Older Bristol Boats

gknopp · #1 (**permalink**) 06-17-2003

Im narrowing my boat search down and have found two older Bristol boats a 1980 35'' and a 1984 38''. Both of these boats appear to be in excellent shape. Questions:

- Does anyone have experience pro or con on older Bristol boats? Any generally known problems?

- Does anyone have eny experience with the sailing performance of these boats? While I realize they are cruisers, I want a boat that has at least good performance under sail. Ive rejected Island Packet, because I want more performance.

I would appreciate any comments.

Gary

Stan S · #2 (**permalink**) 06-18-2003

Suggest you send your question to the Bristol e-mail list. This list is VERY active and you can expect a lot of answers from owners in your size range.

Stan
Bristol 24

paulk · #3 (**permalink**) 06-19-2003

Hate to say it, but if you want performance, the Bristol 35.5 CB seems to be one of the few with any. A while back, we shocked a Bristol 40 owner by passing him to leeward in our 36'' boat under sail alone while he powersailed at full throttle and full sail on an upwind course. Pretty boats, but slow.