bristol 24

[jimmd]

hi,
am looking at a 1968 bristol 24 which appears to be in very good condition (no survey yet) and has had a lot of recent updating to the various electrical and navigation aids, top and bottom painted.....and was looking for any opinions and/or information i could find. thanks

[paulk]

It all depends what you're looking for and what the conditions are like where you sail. The Bristols around here tend to be slow because there isn't much wind. Slow can quickly turn into boring and frustrating even if you don't race. We have friends who had a 29.9 and sold it because they were unable to cruise any appreciable distance from their home port in a day. The smaller Bristols, like the 24, may be cramped. If you've got a lot of wind and don't want to spend too many overnights though, it could be fine if the price is right. Generally they seem to hold up pretty well, so older ones should still be OK -again, if the price is right. Look around to see what your money will get you. If you still need the Bristol after you find out you can get a Sabre 28 or a C&C 30 or a Pearson 30 for the same money, maybe the Bristol is the boat for you - so long as you have a good breeze.

[jimmd]

thanks for your thoughts. this will be a first boat to gain some additional experience and will be sailed on the chesapeake bay. from what i've been told it should keep me out of too much trouble as it is relatively forgiving.