32 foot bristol sailboat

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The Bristol 32 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The  Bristol 32, an ultra-heavy displacement sloop,  was designed by Ted Hood &  Dieter Empacher  and built in the USA by Bristol Yachts Inc.

Published Specification for the Bristol 32

Underwater Profile:  Long keel

Hull Material:  GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall:  32'0"  ( 9.8m)

Waterline Length:  22'0"  ( 6.7m)

Beam:  9'6"  ( 2.9m)

Draft:  4'8"  ( 1.4m) *

Rig Type:  Masthead sloop **

Displacement:  10,800lb (4,899kg)

Designer:  Ted Hood & Dieter Empacher

Builder:  Bristol Yachts Inc. (USA)

Year First Built:  1966

Year Last Built:  1983

Number Built:  322

* Centreboard version also available, drawing 3'6" with board up and 7'6" with it down.

** Also available as a ketch or yawl

Published Design Ratios for the Bristol 32

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:  15.3

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio:  36.1

3. Displacement/Length Ratio:  453

4. Comfort Ratio:  33.3

5. Capsize Screening Formula:   1.7

Read more about these  Key Performance Indicators...

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Bristol 32

1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of just 15.3 suggests that the Bristol 32 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 36.1 means that the Bristol 32 is likely to benefit from being reefed early to keep her sailing upright in a moderate breeze.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 453, tells us the Bristol 32 is firmly in the ultra-heavy displacement category. Load her up as much as you like and her performance will be hardly affected, not that it was ever startling. Few if any sailboats are built to this displacement category these days - but they remain popular with some long-distance sailors.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 33.3 suggests that crew comfort of a Bristol 32 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a moderate bluewater cruising boat - a predictable and acceptable motion for most seasoned sailors.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.7 indicates that a Bristol 32 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0. 

Any Questions?

What other versions of the Bristol 32 were built?

There were three versions of the Bristol 32 built: a sloop, a yawl and a ketch. The sloop was the most common, with 322 units built between 1966 and 1983. The yawl and ketch versions had different mast heights and sail areas.

What is the accommodation like in the Bristol 32?

The Bristol 32 has a traditional layout with a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment with a hanging locker opposite, a main saloon with settees and a fold-down table, and a galley and a quarter berth aft. The interior is finished in teak and has a classic feel.

What sail plan and rigging options are available for the Bristol 32?

As mentioned above, the Bristol 32 was available as a sloop, a yawl or a ketch. The sloop had a masthead rig with a single spreader and a roller furling genoa. The yawl and ketch had similar rigs but with shorter main masts and additional mizzen masts. The sail area varied depending on the rig type, from 43.3 m² for the sloop to 51.1 m² for the ketch.

What keel options are available for the Bristol 32?

The Bristol 32 had two keel options: a fin keel or a keel/centerboard. The fin keel had a draft of 1.4 m and a ballast of 1,769 kg. The keel/centerboard had a draft of 1.1 m with the board up and 2.3 m with the board down, and a ballast of 1,814 kg.

What is the Bristol 32 like to sail?

The Bristol 32 is a heavy displacement sailboat that is stable, comfortable and seaworthy. It is not very fast or agile, but it can handle rough weather and long passages well. It is easy to sail single-handed or with a small crew, and it has good balance and steering response. It performs best in moderate to strong winds, as it is slightly underpowered in light airs.

What is the average cost of a secondhand Bristol 32?

The average cost of a secondhand Bristol 32 depends on the condition, age, equipment and location of the boat. According to some online listings, the price range can vary from $10,000 to $40,000 USD

Is this boatbuilder still in business?

No, this boatbuilder is not still in business. Bristol Yachts was founded in 1966 by Clint Pearson, who also founded Pearson Yachts. The company produced several models of sailboats until it ceased operations in 1997 due to financial difficulties.

What other sailboats have been created by this designer?

The designer of the Bristol 32 was Ted Hood, who was also an accomplished sailor and sailmaker. He designed many other sailboats, such as the Hood 38, the Little Harbor series, the Wauquiez Hood 38, the Bristol Channel Cutter, the Robinhood series and the Ted Hood Yachts series. He also collaborated with Dieter Empacher on some designs, such as the Bristol 35.5 and the Bristol 41.1.

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:

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Chantey 1975 | 32' Bristol 32 Sailboat for Sale

1975 bristol, 32' (9.75m) 32 - chantey, with her long overhangs, narrow ends and distinctive lines, the bristol 32 is heralded as one of the prettiest small production sailboats ever built. known as a very comfortable cruiser, the 32 is a truly seaworthy vessel, having many ocean crossings to her credit..

• Annapolis Maryland United States
• Fiberglass Hull

$ 21,900 USD

€ 20,335 euros $ 29,566 cad.

• EMAIL BROKER

Description

With her long overhangs, narrow ends and distinctive lines, the Bristol 32 is heralded as one of the prettiest small production sailboats ever built. Known as a very comfortable cruiser, the 32 is a truly seaworthy vessel, having many ocean crossings to her credit. Chantey is a fine example of this Ted Hood/Dieter Empacher designed sloop. Since 1985 her current, long term owner has stored her under a boom tent system and maintained by the most competent professionals in Annapolis. She is in great shape, turn key and comes fully equipped with everything you need; you won’t have to drop a fortune at the boat store to fitout this great boat! Seeing is believing, don’t miss the virtual tour, video tour and slideshow links below, and call for a showing today!

LOA: 32' " (9.75 Meters)

Type: Sail - Used

Beam: 9' 6"

Bridge Clearance: 29' "

Draft Max: 4' 8"

Draft Min: ' "

Maximum Speed: Knots

Cruise Speed: Knots

• Fuel Type: Diesel

Hull Material: Fiberglass

Fuel Tank: 25 Gallons (94.64 Liters)

Fresh Water: 100 Gallons (378.54 Liters)

Holding Tank: Gallons ( Liters)

Full Details

Main description, bristol 32 - chantey - media.

To view media files on Chantey type or cut and paste these links (case sensitive) into your web browser:

Virtual Tour:  www.bit.ly/CHANTEYTOUR

Video Tour:  www.bit.ly/CHANTEYVIDEO

Slideshow:   www.bit.ly/CHANTEYSLIDE

BristolYachts.org Review:  www.bit.ly/BYREVIEW

BRISTOL 32 - CHANTEY - RECENT MAINTENANCE & UPGRADES:

- Bottom painted, hull waxed and Prop-Speed applied by First Mate Marine – 2020

- 3 Batteries replaced – 2019

- Topsides painted (Awlgrip) – 2019

- Brightwork professionally varnished – 2019

- Engine and exhaust system professionally serviced and maintained by Vosbury Marine – John  Vosbury; since 1985

- Electrical system professionally updated and maintained by Marine Electric Systems - Bob  Cambell

- Custom topside teak upgrades and full length teak and stainless rub rail by Dawn Lite

BRISTOL 32 - CHANTEY - WALKTHROUGH

The cockpit is spacious and provides plenty of room to sail the boat with a full crew, as well as a space to entertain at anchor or dockside. It features pedestal helm with a teak and stainless wheel, binnacle mounted compass, throttle and gear shift, wheel lock, chart plotter mount, autohelm mount, stainless steel hand hold and teak folding table with cupholder. The engine control panel and depth/speed instruments are mounted on the forward bulkheads, either side of the main cabin companionway; which is protected by a dodger with stainless hand hold. The engine stop, VHS repeater outlet, engine hour meter and manual bilge pump are mounted on the starboard well bulkhead next to the helm. Opposite on the port side, you’ll find the 30amp shore power receptacle and search light power plug.

The cockpit and aft deck are surrounded by teak coamings and accommodate 6 people on cushioned port and starboard benches. A Lewmar 40 two speed self-tailing winches and 2 cleats for head sail trim are mounted port and starboard on the teak coamings. Two cubby lockers are recessed into the coaming mid-cockpit, with two additional lockers found under the bench seats.

The mainsheet traveler is deck mounted aft of the cockpit, followed by a lazarette locker, dorade vents and cleats port and starboard. A swim ladder, flagstaff mount and stern light are mounted on the transom.

The deck, surrounded by teak toe and rub rails, is protected by stainless steel bow and stern railings, connected by a single lifeline running the length of the deck port and starboard. Gates are found at the cockpit, port and starboard.

Teak hand holds run along the cabin top, port and starboard. There are center mounted opening hatches, one midship the other forward. Two teak dorade boxes are found port and starboard of the mast.

The anchor is roller mounted at the bow with a thru deck fitting to the chain locker. Cleats are found port and starboard at the bow, midship and the stern.

The single spreader, mast head rig is deck stepped and features wire standing rigging, a roller furler, mechanical boom vang, main sheet traveler and whisker pole. Two halyard winches are mounted on the mast. Jib tracks run along the port and starboard gunwales.

MAIN CABIN:

The main cabin features teak paneling, joinery and a teak & holy sole. Entering the cabin from the cockpit companionway, the galley is found to starboard with a top loading, under counter icebox opposite on the port side. A port settee with seating for three extends fore and aft along the length of the maincCabin forward of the icebox. On the starboard side forward of the galley a settee provides seating for three. Storage lockers are found behind the settees, with additional storage below. A folding dining table is center mounted on the forward bulkhead. Teak hand holds are mounted overhead of both settees. Lighting is provided by five lamps and lights throughout the cabin. Ventilation is provided by an overhead opening hatch with screen, Dorade vent and the companionway. Five fixed port/windows with curtains run along the side of the cabin, two port, three starboard. A 12 vdc outlet is found at the aft starboard bulkhead, with stereo speakers mounted on the forward bulkheads.

The galley features an L-shaped counter top extending along the starboard side and across the aft section of the main cabin. The starboard counter features a stainless cutting board that doubles as a safe surface for the portable propane stove. The aft full beam counter features a stainless steel sink with hot and cold running water to starboard and a top loading, under counter ice box to port. Lockers are found above the counters. An additional locker and drawer are found under the starboard countertop. There is an overhead light starboard side and a 120 vac outlet mounted on the aft bulkhead portside. The 120 vac and 12 vdc electrical panels are mounted on the aft port bulkhead above the icebox.

FORWARD CABIN:

The forward cabin features teak joinery, a teak and holy sole and a av-berth. Access to the cabin is found through a companionway formed by a hanging locker on the starboard side and the door to the head to port. The v-berth is forward, with two drawers and 3 lockers underneath. Additional storage is provided by overhead lockers running the length of the berth, port and starboard. Two lamps are mounted port and starboard on the aft bulkheads. Ventilation provided by an overhead hatch.

HEAD: 

The head is found on the port side between the main cabin and forward cabin. The door is found in the companionway between the Main Cabin and the forward cabin. The head features a manual marine toilet and a countertop housing a top loading, undercounter locker and a stainless steel sink with hot & cold running water. A mirror is mounted above the sink, with lamp above and a locker below. An additional locker is found along the port side with six drawers below. A 120 vac outlet is mounted on the port side above the counter. A towel rack is mounted on the aft bulkhead. Ventilation is provided by an opening port and a dorade vent.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT:

The engine compartment is found under the companionway stairs and aft galley countertop. 

BRISTOL 32 - CHANTEY - ACCOMODATIONS

Chantey can sleep five people. The port main cabin settee converts to a double berth and the starboard to a single. The v-berth sleeps 2.

The v-berth is located in front of the Main Cabin and features:

- Teak joinery and paneling

- Teak & Holly sole

- V-berth, with insert; sleeps 2

- 2 Drawers

- 2 Front access storage lockers

- 1 top access storage locker

- 2 overhead lockers, port side

- 2 overhead lockers, starboard side

- 2 bulkhead mounted lamps, 12 vac

- Opening overhead hatch w/screen

- 2 Fixed portlights

- Chain locker access

- Black water tank beneath the berth

- Headroom: 72 inches

MAIN CABIN SETTEES:

- Port settee converts to a double berth; sleeps 2

- Starboard settee; sleeps 1

- Blocks for a stowable bunk above starboard settee

BRISTOL 32 - CHANTEY – MAIN CABIN:

The main cabin is entered from the cockpit, four steps down via a companionway from the cockpit and features:

- Teak joinery and paneling throughout

- Port settee; seats 3; converts to a double berth

- Starboard settee; seats 3; converts to a single berth

- Stowable bunk brackets above starboard settee

- Stowable dining table with folding leaf , forward bulkhead mounted

- Storage locker run length of Main Cabin above settees, 2 port & 2 starboard

- 3 Front access lockers under the settees

- 3 Front access lockers behind the settees

- Hanging locker, starboard side forward

- Chart rack, forward bulkhead mounted

- 2 Overhead hand holds over settees, port and starboard side

- 5 Fixed port/windows w/curtains; 2 port, 3 starboard

- 1 Overhead opening hatch w/screen, center mounted

- Dorade vent

- Companionway hatch

- Companionway hatch screen

- Light over port settee; 12 vdc

- 3 Bulkhead mounted lamps; 12 vdc

- Stereo radio/cd player

- 2 Panasonic stereo speakers, forward bulkhead mounted, port and starboard

- Headroom 73 inches

BRISTOL 32 - CHANTEY - GALLEY

The L shaped galley is located in the section of the main cabin and features:

- L shaped counter tops

- Stainless steel sink hot/cold pressurized water

- Stainless steel cutting board/portable stove pad

- Top loading icebox

- 4 Lockers:

 * 1 Under counter

 * 2 above counter

 * 1 top loading wet locker behind sink

- Coleman single burner propane stove

- Portable fan; 12 vdc

- Overheat light; 12 vdc

- 120 vac outlet

- 12 vdc outlet

- Assorted dishes, cups, cookware, flatware, cutlery and cleaning supplies

BRISTOL 32 - CHANTEY - HEAD

The head is located between of the main cabin and forward cabin on the port side and includes:

- Companionway access

- Jabsco manual marine head

- Stainless steel sink with hot and cold running water

- Counter with top access storage locker

- Soap dish

- Tooth brush holder

- Sponge holder

- Towel hook

- Towel rack

- Light; 12 vdc

- Storage locker port side

- Storage locker; under sink

- 6 Drawers; port side

- Opening port

- Various cleaning supplies

- Headroom: 74 inches

BRISTOL 32 - CHANTEY - COCKPIT

The cockpit is in the stern of the boat and features:

- Bench seating for 6 passengers; 3 port, 3 starboard

- Wheel pedestal helm

- Folding cockpit table

- Teak cup holder

- Hot water cockpit shower

- 2 Lockers under the bench seats

- 2 Cubby lockers

- Companionway to main cabin; center forward

- Fuel fill

- 2 scuppers

BRISTOL 32 – CHANTEY - HELM

The center mounted pedestal helm features:

- Pedestal helm with:

 * Teak and stainless destroyer wheel

 * Ritchie magnetic binnacle compass

 * Gear shift and throttle

 * Chartplotter mount

 * Auto pilot control mount

 * Wheel lock

 * Folding cockpit table

 * Teak cupholder

 * Plastic cupholder

 * Stainless steel binnacle hand hold

- Engine instrument panel; mounted on port cabin bulkhead

- Speed and Depth instruments; mounted on starboard cabin bulkhead

- Level-o-Gauge

- Engine kill pull

- Engine hour meter

- Hand held spot light plug

- VHF radio repeater plug

- Emergency tiller post

BRISTOL 32 - CHANTEY - ELECTRONICS

- Garmin GPSMap Chartplotter, model 440; helm mounted

- Raymarine Autopilot, model ST4000+

- Datamarine depth instrument, model S200DL

- Datamarine speed/distance instrument, model S100KL

- Standard Horizon Intrepid VHF Radio, with cockpit remote mic and speaker

- Dual CD Receiver Media Player; model MXDM51

- 2 Panasonic Stereo speakers

BRISTOL 32- CHANTEY - RIG

- Masthead sloop rig;

 * Aluminum single spreader mast w/internal halyards

 * Aluminum boom

 * Aluminum whisker pole

 * Lewmar winch, mast mounted starboard side

 * ARCO USA winch, mast mounted port side

- Stainless steel wire standing rigging

- Hood Seafurl roller furler, model LD 810 line drive

- Aft deck mounted traveler

- Shafer mechanical boom vang

- Cunningham

- Doyle lazy jacks

- Doyle stack pack

BRISTOL 32 - CHANTEY - SAILS & CANVAS

- Doyle Main Sail; full batten

- Doyle Genoa; 140%

- Main sail cover

- Wheel cover

- Binnacle cover

- Full length cockpit cover

- Full cockpit sunshade

- Boom tent system

- Wind scoop

BRISTOL 32C – CHANTEY - DECK & HULL

- Hull and Deck: Molded, high-impact, hand laid, solid fiberglass reinforced polyester resin, no  fillers used

- Deckhouse, deck and cockpit integrally molded

- Deck clamp and cove stripe molded with hull

- Deck to deck clamp mechanically bonded and sealed

- Full length keel with attached rudder

- Anchor roller mount

- Danforth 12H 35 lb storm anchor

- Danforth 13S anchor

- Day-Hook Kellet 10 anchor

- 20 ft chain w/stainless swivel

- 150 feet rode

- Anchor locker, forward cabin access

- 2 Lewmar 40 2-speed self-tailing winches; cockpit coming, port & starboard

- Lewmar 8 winch; cockpit, cabin top mounted, port

- 4 Lewmar w winch handles

- Genoa tracks, with cars and cleats

- 4 Deck turning blocks for aft-led halyards

- Headsail sheets

- 2 Cabintop hatches with screens

- 4 Dorade vents

- 7 Fixed portlights

- 1 Opening portlight

- Sliding companionway hatch

- Companionway hatch boards with louver vent

- Companionway screen

- 2 Teak hand holds, cabin top mounted, port & starboard

- 6 Cleats; 2 at bow, 2 at stern, 2 midship genoa track mounted

- Lazarette locker

- 2 Cockpit lockers

- Cockpit cushions

- 2 Scuppers, cockpit

- Stainless steel bow pulpit and stern rails, connected by single life line with port & starboard gates

- Outboard engine mount

- 2 Horseshoe PFD mounts

- Folding swim ladder; transom mounted center

- Navigation, running & anchor lights

- Fuel and water fills

- Waste pump-out

- Wash down hose receptacle

- Hoses, buckets, wash down brushes and cleaning supplies

- Dock lines

- 2 boat hooks

- Bosuns chair & webbing

- Complete set of tools

- Miscellaneous spare parts, fluids, rags and absorbent pads

BRISTOL 32C – CHANTEY - MECHANICAL

- Universal diesel engine, direct drive, 25 HP, fresh water cooled; 3093 hours

- 2 blade prop

- Racor 500 fuel filter/water separator

- Facet fuel filter

- Sea strainer

- Jabsco Par-Max 3.0 50 PSI house water pump; Model 31395-3000, 3 gpm

- Jabsco bilge pump

- Electric water heater, 15 gallon, 120 VAC or engine heat exchanger

- Flojet Marine Washdown pump; model 4305-510

- Manual bilge pump, w/removeable handle; cockpit mounted

- Engine oil change pump

BRISTOL 32C – CHANTEY - ELECTRICAL

- 12 vdc electrical system with distribution panel

- 120 vac electrical system with distribution panel

- 120 vac outlets in all cabins, GFI protected

- 12 vdc lighting in all cabins

- 2 Extra Power Marine Batteries, 6 volt

- Maintenance free cranking battery, 12 volt

- Battery bank master switch

- Bluesea Systems breaker

- Xantrex TruCharge Multi-Stage Battery Charger, 20+ Amp

- Heart Interface Link 20 Battery Status Monitor

- 30 Amp shore power receptacle; cockpit, port side aft

- 2 30 Amp shore power cables

BRISTOL 32 - CHANTEY - SAFETY

- Fireboy Halon 1301 automatic fire extinguisher; engine compartment

- 2 Kiddie Dry Chemical fire extinguishers; Marine Type B:C Size 1

- Buoyant Vest, Adult, model AK-1

- Off-Shore Lifejacket, Adult PFD Type 1

- 4 Near Shore Type II PFDs, Adult

- Horseshoe throw ring PFD

- Hollywood Accessories Big 300 hand held spotlight; 300,000 candlelight

- Olin Flair Kit; Flair gun, flairs cartridges, Hand held flairs (flairs expired)

- Falcon hand held air horn

- Ships bell

- Davis Radar Reflector

- Emergency tiller

- Manual bilge pump

BRISTOL 32 - CHANTEY - MISCELANIOUS

- Complete documentation

- Mini Spotlight w/Magnet, 12 vdc

- Portable anchor light, 12 vdc

- Heat wave portable fan; 12 vdc

- Hand held manual fuel pump

- Hand held vacuum; 12 vdc

The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.

• Engine Make: Universal
• Engine Model: 25
• Engine Year: 1975
• Engine Type: Inboard
• Drive Type: Direct
• Power HP: 25.00
• Hours: 3093.00

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RETROFITS: Bristol 32

A classic, tough boat becomes a pleasure to sail with cruise-worth upgrades.

We confirmed that Bristol 32s, designed by Ted Hood, were solidly constructed, a declaration often echoed in Internet forums by past and present owners. The 17-year production run churned out 322 hulls, starting in 1966, which meant the oldest are now approaching the half-century mark. 

Hull design and sailing technology have certainly changed since the first Bristol 32s were launched, but the classic design and build quality made it a very attractive candidate for a retrofit, assuming we could find the right boat. Prices on the used boat market in 2015 ranged from $12,500 for a 1967 model with questionable engine to $39,000 for a 1983 model in turnkey condition.

A bidding war staged by a zealous Connecticut broker pushed us away from a Bristol 32 that was built in the late 1960s, and although we were disappointed, it turned out for the better. We eventually located a newer model in better shape with the gelcoat intact, showing only minor crazing and a few deep scratches. 

We had already passed on Bristol 32s still powered by the original Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. Replacing it with a new diesel would have escalated the retrofit budget beyond our means. As a rule of thumb, installation costs twice the engine purchase price, which for us translated to about $27,000.

We also rejected a 32 built in the mid-1970s because its Yanmar diesel was a two-cylinder rather than a three-cylinder model. Bristol 32 owners had warned us that given the sloop’s nearly 11,000-pound displacement, which would increase when loaded for cruising, the smaller engine might underperform in a stiff current or choppy sea. 

The 1979 Bristol 32 we ultimately settled on had a Yanmar freshwater-cooled 3GM-30F with fewer than 500 hours. Armed with serial numbers taken off the engine block, I called Yanmar’s customer service center and was informed that while the boat may be advertised with a 2012 engine, it was actually manufactured in 1996. A bit of detective work revealed that the most recent owner had purchased the rebuilt engine at a boat show in 2012. Fortunately, the work had been done by a certified Yanmar service center in upstate New York, and from that shop we learned the engine had been originally installed aboard a Beneteau. During its use, seawater had entered through the exhaust elbow and caused plenty of damage. Not wanting to wait for repairs, the Beneteau owner simply ordered a new engine. So that was how the rebuilt model ended up in the Bristol. 

A marine surveyor declared the engine sound, stating that if it was properly maintained, it would last another dozen years or longer. He also determined the hull and deck had no structural weaknesses or significant moisture. Clint Pearson, former owner of Bristol Yachts, constructed the 32s with molded, high-impact reinforced polyester resin, the woven roving hand laid-up with no fillers. In other words, it has a smaller chance of delaminating than other construction methods. 

Although the boat was equipped with radar, the mast bracket extended beyond the rim of the pie dish so that the jib chafed against it. The surveyor also cited trace moisture readings along the bow pulpit and advised loosening and rebedding the fittings with marine caulk. He also recommended rebedding the stanchions. The mainsail needed replacement. The hanked-on, 150% headsail was salvageable, but it would be too far off the deck at the foot if we had it re-cut for a roller furling system.

We purchased a Profurl furling system from Defender for $2,083. The Dacron mainsail with two reef points and the 135% furling jib came from Doyle Sailmakers for $2,370 and $1,892, respectively. The boat’s lazy jacks and reef lines were in good shape.  

We were content with the Edson steering wheel mounted aft in the cockpit. Earlier Bristol 32s had tillers, which explained why the primary winches were bolted forward on the coaming. Dieter Empacher, who was the chief draftsman and designer for Ted Hood in the 1960s and 1970s when Hood’s boatbuilding operations were in Marblehead, Massachusetts, confirmed as much.

“I was working in Ted’s design office. He always came in during the evening and we talked about what I had drawn,” recalled Empacher, who earlier this year sold his beloved Bristol 35.5. “Ted liked the 32. It had what was the standard profile for that time.”

The two primary winches were installed to either side of the companionway since that’s where the helmsman would be while using a tiller. The steering wheel option forced solo-sailing helmsmen to briefly leave the pedestal when tacking or trimming. 

He also noted that the Bristol 32 sails comfortably in a big sea but may be “a little too soft for bluewater sailing.” Even so, a few owners extended the transom by a foot so they could make the minimum length for the Newport-to-Bermuda Race.

Empacher agreed with our marine surveyor that a sloop with minor modifications could easily handle sailing from New England to Florida, then passage to the Caribbean. “This boat wasn’t built as a daysailer,” he said. “It’s a cruising boat.”

And that’s exactly what we had in mind: classic design, full-keel rather than centerboard, medium draft, tough build and upgraded with equipment that would make it a pleasure to sail.

With the boat’s title in hand, we rebedded the bow pulpit and stanchions, then replaced the scupper drain hoses, the tired mainsheet, jib sheets, frayed main halyard, jib halyard, topping lift and boomvang control line. The caulk amounted to $25, the new sheets and lines were $750, and the drain hoses $40, all from  West Marine. 

We sanded and varnished the teak toerails, coaming trim and coachroof grabrails, using a quart of StarBrite teak cleaner and a can of Epifanes gloss clear varnish. Sensing possible futility, instead of varnish we chose to apply StarBrite Premium Gold Teak Oil to the custom cockpit sole. The brightwork required $100 in materials plus brushes, sandpaper and several hours of sweat equity.

Although the engine didn’t require repair, we changed the oil, replaced the Racor water separator in the fuel line, the impeller, oil filter and two belts. The total for parts was $175 purchased from a Yanmar dealer.

While the boat was slung for a bottom inspection, we had the yard install a Raymarine i40 Bi-Data depthsounder and transducer, which cost $270 plus $180 labor. One of the boat’s two batteries was replaced with a 12-volt Duralast marine battery from an auto supply store. We also purchased a Victron Energy BMV dual battery voltage monitor for $207 and installed it in the saloon. As part of the electrical upgrade, we added a Ganz flexible marine solar panel for $148, to trickle charge the batteries.

The boat lacked a fuel gauge but Bristol 32 owners we spoke with convinced us to stick with the present system of using a wooden stick to measure the diesel level in the tank. A bigger interior upgrade came in the form of a new ENO Open Sea two-burner stove that came in just under $1,000.

A big issue that needed to be immediately rectified was the lack of a holding tank and Y-valve diverter for the head. Installing a new holding tank was problematic for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was space constraints. We ended up designating one of the two water tanks under the V-berth as a holding tank and installed a Jabsco Y-valve from Jamestown Distributors for $64. 

The boat’s ICOM VHF base unit radio was crackling and temperamental so we replaced it with a Uniden two-way from a big box electronics store for $110. We were able to repair the cockpit plug-in for the remote microphone.

The retrofit concluded with installing the required sacrificial zincs under the waterline, and for good measure we tossed a fresh oil-absorbing sock into the bilge. The total cost of these items was $55. The six-person Zodiac life raft was expired but we had it repacked for $1,000.

We had hoped to install refrigeration and an autopilot, but limited funds left us with the roomy icebox and a manual wheel-lock knob on the pedestal. The addition of these two features would have pushed the purchase and refit total to over $40,000. Instead, we were able to keep the total cost to a bit over our original $35,000 budget.

1.   Dacron mainsail with two reefs: $2,370 

2.   Furling 135% Dacron jib: $1,892

3.   Profurl roller-reefing system: $2,083 

4.   Marine caulk: $25 

5.   Mainsheet, jibsheet, main halyard, jib halyard, boom vang line, topping lift: $750 

6.   Scupper drain hose: $40 

7.   StarBrite teak cleaner: $16

8.   Epifanes gloss clear varnish: $36

9.   StarBrite Premium Gold Teak Oil: $34

10. Impeller, Fram oil filter, Racor fuel-water separator, two belts: $175 

11. Raymarine Bi-Data depthsounder and transducer plus installation: $450   

12. Two Lewmar EVO 30 ST self-tailing winches: $1,945

13.12-volt Duralast marine battery: $114

14. Victron Energy BMV dual battery voltage monitor: $207

15. Ganz flexible marine solar panel: $148

16. ENO Open Sea two-burner stove and oven: $1,000

17.  Jabsco Y-valve diverter: $64

18. Uniden two-way VHF marine base unit radio: $110 

19. Oil absorbent sock and sacrificial zincs: $55 

20. Repack and recertify six-person life raft: $1,000 

Retrofit total:  $12,514

1979 Bristol 32

Purchase price: $24,500

Materials: $12,514

Refit is 51% of purchase price

Total price after refit: $37,014

Defender, www.defender.com , 800-628-8225

Doyle Sailmakers,   www.doylesails.com , 800-943-6953

Hamilton Marine, www.hamiltonmarine.com , 800-639-2715

Jamestown Distributors, www.jamestowndistributors.com , 800-497-0010

West Marine, www.westmarine.com , 800-262-8464

Yanmar,   http://us.yanmar.com , 800-872-2867

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Bristol 32 Boats for sale

1969 Bristol 32 Sloop

Punta Gorda, Florida

Make Bristol

Model 32 Sloop

Category Sloop Sailboats

Posted Over 1 Month

1969 Bristol 32 Sloop A well built Timeless Classic. Many new features throughout the boat and all the major navigation electronics are new as well. Only 250 Hours on the rebuilt engine, the fiberglass is sound, sails are good and has one brand new jib. Contact us today, Bristol has a great reputation.   For Sale Bristol 32 Masthead Sloop, Atomic 4 Engine, Fresh Water Flushing System, Bimini Top, Dodger, SS Steering Wheel, ...... ALL NEW , Self Tailing Winches, Head System, Toilet, Microwave, GPS Chart Plotter, Auto Pilot, Compass, Air Conditioner, Fortress Anchor, Battery Charger, New Jib.

Bristol 32 Project Sailboat

Bokeelia, Florida

1975 Bristol 32This is a project boat. Everything is there, it just needs work. I bought this boat as a project, but don't have the time to do it justice. It would be a beautiful classic cruising boat if restored. I took the engine out of the boat to work on it. Universal Atomic 4, 30 hp, gasoline. Replaced original water pump with a new improved quick change pump. Engine starts and runs fine. New plugs, points, wires, paint. Can start and run engine as it sits. The hull is sound below the water line as far as I can tell. I have not had the boat pulled, but I see no evidence of blisters or damage. The cabin top suffered some damage, and the repairs were not well done. Easy fix. The swing keel cable is broken. I have the keel tied up. The boat needs to be on the hard to have the cable fixed. The mechanical systems are all intact, but must be gone through. The steering gear was moved and replaced, with new pulleys and cable. The wheel and binnacle are in good shape. The head has been worked on recently, with new hoses and other parts. There is a frig/freezer chest, alcohol stove and sink. I replaced the bilge pump. The water tanks appear to be clean and in good condition. Many of the tapered bronze seacocks are frozen. They are high quality and can be rebuilt, but the boat should be out of the water for safety. None of the electronics work. The rigging is complete. There are two mainsails. The one on the boat I have not looked at. The second one is in good shape. There are 2 or 3 jibs, all show little sign of wear. There is a complete set of cockpit canvas that never seems to have been used. The dodger plastic needs to be replaced from old age. There is also a light sun shade. There is a set of cockpit cushions that are good. Some of the interior cushions are missing, and the rest need to be recovered. The boat comes with a bosuns chair and safety harness. I also have a rebuild kit for the Gusher emergency pump, new cutlass bearing, new prop shaft packing.

Bristol 32 Sloop

East Hampton, New York

Model Sloop

Length 32.0

A beautiful cruiser with classic lines that has been fully restored to perfection. Professionally maintained and babied for the 13 years I have owned her. Beautiful varnish, fully polished original gelcoat, new dodger, bimini, upholstery, sails and Lewmar winches. Bottom painted Literally turnkey! Raytheon SL70 Radar, depth and speed, Icom VHF, Furlex roller furling, Raymarine RC435 chartplotter, 2 yrs new Yanmar 3GM30F diesel, new Lewmar winches, Hot and cold pressure water and shower, 12K BTU central air (Dometic), Toshiba flat screen TV/dvd.

1979 32' Bristol Sailboat in Mystic, CT

Groton, Connecticut

Boat is currently in Mystic, CT. Easy access off 95 for anyone in New England, or the East Coast in general. Hull AWLGRIPED 2013. Westerbeke L-25 22 hp Hurth reduction gearV berth which fills into double, main salon fold out double bunk with single bunk and fold down dining table.16 gallon aluminum diesel tank2 water tanks. One integral to hull 30 gals and one forward tank which is 20 gals.Pressurized water in galley and head.30 gallon sewage holding tankEngine heated 6 gallon hot water heater.2-27 series 12 volt batteries with selector switchRaytheon Pathfinder GPS and charts with separate fathometer and VHF and stereoEdson wheel on pedestal steering with emergency tiller and Ritchie compass.Orig 4100 2 burner alcohol wick stove. 2 self tailing winches plus many extra sails.Swim ladder, tools, extra filters, engine pump parts, life jackets, extra Danforth anchor and 100' line(main anchor plow), current flares, fenders, dock lines, wash down sea hose, fresh shower nozzle on deck.

1982 Bristol Ketch

Williamsburg, Virginia

Model Ketch

Category Sailboats

1982 Bristol Ketch,1982 Bristol 32' Ketch. Good to Very Good condition. Shoal Draft (3'6" keel up - 7'8" keel down). New canvas all around, 24hp Diesel Universal engine freshly tuned up with new impeller, fuel filter, oil change and belt. 6'2 headspace in cabin. Wheel steering, sleeps 4 adults comfortably. Moving - Must Sell. $14,500 OBO. Includes paid slip fees until 1 Jan 2017. Will consider trade or partial trade for the right powerboat with trailer.Additional features;-Propane Stove, Oven and rail mounted BBQ-Coast Guard Registered # with all required rescue equipment-Garmin GPS 541s with two mounts. (one above wheel and one at cabin Nav Station)- Spotlight / deck light / running lights-Marine Band Radio-Cutter Rig installs easily when you want it-Roller furling on Jib-Full Bathroom, shower and sink-Sink (power or manually operated), icebox in cabin-Cabin fans, heater / fold down table in cabin-plenty of storage area in cabin and V berth-Solar Battery Charger with voltage cutoff-8' inflatable PRU-3 dinghy w/ Mercury 3.3hp outboard (runs great)-60 gallons of H20 holding tanks-30 gallon internal gas tank-anchor line snubber-bottom paint in Apr 2015-many spare parts, fenders and life jackets-Boat Survey in July 2012 (appraised at $32k)-$85/month (pull thru) slip available if you wish to keep the boat in the Williamsburg/Yorktown area. Slip fees paid up til 1 Jan 2017.This is a turn key sailboat - she's ready for your next adventure. $14500

Beautiful Restored Bristol 32

Camden, Maine

Selling our loved and cared for Bristol Sloop. contact us for complete specs and pics. In the water in Camden Maine and sailing almost daily. Delivery is available for a fee. If you like 32 Bristol's you will love this one. She is in excellent condition,very seaworthy and has updated systems

1975 Bristol Sloop

New Bern, North Carolina

1975 Bristol Sloop The Bristol 32 is "traditional" in design with a relatively narrow beam, full keel, long overhang, moderately heavy displacement, and low aspect sloop rig. The 32 began production in 1966 and ran to 1983 with over 326 hulls built. Traditional styling & good construction are two virtues of the Bristol 32.  PROCYON has been upgraded with a 2002 Universal diesel engine and more. She is recommended to those who seek value in a cruising classic.

1978 Bristol Yachts 35.5 SL

Alameda, California

1978 Bristol Yachts 35.5 SL, Great sailing boat, great project for someone who wants to clean her up. In water and not sailed for 10 years. Sold as is, where is, in Alameda, CA. $25,000 OBO.The Bristol 35.5 is a classic Ted Hood design. She combines comfort, performance, and craftsmanship into a sought after boat that stands the test of time. Bristol has always been associated with the very best and this boat is an excellent example of this.Please email for more photos and/or to make an appointment for viewing.Hull Type: Fin with rudder on skegRig Type: Masthead SloopLOA: 35.50' / 10.82mLWL: 27.50' / 8.38mBeam: 10.83' / 3.30mListed SA: 602 ft2 / 55.93 m2Draft (max.) 5.75' / 1.75m Draft (min.) Disp.: 15000 lbs./ 6804 kgs.Ballast: 6500 lbs. / 2948 kgs.SA/Disp.: 15.89Bal./Disp.: 43.33%Disp./Len.: 321.99Designer:Ted HoodBuilder: Bristol Yachts Inc. (USA)Construct.: FG/balsa core deck First Built: 1978Last Built: 1996# Built: 183TANKSWater: 100 gals. / 378 ltrs.Fuel: 20 gals. / 76 ltrs.RIG DIMENSIONS KEYI: 47.00' / 14.33mJ: 15.00' / 4.57mP: 40.75' / 12.42mE: 12.25' / 3.73mPY: EY: SPL: ISP: SA(Fore.): 352.50 ft2 / 32.75 m2SA(Main): 249.59 ft2 / 23.19 m2Total(calc.)SA: 602.09 ft2 / 55.93 m2DL ratio: 321.99SA/Disp: 15.90Est. Forestay Len.: 49.34' / 15.04mNOTESFixed keel or keel/cb.Keel/CB version draft:BU: 3.75' BD: 9.5' $25000, 415-420-1484

1983 Aloha 32

1983 Aloha 32 This boat is in Bristol condition and has been updated by a very knowledgeable owner. This is a must see if you are looking for a great cruising boat for a very reasonable price. The custom hard Bimini/Dodger with a full inclosure give the boat a much larger feel.  Though they were built as production boats, Aloha’s possess personal touches and a deep commitment to quality. From the solid design to the interior finish, these are well-build classic yachts, capable of ocean passages, incredibly roomy for a 32’ vessel. Her unique layout includes a converted v-berth workroom forward, and both a double berth and quarter berth aft. She is equipped with a full set of electronics and many other upgrades, A breed apart from other boats in her class (as proven by the loyalty of Aloha owners!) and when you come aboard, you can feel it. She has been lovingly maintained and her owner is hoping to pass along this beautiful vessel to another who will appreciate her fine build quality .From the drawing board of famed designer Mark Ellis (think Niagra, Nonsuch, etc.) and built by the Ouyang Boat Works in Whitby, Ontario, this Aloha 32 has the same graceful lines, classic proportions, modern interior and impressive performance that her designer has become so noted for. With her modified fin keel drawing only 4' 9", she's perfect for coastal cruising, gunk-holing the islands or just enjoying our bays, creeks and rivers. She's spacious and comfortable below, well equipped and well maintained. Take a look at the extensive list of upgrades/maintenance

32' Grand Banks 32 1969

Tampa, Florida

"Chinito" is probably the best Grand Banks 32 ever offered for sale. It is for sale by the original owner of 38 years and was purchased new in March 1971 at the Miami Boat Show. The boat is a museum piece in bristol condition. The decks, super structure, hull and bottom, have been professionally painted every 1 to 1 1/2 years since new. "Chinito" looks like a fiberglass boat. Terry Burton Custom Crafts, Inc. has done the wood work on the boat for the past 26yrs. Terry is now retired and this is the only boat he still works on. The boat from the cap rail up has just been refinished in July 2008 including varnish, teak deck treated with Sikkens and superstructure painted.Deember 2008 boat has just completly been repainted from the cap rail down including bottom paint. It doesn't get any better than this. ACCOMODATIONS: The forward cabin has a v-berth with a custom made filler to make a large berth, aft to port is a hanging locker with 2 custom made L-shaped shelves for lots of storage. Across to starboard is the head w/shower and pressure water. There is hidden rope lighting throughout the forward cabin and head allowing for night lighting the area witout disturbing your partner when getting up in the middle of the night. Up the steps to starboard is a the helm station across to port is the galley. Aft of the galley is the port settee that converts into an over under bunk, across to starboard is the dinette where the table lowers to become a double and allows the boat to sleep a total of (6). There are mini blinds thru-out the salon and has exterior UV sun screens over all windows. Lots of storage thru-out the boat. Many extra drawers have been added. The forward cabin has added African Fiddle Back Anagrey veneers to where formica used to be. The grain in this wood is beautiful. The dinette tabletop is burled book matched maple. GALLEY: The galley is well appointed with pressure water, stainless steel sink, 4 burner propane stove and oven, Sub-Zero refrigerator w/freezer and icemaker, ELECTRONICS: The chart plotter and duplicate instrunments are up on the bridge and rest below. AM-FM CD/Casstte with interior and exterior speakers (2) data marine depth sounders (2) Danforth Compasses Full instrument panel Horn Furuno 36 mile Radar (needs repair or replace) has custom ss radar mast (2) VHF Radios Furuno GP-1850 GPS/chartplotter/depth GPS Chart chip cover from Texas to Jacksonville and the Bahamas Autopilot (in-op) New Raymarine Depthsounder on the bridge (12/2008) ELECTRICAL: Cruise Air 16,000 BTU spit system Air conditioning with (1) vent forward cabin, (2) vents galley/salon area Lewco Battery charger (3)8D batteries upgraded electrical panel (2) dc fans in salon Village Marine 22 gph water maker (in-op) but may only need new membrane?? Raritan Hot Water heater Shurflo pressure water system MECHANICAL: Large engine room with great access to the generator and engine, Westerbeke 8kw generator 2904 hrs. 3-Blade Bronze Prop DECK: There is a fine nonskid mixed in the varnish and Sikkens on all foot areas of the deck and steps to the bridge, swim platform, Canvas includes: Transom Cover Bridge Bimini Cockpit Bimini/awning with UV Screen enclosure for protection against the sun, Complete Canvas cover for the boat which extends to just below the rub rail. Cushions for the bridge benches Small custom bow sprit w/anchor roller, Plow CQR with approx 30' chain and approx 200' rode ADDITIONAL: Note: Terry Burton has maintained this vessel for 26 years. He is one of the best craftsman in the industry. The is "No Rot" in this boat and never has been. Yacht Power Products of St Petersburg, Florida has done the mechanical mainanence for many years on a regular basis. Until very recentlt the boat has always been kept in a covered slip. That marina closed and the full boat cover was made for the boat to protect it against the sun. There is a recent out of the water survey available (3-4 yrs old). The boat was cunstructed in Jurong, Singapore in 1969 and shipped to the states. It was in the February 1971 Boat show (probably a 1970 model)and was sold to the present and original owner in March of 1971. You have to see this boat!! IMPORTANT NEW NOTES: Completely rewired boat with BRAND NEW Paneltronics AC/DC panels which have been installed on a hinge allowing for extremely easy access. New Raymarine autopilot, Raymarine Smart Pilot with dual controls interfaced with chartplotter GPS. New bimini on Flybridge and Aft Cabin. Covers for hand rails (upper and lower), Westmarine VHF, Westmarine on the bridge with Depthrecorder. New Heat Exchanger. Call Beverly @ 813-760-0217

1966 Pearson Vanguard 32

Buffalo, New York

Make Pearson

Model Vanguard 32

Category Cruiser Boats

1966 Pearson Vanguard 32 Brokers comments:This boat is beautiful! In every sense of the words, turnkey classic head turner! "Petrel" is a Phillip Rhodes design, built for blue water cruising with a full lead keel, encapsulated inside a 2 thick solid hull. It has only been used in fresh water and continuously upgraded to yacht standards. The extensive list of upgrades is impressive! The exterior is a gorgeous blue Awlgriped hull with white stripes. The interior is spotless from the bilges to the headliner. New upholstery and varnished wood surrounds you in traditional luxury. The 4 cylinder reliable Universal Westerbeke diesel runs perfectly. "Petrel" is a complete boat from the diesel, tiller (with pilot) roller furling and large cockpit, it can take any weather safely, comfortably, easily and in style! "Petrel" will pass any survey in almost Bristol condition every system and part is practically new. It even has AC and heat! Located under a custom cover at our Buffalo, NY marina, asking far below replacement value! A must see for the sailor looking for a traditional style mini-yacht; it will not last long!

2006 Tiara 32 Open

Sausalito, California

Model 32 Open

2006 Tiara 32 Open, Tiara 32 Open for sale. 2006 model. This boat is in bristol condition. Needs nothing and is ready to cruise or fish.I purchased the boat about one year ago from the original owner and have gone through the boat from one end to the other and made sure that it is perfect condition, sparing no expense. You will have a very difficult time finding a used boat that is in this condition. It looks like a new boat and will survey very well. Added new 6 man life raft, epirb, cockpit cover, shaft line cutters & rod rack. New bottom paint and everything was serviced. Has a/c, including helm air, heater, generator, two refrigerators, microwave, new gel cell batteries, windlass, swim step, swim ladder, full electronics with two Raymarine E80 displays, autopilot, 4' open array radar, full canvas, bait tank, TV, Fusion stereo and speakers, tackle station, new ACR spotlight, oil change system, engine synchronizer, wet bar, gas engines with 380 hours, sleeps 5, cockpit shower, deck chairs and lots more. This boat can easily accommodate 7 or more guests. I searched for the perfect boat for a long time before I bought this boat and it is an amazing boat. Feels much larger than a 32' boat and handles like a larger boat too. The beam is 13'! To learn more about this boat, check out David Pascoe's article on yachtsurvey.com. He rated the predecessor 4 1/2 stars.The Tiara 3200 is designed to accommodate the needs of anglers and cruisers. There is a bi-level deck layout which includes a spacious cockpit to fish from or sit back in deck chairs. The upper deck has an "L-shaped" lounge to port opposite the dual person helm seat to starboard. This 3200 has the optional bait-prep station behind the helm seat. Also included is a live bait well, hard top, and aluminum fish package for all your rods.This Tiara has been meticulously maintained with the interior looking almost like new. With the centered island queen bed and spacious cabin, this model allows a family to cruise in comfort and when fishing is demanded, all the extras are there to help ensure a great fishing day!The engines and generator were routinely serviced August 2015 along with a haul out for fresh bottom paint.$205,000.00. Phone is 916-783-8550 x 106

2003 Topaz 32 Express

Rumson, New Jersey

Private Seller (732) 539-9957 Photos Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Photo 7 Photo 8 Close Request Information * Name First Name * Email Telephone (optional) Best Time to Contact Anytime Morning Mid-day Evening Question/Comments (optional) Shop Safely: Protect Your Money. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use. Contact Seller 2003 Topaz 32 Express,This amazing fishing machine is the cleanest on the market topside & below decks! She was surveyed for Insurance in October 2013 and was found in Bristol Condition market valued @ $200,000+ !!! (Survey available to qualified buyers) She has 408 hours on Cummins 370 Diamonds making her fast & economical. If you are looking for a proven offshore boat that you can spend a weekend on away from homeport- you MUST see this boat! $150000, 7325399957 Be sure: Get a boat history report|Finance this boat|Get an insurance quote|

2001 J Boats J/32

Clearwater, Florida

Make J Boats

2001 J Boats J/32 Easy to Handle - Strong - Superior Stability - Fast J/32 Hull # 77 out 85 ever built.   Great for Racing and Cruising! Bristol Condition - Available Now and Ready to Go Please See the Full Specs for further Details on this Unique Sailboat

1967 32Ft Sail Boat

Topsham, Maine

1967 32Ft Bristol Sail Boat Great Shape Boat is ready for the water asking $14999.99 OBO If interested contact Lydia:(207)333-1520

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• Sailboat Guide

1978 Bristol 32

• Description

Seller's Description

1978 Bristol 32 Sloop is a Classic Beauty. Liberty Belle was sailed in the Upper Chesapeke until December and then winterized. She is ready to splash, but needs bottom paint (included) applied. 1978 Bristol 32 Sloop 32’ LOA 9.5’ Beam 4.7’ Draft 10,800# Displacement 3,900# Ballast Designer: Ted Hood / Dieter Empacher

About the little ship, Liberty Belle: Beautiful boat with classic lines! She is a USCG Documented Vessel. Newer Hood mainsail with Dutchman system installed. 2 reef points. Original mainsail (Hild) also in good shape. 2 reef points. Harken Roller furling with a 120-130% genoa (Hild). Spinnaker with pole. Westerbeke L25. 22hp diesel with spare filters, belts, and parts. 18-gallon fuel tank. Dickinson propane stove with electric remote LPG valve. Aluminum propane tank on stern. Teak cockpit grating. Stainless Dodger frame and brackets. Dodger functional, but a little tired. Morningstar solar system monitor/controller. Kyocera 135-watt solar panel mounted aft on a stainless steel frame. System keeps batteries topped off. Hull and deck very solid, no soft spots or blistering. Deck needs scrubbing and hull could use some polishing and/or wax. Single lifelines with two gates. Ray Marine ST 60 and ST 40 (mounted on either side of bottom) speed and depth instruments. Ritchie Compass in Binnacle pedestal. Dock lines and Fenders. Various equipment. Danforth anchor with rode and chain. Manual and electric bilge pumps with spare diaphragms. VHF. LED lighting below. Galley has red and white overhead LED light with Hi/Lo settings. Flare gun/safety equipment. Horseshoe buoy on stern pulpit. Seth Thomas Clock and Barometer. Pressure water system. Lightweight, eight-foot wooden rowing dinghy with mast. Boat winterized. You could launch now and enjoy the season’s best sailing! Just purchased (unopened) gallon of bottom paint stored inside boat. Vessel has a Tri-Color masthead and anchor light plus deck running lights. Marine Head with holding tank.

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)

Fin keel or keel/cb. Keel/CB- BU: 3.5’, BD: 7.5’. Available as sloop, yawl or ketch. Tall sloop: I: 40.0’ J: 12.58’ P: 35.1’ E: 13.5’ Yawl rig (mizzen): PY: 14.18’ EY: 5.78’

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1977 Bristol 32 Yawl

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I am in the market for a good, mid-sized sailboat, for local cruising around my home waters of Nova Scotia. I have looked at several models ( Canadian built ) but lately a US model caught my eye. It''s a late 70''s Bristol 32, full keel model. I would appreciate any feedback, pro''s & cons, of this sailboat. Best regards to all...Aspy  

The Bristol 32 began life as an extreme CCA rule beating race boat from the mid-1960''s. They are somewhat prototypical of the more extreme examples of that breed. They have an extremely short waterline for their overall length, a fairly high displacement, have a narrow beam, moderately shoal draft and a moderately small amount of ballast for their displacement and drag. As a result they were quite tender and wet to sail, needing to be sailed at comparatively large heel angles to achieve any kind of speed. The short waterline length means that they tend to hobbyhorse extremely in a chop and the high vertical center of gravity and the deep canoe body means that they are real rollers. These are not full keels at all. By the traditional definition of a fin keel (a keel whose bottom is 50% or less of the overall length of the boat or the sail plan) this is a fin keel with an attached rudder. Fin keels with attached rudders offer most of the disadvantages of both a fin keel and a full keep with few of the virtues of either. These boats do not point or track well, they are miserable on a run. In any breeze at all they tended to develop a lot of weather helm. (I have not sailed one in over 20 years so modern sails and better sail handling hardware may have improved this some.) These boats are miserable in light air. They were designed in a day when 180% genoas were the norm by Ted Hood who made some of the best 180% genoas of the day. These were big miserable sails to handle (especially using the top action South Coast winches that come on the early boats). They needed fairly large sail inventories as they were tender and could only carry that large sail through a narrow wind range. They were also not very good boats at the high end of the wind range. There were at least 2 interior layouts, both were cramped by any kind of objective standard but the aft galley layout was a very nice set up. Build quality on the earlier Bristols were about on the par with Pearsons of that era (not very good) but by the end of the 1970''s and into the early 1980''s build quality had improved quite a bit. If they have not been upgraded you are dealing with a Homestrand (or Kenyon on later boats) pressure alcohol stove and an Atomic 4. Both can be workable but are less than ideal in that parts are not always so easy to obtain. These boats seem to have a loyal following which has resulted in pretty high prices for the sailing ability and build quality of these boats. While I know that some of these boats have been used for serious voyaging, I would suggest that there are much better choices that are similarly priced or even less expensive and that are all around better sailing boats. (Bristol''s own 34 footer of that era is a good example). I will say that there is a different aesthetic to sailing these old CCA era race boats. For many that aesthetic is appealing. If you are in an area with predominantly moderate winds and are mostly daysailing, or weekending where there are short hops then a boat like this can be very appealing. Respectfully, Jeff  

That said, I believe it is a "full keel with cutaway forefoot." Herreschoff, as I recall, designed the 32? Maybe you''re looking at a Ted Hood design. Educate thyself, crawl through the boat, look at bulkhead attachments, satisfy yourself as to seaworthiness. Those old wilcox crittenden seacocks and thru hulls go bad and brittle. Replace. Build quality does vary wildly for the same models, same years in old production boats. I just refit (read, admittedly spent way too much) my Bristol 35 "as new"- actually better than new. When I left Rhode Island, I had several people come over to the mooring in Newport admiring the boat - and to me it was a wreck after being on hard for 3 years in Maine. One couple headed for Bermuda told me they sold their B-35 and bought an Albin something or other and wished they hadn''t. I quote "our Bristol 35 went to windward great." Several people in the boatyard down here have come over and accused me of having a Hinckley. New awlgrip, nonskid, Bristol finish, all stainless above decks, tinted lexan portlights, painted spars, standing, running, traveler, pumps, stripped to gelcoat and, for the first time, epoxy barrier built to 10 mil with 4 coats of bottom paint, etc. I recall "hobby horsing" on an Pearson Alberg 26, a little Southern Cross 28 (bad) but nothing serious on the Bristol. Maybe on the centerboard models? There''s several I know of sailing the Caribbean liveaboard at this moment, and a few 32''s and 34''s. It goes to windward very well, but dogs downwind. We reach and avoid dead down. Like dragging a paddle in a canoe. I think we can assume you don''t plan to race it. There''s dozens of boats of similar ilk running offshore. Perfect, but that''s only my opinion, for a Caribbean circuit. I doubt I''ll be going to the Med anytime soon. Educate thyself and just do it. Wait for perfection in selection and it may never come. Take any advice, including this, with a grain of salt, and educate yourself before you buy. Respectfully, Coral Bay Denizen (and splashing next week YA-FREAKING-HOO!). See you in Bequia.  

Clearly you are not familiar with the Bristol 32. They are a very different boat than the 35''s and the 34''s. The Bristol 29 and 34''s were Sidney D Herreshoff designs. The 32 is a Ted Hood design. The B 34 like your Alden designed Bristols offer a pretty nice motion. I assure you that the 32''s hobbyhorse miserably in any kind of a chop. The 32''s are at best so-so boats for their age to windward (we had an easy time beating them to windward with our old Pearson Vanguard which was also no great shakes to windward). By any traditional definition of a fin keel (any keel whose bottom is 50% or less of the length on deck), these are clearly a fin keel with attached rudder. To begin with the waterline length is only 2/3''s of the length on deck. Below the water there is a sharply cut away forefoot and a sharply raked rudder. I would guess that the bottom of the keel is something less than 40% of the length on deck which would make it a fin with attached rudder. (There was a keel/enterboard version of the Bristol 32.) In any event, how every you choose to describe this keel, sailing the boat, it comes with all of the liabilities of both a fin and a full length keel, with none the inherrent virtues of either. I do agree with VIEXILE''s advice that it would be a mistake to wait for the perfect boat, but by the same token I would suggest that it makes little sense to buy an over priced poorly suited boat just to get going a little bit sooner. Respectfully, Jeff  

I am sorry, that message came out sounding much ''snippier'' than I had actually meant it to be. My main point is that the Bristol 32 and to a lesser extent the Bristol 40, both of which were designed in the mid 1960''s, were not as well rounded designs as the later Bristol designs and by far are less suitable for the kind of adventure that the original poster was asking about. My second point has to do with the current tendency to label any boat with an attached rudder as a ''full keel'' when many meet the traditional definition of a ''fin keel'' with an attached rudder. There would be little harm in mislabeling these keels except that there are big differences in how these keels behave as compared to true full length keels or even long keels. As a result this has become a bit of a hot button for me since I fear that inexperienced sailors are likely to be mislead in their expectations by the misapplication of the term. Again I apologize for the tone of the prior post. Respectfully, Jeff  

Aspy: I find it quite interesting to watch the Bristol 32 surface over and over as a boat about which shoppers inquire, here and at other BBs. It can''t be the ''numbers'' generated by the design. And it surely isn''t the accommodation for length. And never seems to be due to asking price, unless the boat is a derelict. The only conclusion I can reach is that it is quite simply one of the handsomest boats sold in larger numbers in that size during that era. I''ve known a series of boats in the course of being at many marinas for extended periods which the owners essentially treat like car hobbyists do their favorite rebuilt custom or antique car. The boat is extraoridarily handsome, with many fittings, ports, metal work and canvas redone or improved on. They draw a loyal following at the docks from other slipholders, much like a special GA plane does when its hangar door is left open. Of course, the boats never really go anywhere, even for a daysail of any length. Perhaps unlike my plane analogy but in line with these other Dock Queens, these B32''s seem to be quite unsuitable for satisfying use away from the dock. All of this to say that perhaps you want to have a smaller boat but with very ''classic'' lines that strikes a handsome appearance out on a mooring. (We don''t know what you really aspire to do with the boat, which is one reason these types of threads can be so unhelpful). But as a functional boat, it seems very limited in many departments. Jack  

Thanks to you all who provided me with some valuable insight into the Bristol 32 ( also the Contessa 32 posting )sailboats. Your responses were most appreciated ! Aspy...  

If Mr. Jeff_H, acted more like a "Super Moderator", rather than a flame producer, I would have more respect. As it is now I doubt that he has the objectivity required to be in that position, because he is so opinionated. I have owned, sailed and cared for a Bristol 32 for 30 years now and believe I know the boat better than he. Yes, the tendencies he speaks about are there, hobbyhorse, yes, in a two foot chop, as many cca boats do. You must head off 5 degrees. Yes she has a wide sheeting angle, with her slippery hull form we get to hull speed quickly. She tracks like the devil, and with jib and main tuned will sail herself. Our boat absolutely loves the wind range of 12-15 with our 95% jib and 9-10 with our 140%. She is in her element in heavy air because of a bow pulpit fitted during construction. Yes this is not a dinghy so tacking and acceleration cannot be expected to be the the same! I grew up with lasers, 505's and many centerboarders and still enjoy sailing/racing them and WH-15's, a herreshoff design, and sometimes J-24's. Boats are like people, they come in many varieties, and I can assure you that Ted Hood did not design this boat to be (nor is it) the boat Jeff-H describes.  

I agree with the previous post. We have spent many summers using our B32 cruising the coast of Maine in all kinds of weather, and I find her a safe, comfortable and beautiful boat for me and my family. Now, would I trade her for a Pacific Seacraft 34? in a heartbeat. But the B32 is extremely solid, with an overspec'ed rig and thick laminations throughout. She is bomber, and offers a soft ride through reasonable chop, with none of the pounding so prevalent among her contemporaries. Although not fast, she can reach with many boats half her age. some like to come across as having all the answers, and often present opinions as facts to further their aim.  

Newbie-itis....dragging up a thread that is years old...in this case, 11 years old.  

Thanks for the education. I breathlessly await any further pearls you might wish to bestow.  

I don't suggest doing that as you will most certainly die from oxygen starvation.  

I've been sailing my 1967 Bristol 32 over 20 years on Long Island Sound. She is a joy to sail in winds over 8 knots, solid/comfortable platform for day sailing and overnights. She enjoys strutting her stuff when extending her waterline with rail buried. Although I don't race her, she could do OK in PHRF (228) racing in both very early and late season racing when winds are consistently stronger. I've looked newer boats with the wider beam is carried back to the stern, but have decided, the long overhangs are not worth giving up despite many of the shortcomings others have mentioned.  

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