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Sailboat Specifications

Bristol 511

Masthead Sloop · Keel/Cbrd.

Designed by Dieter Empacher · Built by Bristol Boat Company (Usa) · First built 1987

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LOA 51.00 ft  ·  Beam 15.17 ft  ·  Displacement 43,700.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 1220  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Keel/Cbrd.
About the Bristol 511 Sailboat

Bristol Yachts earned its reputation building premium cruising sailboats during the company's heyday from the 1960s through 1980s, and the Bristol 511 represents part of this distinguished lineage. As a larger vessel in Bristol's fleet, this model was designed with serious coastal and offshore cruising in mind, targeting sailors who demanded both comfort and seaworthiness for extended voyages. Like other Bristol designs, the 511 likely featured the company's characteristic attention to construction quality and traditional styling cues that made the brand synonymous with well-built American cruising boats. Bristol's reputation was built on solid fiberglass construction, thoughtful interior layouts, and conservative design approaches that prioritized safety and reliability over cutting-edge performance. The 511 would have appealed to experienced cruising sailors seeking a substantial platform for coastal exploration and potentially longer offshore passages. Bristol's design philosophy typically emphasized moderate proportions, adequate sail area for varied conditions, and interiors configured for comfortable live-aboard cruising. While detailed specifications remain limited, the Bristol name alone suggests a boat built to traditional standards with the robust construction methods that characterized quality American boatbuilding of that era.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 51.00 ft / 15.54 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 42.17 ft / 12.85 m
Beam 15.17 ft / 4.62 m
Max Draft 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
Min Draft 5.3
Displacement 43,700.00 lb / 19,822 kg
Ballast 19,500.00 lb / 8,845 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 1220
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Dieter Empacher
Builder Bristol Boat Company (USA)
First Built 1987
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bristol 511's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Bristol 511 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.8. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Bristol 511's comfort ratio?

The Bristol 511 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 40.31. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Bristol 511 safe for offshore sailing?

The Bristol 511 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.73. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Bristol 511?

The theoretical hull speed of the Bristol 511 is 8.7 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Bristol 511 weigh?

The Bristol 511 has a displacement of 43,700.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 51.00 ft.

Who designed the Bristol 511?

The Bristol 511 was designed by Dieter Empacher, first built in 1987.