rails in the companionway and main cabin).

The masthead rig is a 31′ 9″ anodized aluminum extrusion of Bristols design, with a 12-foot boom equipped with a spring-type roller reefing gooseneck.Shrouds are 7/32-inch stainless steel wire and the 7/16-inch turnbuckles are chrome-plated Monel. Hardware and equipment are of good quality- Lewmar #8 winches, for example. (The molded-rein winch supports on the 27 we looked at were beginning to show some crazing.) Pulpits and lifelines were standard equipment.

Early models had an outboard well, but most of the boats weve seen are inboard-powered, either with an Atomic 4 or the optional Westerbeke Pilot 10 diesel. The inboards add some weight (as reflected in the PHRF rating) but greatly enhance performance under power, according to owners. Many owners of outboard models said there was insufficient power to make good progress motoring to windward, and that the prop is prone to cavitation when hobbyhorsing in a following sea or motoring to windward in a chop. These factors, plus the difficulty in raising the outboard (drag and corrosion problems) and the tendency of the well to flood prompt us to strongly recommend the inboard model.

Performance A number of owners who responded to our survey, and some we talked to, complained that the boat was initially very tender. One owner said he added 500 pounds of ballast. Some said they routinely reefed the mainsail in any wind over about 12 knots to keep the boat under control and the helm balanced. Others, including the owner of hull #156, the Nancy Jane out of Newport, indicated no problems with excessive heeling or tenderness. We decided to find out for ourselves on a late summer day that began with small craft advisories and settled into a steady 15-mph northwesterly punctuated by occasional puffs.

Under a full main and a working jib, the boat experienced no difficulty. It does heel over-then digs in and stays there. It hangs tough, is Clint Pearsons expression. This initial tenderness-almost too strong a term for the 15 or 20 degrees of heel-belies its ultimate stability. Weve heard of few knockdowns of Bristol 27s, even among those who routinely go offshore.

Gusts caused the boat to dig in a bit further and to round up slightly on its own; the stronger the wind, the higher it pointed. Except for a hint of weather helm caused by the relatively large main and small foretriangle-no problem for an afternoon sail but potentially tiring on a longer passage-the boat handled easily on all points of sail. The sensation of excessive helm is easily solved by a reef in the main or the use of a larger jib; with a 150-percent genoa, the owner of our test boat said the Bristol 27 balances perfectly. Despite the boats bulk and the extra windage created by the stepped cabin, the boat is nimble, tacking neatly and jibing with hardly a jar. The overall feeling is one of solidity, not stodginess.

Belowdecks Down below, the traditional styling (one owner rein ferred to it as old-fashioned) continues, with lessroom than youd expect to find on a newer, beamier 27-footer. Here one can be grateful for the raised cabin top that provides plenty of standing headroom in the main cabin. Theres a fiberglass liner that hides the overhead, but just enough Philippine mahogany in the trim and bulkheads for warmth. The one sour note is some jarring 60s-style coloring- mustard or pea-green-for the laminated plastic veneers. Four fixed ports in the main cabin, four smaller ports in the head and forward cabin (one opening in each), and a translucent forward hatch provide lots of light. Some owners we know have added a Dorade vent farther forward, over the chain locker, for extra ventilation.

The dinette model has a swiveling table to port that can be removed to convert the settee to a double berth. A compact galley lines the starboard side of the main cabin. The galley includes an ice box, a sink and a two-burner alcohol stove. Several owners said they have replaced the original pressurized version with the safer Swedish-made Origo, which fits the space exactly. The alternative cruising model has a second transom berth in place of the galley, with the galley components installed along the aft bulkhead on either side of the companionway. (The dinette model has a starboard quarter berth aft of the galley.) There is ample storage space, including a hanging locker.

Inboard engine access is simple-either open a hatch below the companionway or remove the steps completely. The cruising models have an enclosed head forward of the port berth, with 5′ 10″ of headroom, and two 6′ 6″forward berths (the rare weekender model has 6′ 7″ V-berths). On deck, there are several storage options-port and starboard lockers and a roomy lazarette aft of the tiller. The interior might be a bit snug, but Bristol Yachts managed to fit in the basics. Its definitely a Plain Jane below, but this is one area where owners can easily customize to suit their taste.

Conclusions If you are looking for seaworthiness and stability in a small cruiser, and if you don’t mind a traditional interior that foregoes someof the elbow spaceof abeamier boat, the Bristol 27 is worth considering. Given its structural soundness-these boats will bearound for some time-and given its modest price in todays soft market, wed rate it an exceptional value for a used boat. Keep in mind, however, that its a small cruiser-roomy enough for a couple, and possibly a child or two, but slightly cramped down below and in the cockpit for four adults.

Bristol Yachts is still in business, but barely. The headquarters have been moved to the family-owned boat yard (Poppasquash Rd., Bristol, RI 02809) and only a few boats are under construction. Dont expect much help on matters relating to older boats, especially since many owners said the company was poor in its customer relations once the sale was completed.

The Bristol 27 sold originally for a base price of about $13,000, increasing to $18,400 by 1976, and held its value well until the most recent drastic falloff in used boat prices.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Thanks for all the insightful information I may purchase one soon from Alameda California

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

The Perfect Family Sailboat! Hunter 27-2 – Boat Review

Pettit EZ-Poxy – How to Paint a Boat

The Boat From True Spirit – Sparkman & Stephens

Top 5 Boat Hacks – Boat Maintenance Tips and Tricks

Latest sailboat review.

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

• Sailboat Guide

Bristol 27 is a 27 ′ 1 ″ / 8.3 m monohull sailboat designed by Carl Alberg and built by Bristol Yachts between 1965 and 1978.

• 6 / 12 Portsmouth, RI, US 1980 Bristol 27 $3,500 USD View
• 7 / 12 Portsmouth, RI, US 1980 Bristol 27 $3,500 USD View
• 8 / 12 Portsmouth, RI, US 1980 Bristol 27 $3,500 USD View
• 9 / 12 Portsmouth, RI, US 1980 Bristol 27 $3,500 USD View
• 10 / 12 Portsmouth, RI, US 1980 Bristol 27 $3,500 USD View
• 11 / 12 Portsmouth, RI, US 1980 Bristol 27 $3,500 USD View
• 12 / 12 Portsmouth, RI, US 1980 Bristol 27 $3,500 USD View

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

From BlueWaterBoats.org :

Now forty five years on from its first introduction, the Bristol 27 can be considered as well proven as a blue water boat can get. Although the boat was intended more for coastal sailing, the design is inherently seaworthy; well prepped boats are easily capable of offshore work.

Brothers Clint and Everett Pearson made their mark founding Pearson Yachts and when they sold up in the mid-1960s they formed Bristol Yachts. The first boat out of the gates was the Bristol 27, some say it’s very much a copy of their earlier successful Pearson Triton 28 . The Bristol 27 launched in 1966 and sold in large numbers, particularly in the first two years (more than 170). It’s been estimated that 337 were built before production ceased in 1978.

The design was from Carl Alberg and reflects the Scandinavian Folkboat influence of the day. These boats were narrow with long overhangs, graceful low-slung sheerlines, and sweeping full keels that are cutaway in the forefoot. The narrow beam adds to seaworthiness but doesn’t do much for form stability, so they are quite tender initially. That’s not all bad as they were designed to lengthen their waterline when heeled.

The boats carried a masthead sloop rig, originally with roller-reefing in the mainsail boom. These days most have reverted back to simple slab reefed mainsails which hold a better shape and do not suffer from jamming.

Bristol 27s came in three flavors, a day sailing model with a large cockpit and small interior, a standard model which had a larger cabin and twin settees, and a dinette model which substituted a settee for a table. Power options included an outboard engine mounted inside a cockpit well or an inboard engine in either petrol or diesel. The inboard engines are preferred for any offshore work, especially the diesel.

Boats of this era were not designed for interior space and the Bristol 27’s interior is cramped by modern standards. Even in the cruising model with the larger cabin there’s a relatively large cockpit which takes space from the cabin. One of the practical decisions made in the design was for a raised portion of in the cabin house to allow 5′ 10″ of standing room in the main cabin or more if below the companionway with the hatch slid open! The V-berths accommodate 6′ 6″ while the settees 6′ 4″.

Construction

All Bristol boats were strong and the Bristol 27, being one of the first generation of fiberglass boats, was no exception. They had solid GRP hulls with deck, cabin, and cockpit as an integral molding and connected to the hull via deck clamp and through bolting. The mast was deck stepped, but in this case supported by a substantial bulkhead that’s well tabbed into the hull. Lead was used as ballast and encapsulated in fiberglass.

Underway the Bristol is nimble and easy to sail, exhibiting a slight weather helm. They are middle of the road as far as performance. Some have found them to be a bit tender, but that is inherent in their design and they do stiffen up after 15-20 degrees of heel and have good ultimate stability. Owners have been known to throw an extra 300 lbs. of ballast in the bilges which they claim helps.

Overall the boat’s design is classically seaworthy and in rough seas these designs are well suited to heaving-to or laying ahull.

Buyers Notes

You can usually find a Bristol 27 in the $5k-10k USD range, sometimes even cheaper, so it’s definitely priced to be a good first boat. They had good construction and now well over forty years, some boats are showing their age.

The hull to deck join has become prone to leaks, not that surprising for its age, and sometimes this can be a hard problem to fix properly. Also age related, are superficial non-structural gelcoat cracks and crazes. Try and get a model with an inboard engine.

Links, References and Further Reading

» Bristol Owners Association » Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere by John Vigor, (Ch4, p19-25) an in depth look at the Flicka 20. ISBN:978-0939837328 » Bristol 27 Review by John Kretschmer (Sailing Magazine) and also The Best Used Boat Notebook, by John Kretschmer (p27-30)

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

Discover Related Sailboats

Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere

John Vigor turns the spotlight on twenty seaworthy sailboats that are at home on the ocean in all weather. These are old fiberglass boats...

Blue Water Boats

This collection of capable blue water boats features time-tested sailboats with rich histories.

Catalina 27

Albin Vega 27

Contessa 26

Cape Dory 28

Pearson Triton

Bristol 27 (Weekender)

• About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Beam:  13'8"'    Draft:  4'10"'     Beam:  13 2'    Draft:  4 11'     Beam:  13'    Draft:  4.5'     Beam:  13''    Draft:  4'5'     Beam:  13'    Draft:  4.6'     Beam:  13.6'    Draft:  4'6'     Beam:  10'9'    Draft:  4''     Beam:  10.5'    Draft:  5.5'     Beam:  10'9'    Draft:  5'4'     Beam:  10.9'    Draft:  5.5'     Beam:  10.75'    Draft:  5.33'     Beam:  10'9'    Draft:  4'7''     Beam:  11'    Draft:  5.4'     Beam:  10'    Draft:  5.6'     Beam:  12'    Draft:  5'     Beam:  11.6'    Draft:  5.5'     Beam:  10.7'    Draft:  5.4'     Beam:  10.9'    Draft:  5.6'     Beam:  13'    Draft:  5'     Beam:  13'4'    Draft:  5'     Beam:  10.10'    Draft:  5.9'     Beam:  10.8'    Draft:  3.9'     Beam:  10.10'    Draft:  3.9'     Beam:  11'    Draft:  4'     Beam:  10'    Draft:  3'9''     Beam:  10'    Draft:  5'     Beam:  11.7'    Draft:  5'     Beam:  10'11'    Draft:  4'     Beam:  10'6'    Draft:  5'6'     Beam:  10'    Draft:  4.5'     Beam:  9.6'    Draft:  5.6'     Beam:  9'5'    Draft:  4'7'     Beam:  12'9'    Draft:  3'9'     Beam:  11.6'    Draft:  5'     Beam:  9.5'    Draft:  4.6'     Beam:  9.6'    Draft:  4.8'     Beam:  9'6'    Draft:  4'7'     Beam:  9.8'    Draft:  3.5'     Beam:  9.5'    Draft:  4.8'     Beam:  9'5'    Draft:  4'8'     Beam:  9.5'    Draft:  4.5'     Beam:  9.17''     Beam:  10.5'    Draft:  4.5'     Beam:  9'    Draft:  3.5'     Beam:  10.17'    Draft:  4.33'     Beam:  10.2'    Draft:  3.5'     Beam:  10.2'    Draft:  4.4'     Beam:  9'    Draft:  4.5'     Beam:  9'2'    Draft:  4''     Beam:  9'    Draft:  6'1'     Beam:  9.2'    Draft:  3.2'     Beam:  10'    Draft:  4'3'     Beam:  9.17'    Draft:  4.50' © 2001-2024 ./)   . . ./)   . . 248 IMAGES Bristol 29 A restoration site for owners and admirers of Bristol Yachts BRISTOL YACHTS HISTORY CLASSIC BLUEWATER YACHTS Bristol Yachts 50th Anniversary Reunion Race 1974 Bristol Yachts 40 Yawl Sailboat Bristol yacht club is back in business after fire COMMENTS Bristol Yacht Owners Group for owners (and those interested in) Bristol Yachts. Only members can see who's in the group and what they post. Anyone can find this group. No Professional Advertising! Ok for individuals to list a Bristol sailboat or Bristol related item for sale. No professional listings for tours, charters, conferences (except for Bristol Bashes!) etc. Bristol Sailboats If you do, Facebook creates a list of those blocking admins. This groups is for all Bristol sailboat owners, anybody wanting to own a Bristol, or has owned a Bristol in the past. Or anyone dreaming of owning a boat and wanting to be close to the water. This is a Bristol RI based group. Members of this group should treat others with respect as ... Bristol This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Bristol Owner's Association 15 posts · Joined 2006. #1 · Jul 18, 2019. There used to be a web site for Bristol sailboat owners. It listed a lot of the boats with owner names and home ports. I have been attempting to search for a specific owner and I can no longer find this site. Bristol Yacht Owners Bristol Yacht Owners. Join group. This group is private. Join this group to view or participate in discussions. About. Group for owners (and those interested in) Bristol Yachts. Private. Only members can see who's in the group and what they post. Visible. Bristol Look for Bristol 28 owners. SkiGull; Sep 6, 2009; 24 12K Jan 9, 2019. by rderiso. L. 1972 Bristol 40. Lanealoha; Jan 4, 2019; 8 7K ... USCG is coming to the Bristol Yachts 50th event! Delta-T; Mar 21, 2016; 0 2K Mar 21, 2016. by Delta-T. Bristol 50th newsletter. Delta-T; Feb 19, 2016; 0 ... Bristol Yachts Spoke to my mechanic Said its a Hurth /ZF. On Sep 6, 2022, at 10:52 AM, dcneuro dcneuro.net <. 9/6/22. . Richard Palmieri. 1985 Bristol 41.1 Engine Issue. I recently purchased a 1985 Bristol 41.1 that had been repowered in 2016 with a Beta Marine 50. The. 9/3/22. Bristol Yacht's owners list Bristol Yacht's owners list. 580 views. Skip to first unread message ... Bristol Yachts Owners The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Bristol 29 A restoration site for owners and admirers of Bristol Yachts This is a site detailing my restoration of my Bristol 29, hull #165, built in 1971. There was a total of 169 B29's built at the original Bristol Yachts yard at Bristol, Rhode Island. Bristol was started by Clint Pearson, after leaving Pearson Yachts in 1964. The newly-formed Bristol Yacht Company asked Carl Alberg to design the B27, a very ... Bristol Yachts Bristol Yacht Company was founded by Clinton Pearson. Clint and his cousin Everett Pearson began building fiberglass dinghies in 1955 in their garage on County Street in Seekonk, Massachusetts, just over the Massachusetts/Rhode Island state border. Within a year the newly founded Pearson Yachts employed hundreds of people. Fast corporate expansion resulted in cash flow problems, so the cousins ... Bristol Yachts In one year 172 Bristol 27's were built. There was also the Bristol 29 designed by Halsey Herreshoff, the Bristols 32 and 39 designed by Ted Hood, and Bristol 34 designed by John Alden Assoc.. Later 'second generation' models included the 31.1, 35.5, 41.1, 45.5, 47.7 and then larger custom boats. In total, 4400 Bristol Yachts were ... The Bristol 24 Sailboat Owners Association: Bristol Owners Association. Published Design Ratios for the Bristol 24. 1. ... Bristol Yachts was founded in 1966 by Clint Pearson, who left Pearson Yachts to start his own company. Bristol Yachts focused on building larger and more luxurious fibreglass sailboats, such as the Bristol 27, the Bristol 32, and the Bristol 40. ... Bristol Yachts In one year 172 Bristol 27's were built. There was also the Bristol 29 designed by Halsey Herreshoff, the Bristols 32 and 39 designed by Ted Hood, and Bristol 34 designed by John Alden Assoc.. Later 'second generation' models included the 31.1, 35.5, 41.1, 45.5, 47.7 and then larger custom boats. In total, 4400 Bristol Yachts were produced ... Bristol Yacht Owners Public Group Group for owners (and those interested in) Bristol Yachts. Bristol 41.1 For additional information about the 41.1, log onto the Bristol Owner's site at Bristol Owners' Association Home Page and click on "about the boats", there is also a history of Bristol on the site. s/v Paloma, Bristol 29.9, #141 Slipped in Bahia Marina, easy access to Corpus Christi Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Sailboat Owners Forums For owners of ANY sailboat. 48.8K Threads 610.4K Messages. 48.8K Threads 610.4K Messages. S. Head occasionally bubbles and won't flush when stuck with a #2. ... Bristol 24 external chainplates and traveler install. Jun 27, 2024; SV Gutsy Lady; C&C New. 363 Threads 1.9K Messages. 363 Threads 1.9K Messages. Any Bristol 40 owners? Any Bristol 40 owners? Thread starter scuba201; Start date Oct 16, 2019; Forums. Brand-Specific Forums. Bristol ... a yawl. both owners love their boats. jon hansen. May 25, 2012 4,338 john alden caravelle 42 sturgeon bay, wis May 29, 2020 #4 pretty boat . R. Rick486. Oct 1, 2007 1,864 ... Bristol 27 An early Bristol Yachts brochure says that more than 300 were sold in the first three years. The best guess is that 400 or more were built between 1965 and the mid-1970s. ... Bristol 27 Owners' Comments. The Design The Bristol 27 is a product of its era and of the traditional bent of Albergs thinking-that is, a combination cruiser and club ... Bristol 27 All Bristol boats were strong and the Bristol 27, being one of the first generation of fiberglass boats, was no exception. They had solid GRP hulls with deck, cabin, and cockpit as an integral molding and connected to the hull via deck clamp and through bolting. ... » Bristol Owners Association » Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere by ... Bristol sailboats for sale by owner. Bristol preowned sailboats for sale by owner. Bristol used sailboats for sale by owner. Home. ... Crescent Sail Yacht Club Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan Asking $12,000. 24' 3' Corsair Sprint 750 California ... 40' Lagoon 400 OWNERS VERSION Grenada, Asking $339,000. 32.5' Pearson 33-2 Miami, Florida Asking $19,995. 25' O'Day 25 Bristol boats for sale How much do Bristol boats cost? Bristol boats for sale on YachtWorld are available for an assortment of prices from $9,226 on the relatively more affordable end, with costs up to $223,622 for the more sophisticated, luxurious yachts. What Bristol model is the best? Some of the most widely-known Bristol models currently listed include: 40, 35.5 ... BRISTOL 32 The weight required to sink the yacht one inch. Calculated by multiplying the LWL area by 5.333 for sea water or 5.2 for fresh water. FOR MULTIHULLS ONLY: BN - Bruce Number: The Bruce Number is a power-to-weight ratio for relative speed potential for comparing two or more boats. It takes into consideration the displacement and sail area of ... catamaran gulet motorboat powerboat riverboat sailboat trimaran yacht