Bristol 27.

Techman · #1 (**permalink**) 03-14-2006

I ran across a late '70's Bristol 27 that's for sale. The boat appears to be very well kept. I like it's looks and a friend at the same dock said that it sails very well. I'm looking for a daysailer that I can single hand, sail in an occasional wed night beer can race, and take up and down the SE US coast for 3-4 days at a time. I hope to get a test sail within the next week or so. Anyone with any experience or issues with this boat, please speak up.

owlmtn · #2 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006

I have a little experience with this boat. a young woman in the marina bought one and as i admired the look of her boat she told me that she thought it was very tender. I went for a sail with her and i found that while it doesn't take much to get this boat to heel to 15 or 20 degrees, once it's there that's where it stays. while it's relatively slow it was responsive and fun to sail. it seems like the type of boat that will take care of you in any weather. it's quite narrow so of course below decks is a bit cramped but for what you intend to use it for I would think this would be a great little boat. Jim

merc2dogs · #3 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006

I believs it's an Alberg design, and that's one of the characteristics of his boats, heels quick then stiffens right up, and is stable from there on.

Can't go wrong with an Alberg design.

Good solid boats.

Ken.

sailingfool · #4 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006

Racing a Bristol 27 may raise some practical difficulties with the Race Committee - to avoid aggravating them by keeping them out late and after dark, you may need to be willing to jump out and push.

Life in the slow lane... good luck.

O25dude · #5 (**permalink**) 03-15-2006

I owned one of these for 3 years and sold her two years ago. She was my first boat, and I bought her because I love the hullform. Carl Alberg designed beautiful boats.

They are not particularly fast, however. I got the racing bug and sold mine for something a lot faster and more responsive. With the B27, I just wasn't competitive in the predominantly light air we have here on the southern Chesapeake. In the two races I did where the wind was over 15kts, we easily sailed to our rating (234) and did pretty well.

The B27 makes a decent small cruiser and can be easily double- or single-handed. The interior works OK for 2-4 people on short cruises, or 2 on longer cruises.