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Sailboat Specifications

Bristol 455

Masthead Sloop · Keel/Cbrd.

Designed by Ted Hood · Built by Bristol Yachts Inc. (Usa) · First built 1979

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LOA 45.25 ft  ·  Beam 13.16 ft  ·  Displacement 34,660.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 988.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Keel/Cbrd.
About the Bristol 455 Sailboat

Designed by legendary naval architect Ted Hood and built by Bristol Yachts from 1979 to 1989, this 45-foot masthead sloop represents a quintessential example of American blue-water cruising design from the early 1980s. The Bristol 455 combines Hood's racing pedigree with Bristol's reputation for solid construction, featuring fiberglass hull construction with a balsa-cored deck for optimal strength-to-weight ratio. With its substantial 34,660-pound displacement and deep 11-foot draft, this yacht prioritizes seaworthiness and stability over speed. The generous ballast-to-displacement ratio of 43 percent, combined with a low capsize screening value of 1.62, makes it exceptionally well-suited for offshore passages and serious blue-water cruising. The moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio of 14.93 indicates this is a cruiser built for comfort and safety rather than racing performance. The boat's impressive comfort ratio of 43.66 reflects its spacious 13.16-foot beam and substantial build, promising comfortable accommodations for extended voyaging. Hull type designation as "Keel/Cbrd" suggests a centerboard configuration that may allow access to shallower anchorages while maintaining the deep-draft stability crucial for ocean sailing. This Bristol represents an excellent choice for sailors seeking a proven offshore cruiser with traditional American construction values.

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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 45.25 ft / 13.79 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 37.25 ft / 11.35 m
Beam 13.16 ft / 4.01 m
Max Draft 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
Min Draft 4.92 ft / 1.50 m
Displacement 34,660.00 lb / 15,722 kg
Ballast 15,000.00 lb / 6,804 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 988.00 ft² / 91.79 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG w/balsa cored deck
Designer Ted Hood
Builder Bristol Yachts Inc. (USA)
First Built 1979
Last Built 1989
Related Sailboats Sabre 452 · Tartan 4400 · Caliber 45 · Lancer 45 · Alden 45
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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Model 4-236
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 100 gals / 379 L
Water Capacity 180 gals / 681 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bristol 455's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Bristol 455 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 14.93. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Bristol 455's comfort ratio?

The Bristol 455 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 43.66. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Bristol 455 safe for offshore sailing?

The Bristol 455 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.62. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Bristol 455?

The theoretical hull speed of the Bristol 455 is 8.18 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Bristol 455 weigh?

The Bristol 455 has a displacement of 34,660.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 45.25 ft.

Who designed the Bristol 455?

The Bristol 455 was designed by Ted Hood, first built in 1979.