Developed during Bristol Yachts' heyday in the 1980s, this mid-sized cruiser represents the Rhode Island builder's commitment to quality construction and traditional sailing characteristics. Bristol earned a sterling reputation for building robust, well-engineered boats that could handle serious offshore passages while maintaining comfortable accommodations for extended cruising. The Bristol 39 embodies the builder's philosophy of combining seaworthiness with livability. Her moderate displacement and well-balanced sail plan make her suitable for both coastal exploration and longer offshore passages. The design reflects Bristol's attention to structural integrity, featuring the solid fiberglass construction techniques that made the yard famous among discerning sailors. While Bristol Yachts ceased operations in the 1990s, their boats remain highly regarded in the used boat market. Owners typically praise the build quality and sea-keeping abilities that characterize Bristol designs. The 39 appeals to sailors seeking a capable cruising boat with traditional sailing qualities rather than maximum interior volume or racing performance. For sailors prioritizing construction quality and proven offshore capability over cutting-edge design trends, the Bristol 39 represents a compelling choice in the competitive 40-foot cruising market.
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What is the Bristol 39's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Bristol 39 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.39. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Bristol 39's comfort ratio?
The Bristol 39 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 37.09. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Bristol 39 safe for offshore sailing?
The Bristol 39 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.66. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Bristol 39?
The theoretical hull speed of the Bristol 39 is 7.03 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Bristol 39 weigh?
The Bristol 39 has a displacement of 17,580.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 39.00 ft.
How much does a used Bristol 39 cost?
Based on 2 recent market listings, used Bristol 39 sailboats typically sell for between $19,000 and $39,900, with a median asking price of $29,450. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Bristol 39?
The Bristol 39 was designed by Ted Hood/Dieter Empacher, first built in 1966.