Designed by the renowned Halsey C. Herreshoff and built by Bristol Yachts from 1968 to 1971, this 33-footer represents classic American yacht craftsmanship from the golden era of fiberglass boatbuilding. With her traditional masthead sloop rig and fin keel configuration paired with a spade rudder, the Bristol 33 delivers responsive handling and solid performance characteristics that have earned respect among sailing enthusiasts for over five decades. Her substantial 12,800-pound displacement and generous 5,100-pound ballast provide impressive stability and seaworthiness, making her well-suited for coastal cruising and offshore passages. The comfort ratio of 31.46 indicates a motion that favors long-distance comfort over racing agility, while the conservative capsize screening value of 1.76 speaks to her inherent safety in challenging conditions. The Herreshoff pedigree shines through in the boat's balanced proportions and thoughtful design details. Her moderate sail area to displacement ratio suggests she's optimized more for cruising than racing, though she'll certainly hold her own in club events. Bristol's reputation for solid construction and quality fit-and-finish means well-maintained examples continue to provide reliable service decades after launch, making the Bristol 33 an attractive option for sailors seeking a proven coastal cruiser with classic lines.
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What is the Bristol 33's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Bristol 33 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 13.76. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Bristol 33's comfort ratio?
The Bristol 33 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 31.46. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Bristol 33 safe for offshore sailing?
The Bristol 33 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.76. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Bristol 33?
The theoretical hull speed of the Bristol 33 is 6.84 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Bristol 33 weigh?
The Bristol 33 has a displacement of 12,800.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 33.58 ft.
How much does a used Bristol 33 cost?
Based on 2 recent market listings, used Bristol 33 sailboats typically sell for between $8,500 and $8,500, with a median asking price of $8,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Bristol 33?
The Bristol 33 was designed by Halsey C. Herreshoff, first built in 1968.