34' Bristol 1971

[lgaggie96]

I am another newbie to the whole sailing thing but since moving to St Croix, I feel that we should definitly give it a try. We were looking for something to sail through the Virgin Islands and BVIs and had looked at a 1971 34' Bristol. I haven't had much luck finding information on this boat. Does anyone know about the quality and performance on this boat?? Any info is appreciated. Thanks

[camaraderie]

Bristols were always better than average quality boats and the 34 is a Herrshoff design that is keel/centerboard which is nice for the VI's as you can get into very shoal spots with the boat. This is nearly a 40 year old boat so a lot will depend on the maintenance and condition rather than what the boat was like when new. Get a good survey of both the boat and the diesel.
Here's lots more info on the boat:
Bristol 34

[johnshasteen]

The Bristol 34 is a good choice for what you plan to do. Here's a link to the Bristol Owner's Association site - click on About the Boats and you'll find the original sales brochure and years that the boat was built that Cam just posted. You can also click on the List of Owners, that's a list of Bristol owners with their location and email address - there are 16 B34 owners listed.
Bristol Owners' Association Home Page

[seabreeze_97]

Check this site out and drop Arthur an email.
1972 Bristol 34 Gusto - Arthur and Georgette Zatarain - New Orleans, LA USA
He's very personable, and has made several custom mods to his '34.

[FarCry]

Welcome aboard Igaggie96. Hopefully I'll see you sailing thru the neighborhood. If you see Far Cry give me a shout. Send me a PM if there is anything I can help you with.

[oceansoul63]

I purchased a 1972 Bristol 34 about six months ago, and I love it! It sails wonderfully even in light wind and handles heavy seas well. I also love the thicker glass they used back then -- I took a hit from another boat in 6' seas and other than a few scratches, she barely flinched.

Mine is the keel version, with a 5'6" draft.

I had the "no money" dream of owning a bluewater sailboat, so I was only looking at older boats in need of fixing up. I lucked upon a good deal on the Bristol and am very glad I did.

[FishmanTx]

We also have recently acquired a Bristol 34. She's not been well kept by the previous owners, but were very surprised to find how well she's held up. She needs a bit of work but the hull is sound and had no visible blisters when the diver we hired cleaned her hull and inspected the bottom. Needs paint and a cutlass bearing. now topside is a different story......

[Ogrenaut]

Recent article in "Cruising World" about a Bristol 34.