Bristol 26?

[K3v1n]

So I was looking at a Bristol 26 that had a recent price reduction.
Was wondering what you guys and gals have heard about these classic vessel's.

I like the idea of no inboard and it seems to have a ton of space. The 3' 10" draft concerns me as I am use to 2 feet now but the more I sail my Com-Pac the more I find myself drooling over the idea of a larger boat.

Thanks,
Kevin

[Lynx]

As I recall it is a great solid boat. There has been some discussion about outboards and inboards. Basicly, as long as you can keep the prop in the water and do not have breaking seas on the stern that swamp the motor and gets water in the carb, the outboard is great. It just depends on your sailing location which is best.

[AdriftAtSea]

The Bristols are generally fairly solid boats.  Not the fastest of designs, but very seaworthy.  Sounds like you got seven-footitis. :D A 4' draft isn't too bad, but it really depends on where you sail.  Some areas are more difficult than others.   However,  most problems start for boats over 5' draft, unless you're gunkholing.

[Oldrig]

Yes, the Bristol 26 is a very nice, solidly built sloop of traditional design.

I looked at one and almost bought it. The 4' draft was too much for my mooring area (it would have restricted the tides when I could enter or leave the harbor), and I settled for the Cape Dory 25D, which also has an inboard diesel.

However, if you're not looking for an inboard, I'd say it's a good boat, one built to handle heavy weather rather than for speed. And, it has lots more interior room than my 25D.

--Joe