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Sailboat Specifications

Bristol 34

Masthead Sloop · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by Halsey C. Herreshoff · Built by Bristol Yachts Inc. (Usa) · First built 1970

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LOA 34.25 ft  ·  Beam 10.50 ft  ·  Displacement 11,500.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 481.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Bristol 34 Sailboat

Designed by renowned naval architect Halsey C. Herreshoff and built by Bristol Yachts from 1970 to 1978, this 34-footer represents classic American yacht design from sailing's golden era. With only 70 hulls produced during its eight-year production run, the Bristol 34 has become a sought-after vessel among sailors who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and thoughtful engineering. The boat's moderate displacement of 11,500 pounds and substantial ballast ratio provide excellent stability and seaworthiness, making it well-suited for coastal cruising and occasional offshore passages. The fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration offers a good balance between performance and directional stability, while the masthead sloop rig delivers versatile sailing characteristics across varying wind conditions. With a comfort ratio of 27.24, this Bristol strikes an appealing middle ground between performance and livability. The low capsize screening value of 1.86 indicates exceptional stability and ocean-going capability, reflecting Herreshoff's emphasis on safety and seaworthiness. Hull speed calculations suggest comfortable passage-making speeds, while the sail area to displacement ratio indicates responsive performance without being overly demanding to handle. This Bristol 34 appeals to sailors seeking a well-built, traditional cruiser capable of extended coastal voyaging with occasional offshore adventures.

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Known Issues View all 8 issues →
High
Bristol Yachts of this era used a balsa-cored deck in many sections. The balsa core around chainplates, stanchion bases, and deck hardware is prone to saturation and rot when fastener bedding fails. Probe these areas carefully during survey.
High
The fin keel is cast iron on most examples, and the keel-to-hull joint is known to develop rust weeping and hairline cracks in the fairing compound over time. Inspect the bilge area directly above the keel sump for rust staining, which can indicate corroding keel bolts drawing moisture.
High
Chainplate backing plates on the Bristol 34 are glassed to the interior liner in some areas, making direct inspection of the backing plates difficult. Chainplate leaks are common and often go unaddressed for years, leading to hidden structural softness in the surrounding laminate.
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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 34.25 ft / 10.44 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 26.00 ft / 7.92 m
Beam 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 11,500.00 lb / 5,216 kg
Ballast 5,600.00 lb / 2,540 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 481.00 ft² / 44.69 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Halsey C. Herreshoff
Builder Bristol Yachts Inc. (USA)
First Built 1970
Last Built 1978
Number Built 70
Related Sailboats Sabre 34 · Tartan 34 2 · Ericson 34 · Hunter 34 · Crealock 34 Pacific Seacraft
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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Universal
Engine Model Atomic 4
Engine Type Gas
Fuel Capacity 25 gals / 95 L
Water Capacity 40 gals / 151 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bristol 34's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Bristol 34 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.16. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Bristol 34's comfort ratio?

The Bristol 34 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 27.24. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Bristol 34 safe for offshore sailing?

The Bristol 34 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.86. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Bristol 34?

The theoretical hull speed of the Bristol 34 is 6.83 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Bristol 34 weigh?

The Bristol 34 has a displacement of 11,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 34.25 ft.

Who designed the Bristol 34?

The Bristol 34 was designed by Halsey C. Herreshoff, first built in 1970.