Bristol 32
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About the Bristol 32
Designed by the legendary Ted Hood in collaboration with Dieter Empacher, this classic cruising sailboat emerged during the golden age of fiberglass yacht construction and remained in production for seventeen years through 1983. Bristol Yachts built 322 hulls, establishing the design as a respected member of their renowned lineup known for quality construction and seaworthy characteristics. The modified full keel configuration provides excellent directional stability and forgiveness, making this masthead sloop particularly well-suited for coastal cruising and intermediate offshore passages. With a comfort ratio of 33.28, the boat offers a reassuringly steady motion in moderate seas, while the substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio contributes to confident sailing characteristics that newer sailors will appreciate. Hood's design philosophy emphasized practical seamanship over pure performance, reflected in the conservative sail area and robust construction. The solid fiberglass laminate hull construction typical of the era has proven durable, with many examples still actively sailing decades later. While not a speed demon by modern standards, this design rewards patient sailors with predictable handling, comfortable accommodations, and the confidence-inspiring feel that made Bristol Yachts a trusted name among serious cruising sailors of the 1970s and early 1980s.
Market Price Estimate
Beta
$4,000 – $22,500
typical asking price
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
- Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
- Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
- Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
- Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall)
32.00 ft / 9.75 m
LWL (Waterline Length)
22.00 ft / 6.71 m
Beam
9.50 ft / 2.90 m
Max Draft
4.67 ft / 1.42 m
Displacement
10,800.00 lb / 4,899 kg
Ballast
3,900.00 lb / 1,769 kg
Sail Area (Reported)
466.00 ft² / 43.29 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type
Modified Full Keel
Rigging Type
Masthead Sloop
Construction
FG solid laminate
Designer
Ted Hood / Dieter Empacher
Builder
Bristol Yachts Inc. (USA)
First Built
1966
Last Built
1983
Number Built
322
Related Sailboats
["Westsail 32" · "Contessa 32" · "Nicholson 32" · "Downeaster 32" · "Gulf 32"]
Owner Reviews
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Known Issues & What to Watch For
The deck-to-hull joint on early Bristol 32s was through-bolted with a wooden inner cap rail that is prone to rot and water intrusion. When the wood core deteriorates, the joint can lose integrity and become a source of persistent leaking and structural weakness.
pre-1975 models
Bristol used balsa core in the deck on many hulls, and the core around chainplates, stanchion bases, and hardware penetrations is frequently found saturated or rotted due to inadequate bedding at the factory. Tap testing and moisture metering of the deck is essential.
The full keel attachment relies on a series of keel bolts that pass through a relatively shallow sump area. These bolts are prone to weeping and corrosion, and the surrounding fiberglass laminate can show stress cracking around the keel-to-hull junction, particularly on boats that have been grounded.
Chainplate knees on the Bristol 32 are glassed to the interior hull and can delaminate from the hull skin over time. The chainplates themselves are prone to crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck, often hidden by a tight deck fitting.
The teak and mahogany interior joinery Bristol used is high quality but the plywood substrate behind panels and in the liner is susceptible to delamination and rot when deck leaks go unaddressed for extended periods. Check behind settee backs and under the sole.
The original chainplate placement on the Bristol 32 runs the shrouds to the deck edge with minimal backing, and the backing plates below deck are often undersized by modern standards. Replacement or reinforcement of chainplate backing is commonly required.
Bristol 32s built in the late 1960s and early 1970s used a relatively thin solid laminate schedule by later standards. While generally adequate, hulls that have experienced hard use can show stress cracks and crazing in the topsides gelcoat that may indicate laminate fatigue rather than purely cosmetic crazing.
1966–1974 models
Many Bristol 32s were originally fitted with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. These are aging units with known carburetor, points-based ignition, and raw-water cooling issues. Verify engine type and condition carefully; diesel conversions are common and generally desirable.
pre-1978 models
Original wiring on surviving examples is typically undersized cloth- or rubber-insulated wire that has become brittle and is a fire hazard. Most boats will require a full rewire if the original harness has not already been replaced.
pre-1975 models
Own or have surveyed a Bristol 32? Submit a known issue
Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating
PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
192
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
15.31
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
36.11
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
452.8
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
33.28
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
1.72
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.
6.29 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
0.83
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.
746.78 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.
15.3
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height)
38.50 ft / 11.73 m
J (Foretriangle Base)
12.58 ft / 3.83 m
P (Mainsail Luff)
33.10 ft / 10.09 m
E (Mainsail Foot)
13.50 ft / 4.11 m
SA Fore
242.17 ft² / 22.50 m²
SA Main
223.43 ft² / 20.76 m²
SA Total (100%)
465.60 ft² / 43.26 m²
Est. Forestay Length
40.50 ft / 12.34 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make
Universal
Engine Model
Atomic 4
Engine Type
Gas
Fuel Capacity
25 gals / 95 L
Water Capacity
100 gals / 379 L
How It Compares
vs. Contessa 32, Downeaster 32, Nicholson 32
This boat
Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Bristol 32 ★
Contessa 32
Downeaster 32
Nicholson 32
LWL
Bristol 32 ★
Contessa 32
Downeaster 32
Nicholson 32
Beam
Bristol 32 ★
Contessa 32
Downeaster 32
Nicholson 32
Displacement
Bristol 32 ★
Contessa 32
Downeaster 32
Nicholson 32
Ballast
Bristol 32 ★
Contessa 32
Downeaster 32
Nicholson 32
Sail Area
Bristol 32 ★
Contessa 32
Downeaster 32
Nicholson 32
Performance
PHRF Rating
(lower = faster)
Bristol 32 ★
Contessa 32
Downeaster 32
Nicholson 32
SA / Displacement
(higher = more powerful)
Bristol 32 ★
Contessa 32
Downeaster 32
Nicholson 32
Ballast / Disp
(higher = stiffer)
Bristol 32 ★
Contessa 32
Downeaster 32
Nicholson 32
Comfort Ratio
(higher = more comfortable offshore)
Bristol 32 ★
Contessa 32
Downeaster 32
Nicholson 32
Capsize Screening
(lower = safer)
Bristol 32 ★
Contessa 32
Downeaster 32
Nicholson 32
Displacement / Length
(lower = lighter)
Bristol 32 ★
Contessa 32
Downeaster 32
Nicholson 32
Hull Speed
Bristol 32 ★
Contessa 32
Downeaster 32
Nicholson 32
Speed Number
(higher = faster)
Bristol 32 ★
Contessa 32
Downeaster 32
Nicholson 32