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bristol 35.5 sailboat review

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Bristol 35.5C

Ted hood knows all there is to know about centerboard cruisers; he applied it well to this boat..

Bristol 35.5C

Around Bristol, Rhode Island-made famous by Nathanael G. Herreshoff-they tell this story: In the beginning, Bristol Yachts made rather ordinary boats. Along the way to success, Bristols boss, Clint Pearson, collected some of the most skilled workmen in the business. Somewhere in the 1970s, in order to support about 130 craftsmen, Bristol upgraded sharply and took aim at the big boat, high buck market. It made good sense.

And thats when the centerboard sloop called the Bristol 35.5C was born. She debuted in 1977 and disappeared with the rest of the line a few years ago.

The inestimable Ted Hood designed her. He probably knows more than anyone alive about centerboard cruising boats. Hes done a lot of them.

This one just turned out great, he said. Shes about as small as you can get and still have really big boat appearance and performance. The interior just worked out very well. Hood owned one himself.

She goes right along, doesn’t she? he said.

The Bristol 35.5C, which also came in a full-keel version (without the C), is an extraordinarily orthodox boat. There simply are no extremes in design, construction or performance, unless it is in her ability to flaunt her stern downwind and burn a lot of boats when beating in light to moderate air.

Shes what is called medium displacement. Look at her dimensions. Nothing jumps out, except perhaps for slightly less beam than is seen in 35-footers of that era and certainly far less than is seen in more recent designs.

Bristol 35.5C

The Interior Despite the 10′ 10″ beam, the interior reflects Ted Hoods attention to comfortable detail. There simply are no tight spots, no clumsy corners and no head or hip knockers.

You can walk into the head, turn around and even take a shower standing erect, if youre no more than 6′ 2″ in height.

The forward berths are more than adequate. Especially comfortable for one (but tight for two) are the pull-out extension berths in the main cabin. The big quarter berth is for that nose tackle in your racing crew. Luckily, only a few boats were built with pilot berths, because not having them means that the storage space is that much greater. With pilot berths, the boat theoretically sleeps no less than nine, but youd feel like a 49er on a crowded clipper ship headed for the California Gold Rush.

The galley is a joy, with more counter space than many larger boats. Unobstructed, durable flat surfaces are always at a premium when preparing meals or washing dishes. The truly huge ice chest obviously has superior insulation. Even with the engine running the ice lasts well.

The spacious cabin interior is enhanced by a wellengineered fold-down table, which, unlike many, can be rigged in five seconds.

If one were to be picky, the lack of a wet locker aft in a boat of this size might be noted.

Engine access is, at best, mediocre. Its in a narrow compartment, with access in the front only by removing some drawers and the heavy step panel and on the port side through a panel in the quarterberth.

All joinery, laminates and solid wood, reflect the individual skills of Bristols work force. The main and forward cabins are wood-sheathed. The sole is teak with a handsome ash inlay, all hand-layed, screwed, glued and bunged.

Many Bristol 35.5s were customized to some degree. Interior wood, for instance, could be mahogany, cherry or teak, with the latter two carrying a considerable premium. Double sinks in the galley were another fairly expensive option.

However, most equipment is standard. Bristol used topflight components, like Racor filters, Brunzeel bulkheads, Nicro vents, Schaefer hardware, Almag 35 ports, Bomar hatches, Edson steering and Lewmar winches.

The boats deck is a first-rate work platform and, for comfort, the cockpit is the equal of any 35-footer. However, because the seats run the full length of the cockpit, one must climb up and over to reach the steering station behind the big wheel. Its annoying. You can’t even slide aft.

Bristol 35.5C

Construction The Bristol 35.5s are solid fiberglass. The hull is built in halves and joined down the middle, which makes possible Bristols fine hull-to-deck joint. The hull is flanged inward and the deck is bolted on top of the flange with a teak toerail also through-bolted. It makes for both a watertight joint and a very rigid structural beam at the rail.

Centerboards frequently are a source of major headaches. However, the Bristol 35.5Cs board, which does not protrude into the cabin sole, must be well designed and executed.

The board is controlled by a low-geared horizontal winch on the coachroof. A stainless steel wire runs forward to a stainless vertical pipe at the corner of the chart table, down and across to the centerline under the floorboards. It makes three turns. The cable is entirely enclosed. If it were to cause trouble, it would be difficult to fix. However, only two of the Practical Sailor readers who own Bristol 35.5Cs report problems. Only a few boats were built before Bristol made modifications to the centerboard.

Sailing Characteristics Make no mistake: The Bristol 35.5C is tender, as are most centerboarders. In return you get a very lively boat that is quick in any air, like many more modern fin keelers except that with her moderate keel and centerboard, the Bristol 35.5 doesn’t require slavish attention to the helm.

The centerboard version has an IOR rating of 25.38, which means she should move out on a C & C 35, an Olson 38, a Hughes 38, a Pearson 35, a Tartan 37, a Morgan 38 and a J/34. Thats pretty good company for a design of this vintage.

The IMS numbers show the centerboard version to be faster than the keel version. The heavier centerboarder (with 500 pounds more ballast) gives the keel model 6.8 seconds a mile in light air and 9 seconds a mile in 20 knots.

Despite being a centerboarder, the Bristol 35.5C, because of her ballast, has a very respectable calculated static stability of 115.

The boats phenomenal light-air performance is delineated in the Performance Package supplied by the United States Yacht Racing Union. In a true wind of 6 knots, close-hauled (44.5 degrees), the Bristol 35.5C, with a 120% jib, should do 3.9 knots. The velocity made good will be 2.8 knots. Shed be heeled only 5. Beam reaching in the same conditions, the boat should do 5.4 knots. In 20 knots true, the boat would do 6.1 knots, but would be heeling 31. Broad reaching in 20 knots, shed turn up slightly more than eight knots.

We’ve spent many happy hours sailing out of Newport, Rhode Island, aboard a 35.5C owned by Dwight Webb, who never has been known to overuse the engine. He’s a sailorman. Beautifully maintained (with all exterior teak varnished) and with excellentsails, including Hood furling on the headstay and a Doyle Stackpack on the main, Webbs boat always moves well in any air.

In the past, Webb has owned quite a few boats: a Meridian, Triton, Morgan 30, Pearson 33, Pearson 35, Bristol 39, C & C 33, Sea Sprite 34, C & C 34 and a C & C 38.

Hes passed on 10 years with the Bristol 35.5C, which he deems simply, Best boat Ive ever owned.

Bristol 35.5C

Conclusion If a Bristol 35.5C takes your fancy, try for one with either a Westerbeke diesel or the equally satisfactory three-cylinder, 24-hp diesel made for a time by Universal. Avoid the Yanmar 2QM 20H, a twocylinder diesel that struggles unsuccessfully to get up to hull speed.

Beware of a 1978 model without the modified centerboard.

Also, don’t pay extra for a boat with a half dozen headsails. The Bristol 35.5C achieves her polar diagram optimums with a single 120% or 130% jib, which ideally will be on furling gear. Jibs bigger than that simply overpower the boat.

You’ll pay heavily for a newer one, and because so few were built, the older used ones also are somewhat dear. 1981 is about where the ideal prices seem to occur. Those built later than 1981 seem to carry premium prices.

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Do you have any suggestions for replacing a broken centerboard cable? Will I need to access the board through the centerboard trunk from inside the boat?

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Bristol 35.5

Bristol 35.5 is a 35 ′ 5 ″ / 10.8 m monohull sailboat designed by Ted Hood and Dieter Empacher and built by Bristol Yachts between 1978 and 1996.

Drawing of Bristol 35.5

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)

Keel/CB version also available (sometimes referred to as BRISTOL 35.5C). Draft: BU: 3.75’ BD: 9.5’ BALLAST 7000 lbs.

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BRISTOL 35.5 Detailed Review

https://images.harbormoor.com/originals/01a1e0cc-43b1-4a47-9163-813f3200d139

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of BRISTOL 35.5. Built by Bristol Yachts and designed by Dieter Empacher, the boat was first built in 1978. It has a hull type of Fin with rudder on skeg and LOA is 10.82. Its sail area/displacement ratio 15.89. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by Yanmar, runs on Diesel.

BRISTOL 35.5 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about BRISTOL 35.5 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, auxillary power tank, accomodations, contributions, who designed the bristol 35.5.

BRISTOL 35.5 was designed by Dieter Empacher.

Who builds BRISTOL 35.5?

BRISTOL 35.5 is built by Bristol Yachts.

When was BRISTOL 35.5 first built?

BRISTOL 35.5 was first built in 1978.

How long is BRISTOL 35.5?

BRISTOL 35.5 is 8.38 m in length.

What is mast height on BRISTOL 35.5?

BRISTOL 35.5 has a mast height of 12.42 m.

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Bristol 35.5

The bristol 35.5 is a 35.5ft masthead sloop designed by ted hood and built in fiberglass by bristol yachts between 1978 and 1996., 183 units have been built..

The Bristol 35.5 is a heavy sailboat which is slightly under powered. It is very stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a bluewater cruising boat. The fuel capacity is originally small. There is a good water supply range.

Bristol 35.5 sailboat under sail

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Bristol - Bluewater Capable???

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Looking to pick up a boat for upcoming "retirement" (term used loosely). Would like to get a boat in the 32'-37' range, capable of being handled by crew of 2 and one in a pinch. Looking at coastal shake-out cruises over the new few years with some multiple week trips south. Ultimately, will be taking on more offshore sails. Many boat manufacturers "claim" offshore capability. Have looked at Alberg 37, Allied Princess 36, and S2 11. Each has nice open layout but obviously there is a difference in bluewater capability. Question - are Bristol's built to handle these goals? If so, what models within the length constraints would you recommend? Thanx in advance for any advice you can provide - directed at Bristol's or others. Keith  

A good place to start would be "The Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat" by John Vigor. The essence of the book is that there are boats such as the Valiant 40 specifically designed for bluewater sailing, but that any boat can be made offshore capable with modifications. Also sailing skills in my view are 75% and the boat is 25%. I sail an S2 11.0A on the Chespapeake and would take it offshore with some modiciations such as storm shutters.  

Recently returned to the US from a three year trip from south carolina to trinidad and back via bahamas, DR, PR, windwards and leewards aboard my Bristol 32. It was a very safe and economical way to cruise and live aboard. I spent much less time and money than other folks on larger boats, but experienced the same harbors, sunsets, thrills and chills. Would go again in a minute on a bristol. Feel free to contact me for any info- [email protected]  

Thanx for the steer on the book, longwaterline. I've reviewed Vigor's "20 small boats" and was looking for a boat a little larger than those boats, thus my original question. And I agree with you on the sailing/boat distribution; I've watched a number of people that are idiotic with their approach to even coastal cruising let alone a crossing of any substance. I will look into that book to further my offshore boat knowledge. I'm looking at a boat to spend the next 3-5 years getting comfortable with and physically prepared for serious sailing. Then, the next stop is smaller SE coastal crossings (Caribbean - I grew up on west coast) before an eventual Atlantic crossing. Those are the long term goals and having spent much time around boats, it takes me something more than a few months to get comfortable with the way one moves and her little idiosyncrasies. As a result, I'd rather invest the time/$$ up front and learn the boat and the Atlantic at the same time. Ken - I appreciate the information. I like what you did and will likely be there on a smaller scale in about 3 years. I'm just looking to reduce the time between that step and my next step (as mentioned above). I will likely touch base with you in a month or so. Good health to each of you and have a SAFE and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. Keith  

Give the Bristol 35.5 a look Keith, I cruised a Bristol 35.5 from SF, down the west coast of Mexico and on to the South Pacific returning via Hawaii. IMHO, it is very blue water capable. My wife and I are currently preparing a Bristol 32 for a trip to the Marshall Islands via Hawaii (hope to depart summer 08). Good luck in your search. Regards, Ken  

Thanx for the information, Ken. We'll definitely add Bristol to the short list of boats were considering. Keith  

FWIW, you might consider the CS 36T, a bit more on the performance side than other suggestions. I have been the happy owner of one, which the PO and his wife took on a five year cruise which included several offshore trips from New England to/from Latin America. Here's a sample Sailboats - 1986 36' ft Canadian Sailcraft 36T - Racer/Cruiser, Cruiser (Sail), Racer - Hingham, MA, 02043 - UsedBoats.com  

Friends of mine owned a Bristol 27 which made two circumnavigations. A very strong boat. Smaller than you want obviously, but I was very impressed with the boat.  

Dcneuro

Blue water Bristols I think any Bristol from the 27 up is certainly capable for blue water. There have certainly been enough boats proving that. More important than the boat, is your preparation and skill in handling problems as they arise. The benefits of owning a Bristol is that typically, problems may arise less than on less competent boats. Hope this helps. Dr. S. Bristol 32  

I have owned a Bristol 29 for 4 years, and think very highly of the boat. Bristol boats are strong, tight boats. I would have no qualms taking my boat across the ocean, provided I invested in the necessary refit. BTW, mine is for sale! Its too small for your needs, I know. But any other folks looking for a beautifully redone boat, let me know.  

johnshasteen

We've sailed our B29.9 from Galveston to Vera Cruz, Galveston to Isla Mujeres (trips of about 650 miles each way), and crossed the Gulf from West to East in all sorts of weather and she holds up very well - we have been weather so bad that we were worried for ourselves, but never worried for the boat.  

Bardo's Bristol 29 for sale Hey Bardo I read that your bristol 29 is for sale. Has it already been sold? If not, can you please send me a detailed list of specs and as many photos of the boat as you have? Thanks. Justin daveyjustin(at)gmail.com  

We have made several offshore trips on our 35.5, but no ocean crossings. I respect the comment that offshore is 75-25 with the boat being less important. However, I worry that my 35.5 cockpit would be very slow to drain in heavy weather and that I cannot close the through hulls for those drains. Also, the anchor well takes on a lot of water, which, with my Hyspeed 510 windlass, drains into the bilge through the hause pipe . Could these be modified? Perhaps. That said, I have been sailing my 35.5 for ten years and more than 15,000 miles. I have 100% faith that she is a better boat than I am a sailor.  

Yes, I have heavy duty seacocks on all my thru hulls. The problem I mentioned has to do with the 35.5 design. The cockpit drains through the engine compartment and the hull, so you cannot close the seacocks when offshore. Otherwise the cockpit would not drain at all. This, I think, is a design flaw. When offshore, I close all the seacocks and only open them when necessary to drain the sinks or flush the head. The next time I have the boat hauled I will try your suggestion for greasing the barrel. Thanks.  

Why would one close the cockpit drains?  

we own two boats, an Apache 37 by Chriscraft and a Bristol 40, both blue water but one has to go. By the way the Bristol won twice the Maine - Bermuda race: blue water or what? And the older Albergs were very seaworthy.  

Bardo's Bristol 29 for sale? Does anyone know if Bardo still has his Bristol for sale? I tried sending him a personal message but as a new member to this group I need to have five postings.  

Summercamp said: Does anyone know if Bardo still has his Bristol for sale? I tried sending him a personal message but as a new member to this group I need to have five postings. Click to expand...

The Bristol is a fine sea going boat. Before we bought the boat our Bristol 40 Yawl had been across the Atlantic & back, over to American samoa & this year will circumnavigate Vancouver Island. The 40 has very large cockpit drains at the aft end & smaller drains to take care of rain water at the forward end.  

SOUNDBOUNDER

I have owned a Bristol 24 and presently have a Bristol 30 (1972). I have nothing but good things to say about them.  

The boatyards in RI definitely make and made some good stuff. Here's a new Bristol Built boat that just made the crossing: EastBayRI.com  

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Bristol 35.5

The Bristol 35.5 is a classic sailboat that has gained a reputation for its excellent design, quality construction, and outstanding performance both inshore and offshore. It was designed by Ted Hood and built by Bristol Yachts from 1978 to 1996. The boat has a moderate displacement with a sleek and beautiful profile. It has a long waterline and a deep keel that makes it stable in choppy waters and provides excellent sailing performance. The Bristol 35.5 is well known for its roomy interior, which is surprisingly spacious for a 35-foot sailboat. The boat has two private cabins, a large main salon, a well-equipped galley, and a comfortable head with shower.

The Bristol 35.5 is a very seaworthy boat that is ideal for coastal cruising and offshore passages. It has a reputation for being a strong, sturdy boat that can handle rough weather conditions. The boat's full keel design provides stability and makes it easy to handle under sail. The Bristol 35.5 is also well known for its excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail, which is evident in the boat's teak interior, solid fiberglass construction, and quality fittings. Overall, the Bristol 35.5 is an excellent sailboat that is comfortable, reliable, and well-suited for extended cruising and liveaboard.

LOA: 35.50 ft LWL: 27.50 ft Beam: 10.83 ft Draft: 5.75 ft Displacement: 15000.00 lbs Ballast: 6500.00 lbs Hull type: Fin with rudder on skeg Hull construction: FG/balsa cored deck Rigging type: Masthead Sloop

Bristol 35.5 for sale in the last 12 months

Below you'll find the latest Bristol 35.5 listings for the last 12 months. We compare the listing price with boats listed in the past and the color coding indicates if the price is good (green = below the average listing price) or more on the expensive side (red = seller is asking more than the average listing price).

Bristol 35.5 listing prices over time

Listing details.

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People’s Choice of Best Cruising Sailboats

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  • Updated: September 20, 2013

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Albin Ballard Albin Vega Alden Dolphin Allied Princess Baba 35 Baba 40 Baltic 37 Beneteau Oceanis 34 Beneteau Oceanis 58 Block Island 40 Bowman 47 Bristol 32 Bristol 35.5 Bristol Channel Cutter C&C 27 C&C 30 MI I Cabo Rico 38 Cal 31 Camper and Nicholson 32 Cape Dory Catalina 27 Catalina 50 Celestial 48 Challenger 40 Cherubini 44 Dickerson 41 Dufour 1800 Endeavour 42 Fastpassage 39 Fuji 45 Halberg Rassy 64 Hans Christian 33 Hans Christian 38 Hardin 44 Voyager Hardin 45 Hunter 37 Hunter 41AC Hunter Passage 42 Hylas 44 Irwin 52 Islander 38C J24 J35 Little Harbor 51 Morgan 32 Morgan 34 MK II Morgan 382 Northwest 38 Rhodes 41 S2 9.2C Sadler 29 San Juan 24 Santa Cruz 50 Santa Cruz 70 Seafarer Meridian Seaward 32 Shannon 38 Shannon 43 Snark Sunflower Sundeer 60 Sundeer 64 Swan 51 Tartan 37c Union 36 Westerly Centaur Westsail 42

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IMAGES

  1. 35' Bristol 35.5 for Sale

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  2. Bristol 35.5, 1985, Saco, Maine, sailboat for sale from Sailing Texas

    bristol 35.5 sailboat review

  3. Bristol 35.5, 1985, Saco, Maine, sailboat for sale from Sailing Texas

    bristol 35.5 sailboat review

  4. Bristol 35.5

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  5. 1986 Bristol 35.5 sailboat for sale in Massachusetts

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  6. Bristol 35.5

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VIDEO

  1. BRISTOL 34 SAILBOAT

  2. 1989 47 Bristol Center Cockpit *SOLD* in Annapolis Maryland

  3. Sailboat for sale- Bristol 38.8 "Meridian" Slideshow

  4. Bristol 32

  5. Beneteau First 35S5 test

  6. Chapter 18: Solo Sailing To Wales. My best sail yet

COMMENTS

  1. Bristol 35.5C

    In a true wind of 6 knots, close-hauled (44.5 degrees), the Bristol 35.5C, with a 120% jib, should do 3.9 knots. The velocity made good will be 2.8 knots. Shed be heeled only 5. Beam reaching in the same conditions, the boat should do 5.4 knots. In 20 knots true, the boat would do 6.1 knots, but would be heeling 31.

  2. The Bristol 35.5 Boat Review

    The Bristol 35.5 has stood the test of time and is still available as a new boat today, nearly 20 years after it was introduced. The overall length of the 35.5 is, as might be expected, 35' 6", beam is 10' 10" and displacement is 15,000 lbs. As a centerboard model, sometimes designated as a 35.5C, the draft is 3' 9" board up, and the deep ...

  3. BRISTOL 35.5

    It takes into consideration "reported" sail area, displacement and length at waterline. The higher the number the faster speed prediction for the boat. A cat with a number 0.6 is likely to sail 6kts in 10kts wind, a cat with a number of 0.7 is likely to sail at 7kts in 10kts wind. KSP = (Lwl*SA÷D)^0.5*0.5

  4. Bristol 35

    The Bristol 35 was an earlier John Alden and Associates design (John Alden was long gone by the time this boat was designed). which was also replaced by the 33. The Bristol 30 was replaced by the Bristol 29.9 an inferior IOR era design in my opinion. The 35.5 was a later Ted Hood and Dieter Empacher design that replaced the Bristol 34. Jeff

  5. Bristol 35.5 vs 35.5C

    Mortyboy Discussion starter. 1 post · Joined 2011. #1 · Jul 1, 2011. Looking for opinions/input on the blue water capability of the Bristol 35.5 vs the 35.5C. I live in North Florida, at 5'10" the draft may be too deep on a 35.5 for local usage (Keys, Bahamas) but I'm not sure about a swing keel boat nor do I see many affordable on the market.

  6. Thoughts on S2 11.0 A & Bristol 35.5

    The answer to whether a Bristol 35.5 is good or bad would depend on whether you are looking for a racer or a cruiser. The 35.5 is a conservatively-designed cruiser with excellent build quality and nice lines. By modern standards it is quite heavy, not particularly roomy, reasonably, but not very, fast; quite sea-kindly.

  7. Bristol 35.5

    Bristol 35.5 is a 35′ 5″ / 10.8 m monohull sailboat designed by Ted Hood and Dieter Empacher and built by Bristol Yachts between 1978 and 1996. ... 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. Formula. D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³ D: Displacement of the boat in ...

  8. Positivity, Bristol 35.5′

    Positivity, Bristol 35.5′. Posted by HarborMoor Crew | Sep 13, 2021 | Sailboats | 0 |. "I will be christening the new name, October 9 in the anchorage off La Paz, Mexico, so if your sailing in the area, row your little skiff on by. Some of the most Positive people I know will be there!".

  9. Voice of Experience: On a Lee Shore

    Original: Mar 13, 2014. This adventure started as a delightful daysail under nearly ideal conditions. The day before we had sailed in an 18-mile race from Fort Myers Beach, Florida, to Captiva Island aboard Nurdle, my Bristol 35.5. Conditions were typical for summer—light breeze, sunny, hot and humid. Though the course was twice shortened, we ...

  10. Review of Bristol 35.5

    Keel. The Bristol 35.5 has been built with more than one type of keel. One option is a finn keel. A boat with a fin keel is more manoeuvrable but has less directional stability than a similar boat with a long keel. Another option is a centerboard keel. A centerboard keel is a pivoting lifting keel, allowing to sail both coastal and inland waters.

  11. Bristol 35.5 vs. Sabre 36

    There is a review of the Sabre 34 by Jack Hornor on the BoatUS site which should give a good idea how the boat is built and potential problem areas since the 36 is very similar. Looking at the PHRF for the Chesapeake the one Sabre 36 with a rating is rated 30 seconds a mile faster than the one Bristol 35.5.

  12. Bristol 35.5 vs Tartan 34c

    33 posts · Joined 2009. #6 · Mar 2, 2011. The Bristol 35.5 is a sweet, traditional, classic, stick-built, bullet-proof 'little yacht' with fine sailing characteristics and plenty of coastal-sailing comfort for a couple or small family. There are a few layouts and years preferable to others.

  13. Bristol 35.5 Offshore and Liveaboard?

    The Bristol is a solid hull vs our cored hull, advantages & disadvantages of both. Build of the 35.5 is stellar, fit and finish is excellent. My Aunt & Uncle had a 35.5 CB. I sailed with them many a summer on the Chesapeake as a teenager. It was a bit tender IIRCC but once it found the groove it was comfortable.

  14. BRISTOL 35.5: Reviews, Specifications, Built, Engine

    Built by Bristol Yachts and designed by Dieter Empacher, the boat was first built in 1978. It has a hull type of Fin with rudder on skeg and LOA is 10.82. Its sail area/displacement ratio 15.89. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by Yanmar, runs on Diesel. BRISTOL 35.5 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid ...

  15. 1978 Bristol 35.5 CB

    Location: Rockland, ME USA. Boat: Pacific Seacraft (Crealock)- 34. Posts: 11. 1978 Bristol 35.5 CB. I'm considering either a Bristol 35.5 or Tartan 37 for New England cruising, mostly Gulf of Maine. I recently read an article in "Practical Sailor" that cautions about purchasing a 1978 Bristol 35.5 unless the centerboard has been "modified".

  16. BRISTOL 35

    It takes into consideration "reported" sail area, displacement and length at waterline. The higher the number the faster speed prediction for the boat. A cat with a number 0.6 is likely to sail 6kts in 10kts wind, a cat with a number of 0.7 is likely to sail at 7kts in 10kts wind. KSP = (Lwl*SA÷D)^0.5*0.5

  17. Bristol 35.5

    The Bristol 35.5 is a 35.5ft masthead sloop designed by Ted Hood and built in fiberglass by Bristol Yachts between 1978 and 1996. 183 units have been built. The Bristol 35.5 is a heavy sailboat which is slightly under powered. It is very stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a bluewater ...

  18. Bristol

    Give the Bristol 35.5 a look Keith, I cruised a Bristol 35.5 from SF, down the west coast of Mexico and on to the South Pacific returning via Hawaii. IMHO, it is very blue water capable. My wife and I are currently preparing a Bristol 32 for a trip to the Marshall Islands via Hawaii (hope to depart summer 08). Good luck in your search. Regards, Ken

  19. Bristol 35.5 Sailboat values and recent boats for sale

    Overall, the Bristol 35.5 is an excellent sailboat that is comfortable, reliable, and well-suited for extended cruising and liveaboard. Specs. LOA: 35.50 ft LWL: 27.50 ft Beam: 10.83 ft Draft: 5.75 ft Displacement: 15000.00 lbs Ballast: 6500.00 lbs Hull type: Fin with rudder on skeg Hull construction: FG/balsa cored deck Rigging type: Masthead ...

  20. People's Choice of Best Cruising Sailboats

    Our readers had plenty of opinions on our 40 Best Sailboats list. Here are the boats they feel we left out. ... Bristol 32 Bristol 35.5 Bristol Channel Cutter C&C 27 C&C 30 MI I Cabo Rico 38 Cal 31 Camper and Nicholson 32 Cape Dory Catalina 27 ... Sailboat Review: Tartan 455 Meet the Bali 5.8 Advertisement Read More.

  21. Bristol 35.5 boats for sale

    1981 Bristol 35.5 CB. US$39,500. Yacht Brokers Of Annapolis | Severna Park, Maryland. Request Info. <. 1. >. * Price displayed is based on today's currency conversion rate of the listed sales price. Boats Group does not guarantee the accuracy of conversion rates and rates may differ than those provided by financial institutions at the time of ...

  22. 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 ...

  23. Bristol 35.5 Centerboard

    The Bristol 35.5 is a remarkable yacht. Her lines are stunning, her sailing performance exemplary, construction excellent, and interior spacious and attractive. Well-kept Bristol 35.5's have always been in demand and will continue to be. This particular 1978 Bristol 35.5, "Talisman", is a wonderful example of a well-maintained and loved vessel.