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Bristol 27 Weekender
Designer: Carl Alberg  ·  Builder: Bristol Yachts, Inc. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1966
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About the Bristol 27 Weekender

Designed by the legendary Carl Alberg and built by Bristol Yachts from 1966 to 1978, this classic 27-footer represents quintessential New England cruising tradition. The Weekender variant of Bristol's popular 27-foot hull combines Alberg's trademark seaworthiness with practical coastal cruising capabilities. Her long keel configuration and substantial 6,600-pound displacement create exceptional directional stability and seakindly motion in choppy conditions. The masthead sloop rig with 313 square feet of sail area provides adequate power while remaining manageable for small crews. With a comfort ratio of 29.08, she delivers the steady, predictable sailing characteristics that made Alberg designs famous among serious cruising sailors. The hull's moderate beam of 8 feet and traditional proportions prioritize seaworthiness over interior volume, making her ideal for coastal cruising and extended passages rather than racing. Her 4-foot draft provides access to most harbors while the long keel offers excellent tracking and forgiveness in heavy weather. The solid fiberglass construction reflects Bristol's reputation for quality craftsmanship during this era. Perfect for sailors seeking a proven, traditional design capable of serious coastal exploration, the Bristol 27 Weekender remains a respected choice in the vintage sailboat market for those who prioritize sailing ability over modern amenities.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.16 ft / 8.28 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 19.75 ft / 6.02 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 6,600.00 lb / 2,994 kg
Ballast 2,575.00 lb / 1,168 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 313.00 ft² / 29.08 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG (solid)
Designer Carl Alberg
Builder Bristol Yachts, Inc. (USA)
First Built 1966
Last Built 1978
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
14.28
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
39.02
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
382.47
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
29.08
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.71
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.96 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
1.06
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 564.55 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 14.26
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 30.50 ft / 9.30 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.30 ft / 3.14 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 25.50 ft / 7.77 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.20 ft / 3.72 m
SA Fore 157.08 ft² / 14.59 m²
SA Main 155.55 ft² / 14.45 m²
SA Total (100%) 312.63 ft² / 29.04 m²
Est. Forestay Length 32.19 ft / 9.81 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Universal
Engine Type Diesel
How It Compares

vs. Cape Dory 27, Vega 27 Albin

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Bristol 27 Weekender ★
27.2 ft
Cape Dory 27
27.1 ft
Vega 27 Albin
27.1 ft
LWL
Bristol 27 Weekender ★
19.8 ft
Cape Dory 27
20.0 ft
Vega 27 Albin
23.0 ft
Beam
Bristol 27 Weekender ★
8.0 ft
Cape Dory 27
8.5 ft
Vega 27 Albin
8.1 ft
Displacement
Bristol 27 Weekender ★
6 lbs
Cape Dory 27
7 lbs
Vega 27 Albin
5 lbs
Ballast
Bristol 27 Weekender ★
2 lbs
Cape Dory 27
3 lbs
Vega 27 Albin
2 lbs
Sail Area
Bristol 27 Weekender ★
313 sq ft
Cape Dory 27
365 sq ft
Vega 27 Albin
296 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Bristol 27 Weekender ★
14.3
Cape Dory 27
15.3
Vega 27 Albin
16.1
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Bristol 27 Weekender ★
39.0 %
Cape Dory 27
40.0 %
Vega 27 Albin
39.8 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Bristol 27 Weekender ★
29.1
Cape Dory 27
30.3
Vega 27 Albin
20.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Bristol 27 Weekender ★
1.71
Cape Dory 27
1.74
Vega 27 Albin
1.88
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Bristol 27 Weekender ★
382
Cape Dory 27
418
Vega 27 Albin
186
Hull Speed
Bristol 27 Weekender ★
6.0 kts
Cape Dory 27
6.0 kts
Vega 27 Albin
6.4 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Bristol 27 Weekender ★
1.1
Cape Dory 27
0.9
Vega 27 Albin
2.8
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