Bristol 35

[nick]

I know this doesn't exactly fit in the 'small boat category', but it does fit in the 'American boat' category, which I know little about!

What are peoples thoughts on this boat? What others are there in the 30-40ft range of similar vintage & design (long keel, heavily laid up hull etc)?

-dreamer

(nick)

[Godot]

I sailed once on a Bristol 22, but that is it.  However, I do listen to the opinions of others.  What I've overheard: Bristols are solid boats.  Seaworthy.  Not the fastest on the water.  I only heard one guy disparage them, and that was in regards to a race he managed to come dead last in.   I suspect the boat wasn't totally to blame, however.  Should be fine for crossing oceans.

Are you looking to move up?

[nick]

i'm not really sure... just thinking a lot about the future and where i want to go, and want i want to do... no solid plans as yet, but just testing the water. there is a solid bristol down here where i'm living at the moment, and while it's not exactly a bargain, it is well cared for and seems to be a really great boat. i certainly can't afford it, but maybe there are ways... i only say that, because i couldn't afford my contessa either! :)

i love sailing my little contessa so much; it's the living aboard bit that is really difficult for me. the more i think about it though, it would probably be cheaper to sail this contessa long distances, and stay in hotels at every port than upgrade! ;)

nick

[AdriftAtSea]

Another good choice would be the Southern Cross series of boats, by CE Ryder, out of Rhode Island. They made a 28, 31, 35 and 39.  The Southern Crosses were made with a very heavy hull that uses an Airex-core. 

Then there are the various Cape Dories and the Alberg 35.  There's also the Contessa 32, but it was actually built in Canada, as was the Canadian Sailcraft 36T. 

[okawbow]

I know this doesn't exactly fit in the 'small boat category', but it does fit in the 'American boat' category, which I know little about!

What are peoples thoughts on this boat? What others are there in the 30-40ft range of similar vintage & design (long keel, heavily laid up hull etc)?

-dreamer

(nick)

A lot of people think the Bristol 35 is a great boat. No, they aren't real fast, buit my Bristol 24 is a similar design, and I averaged over 5 knots in offshore crossings this spring in the Gulf of Mexico.

Just a thought...if you do buy a different boat; why not buy it on the west coast?

Chuck

[nick]

Just a thought...if you do buy a different boat; why not buy it on the west coast?

Chuck

Because then I don't get to go around Cape Horn ;)

[nick]

P.S Those Southern Cross boats are beautiful... 31ft would be perfect... !

[Godot]

Interesting ... a guy at work told me that the Bristol 35 actually IS rather fast.  Go figure.

[Captain Smollett]

Interesting ... a guy at work told me that the Bristol 35 actually IS rather fast.  Go figure.

Haha...No Comment.   ;D

[nick]

Is anyone able to recall any notable voyages in a Bristol 35?

[Godot]

Errr, not specifically the Bristol 35.  I remember reading about a Bristol 29 on its' way to Tahiti, and a Bristol 24(?) poking around Mexico.  Fuzzy recollection, though.  I very likely have the specifics messed up.  I'll poke around and see if I can find the links (if they still exist).

[skylark]

Close but not quite:

http://www.kestrelboat.com/boat.html

http://www.writebyte.net/writebyte.dll/GetPage?PageId=NottowayCross2004

[Shipscarver]

My first love was a Bristol 35.  Folks say they haven't much room for cruising, but I think there is plenty. The hull is famous.   Check the deck joints for leaks, the deck for soft spots, and the tanks and lines, for openers. They do sail, not the fastest , but I always thought, the classiest.

[Godot]

There is currently a Bristol 34 doing the Single Handed Transpac...

Barbara Euser on Islander

She seems to be having some communications difficulty, so her position isn't updated properly on the position reports page.