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Bristol 35
Designer: Clifford P. Swain /John G. Alden Assoc.  ·  Builder: Bristol Yachts Inc.  ·  First built: 1966
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About the Bristol 35

Renowned for their exceptional build quality and traditional aesthetics, Bristol yachts earned a distinguished reputation among serious cruising sailors during their heyday from the 1960s through the 1980s. The Bristol 35 represents the yard's commitment to creating robust, seaworthy vessels that could handle both coastal adventures and extended offshore passages with confidence. This mid-sized cruiser embodies classic yacht design principles, featuring the solid fiberglass construction and meticulous attention to detail that became Bristol's hallmark. The boat's moderate proportions and well-balanced sail plan make it an excellent choice for sailors seeking a capable cruising platform that doesn't sacrifice performance for comfort. Bristol's reputation for overbuilding their yachts means the 35 offers the structural integrity and sea-kindly motion that serious cruisers demand. The cockpit and deck layout prioritize safety and functionality, while the interior typically showcases the fine woodwork and thoughtful arrangements that distinguished Bristol from production builders of the era. For sailors considering extended coastal cruising or offshore passages, the Bristol 35 presents a compelling combination of seaworthiness, traditional character, and proven reliability that has stood the test of time.

Market Price Estimate Beta
$18,000 – $39,500
typical asking price
Median $30,000  ·  5 listings used
All listings
$18,000 – $39,500 5
Rate a listing price
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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) 34.65 ft / 10.56 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.75 ft / 7.24 m
Beam 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 12,500.00 lb / 5,670 kg
Ballast 5,200.00 lb / 2,359 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 529.00 ft² / 49.15 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG (solid laminate)
Designer Clifford P. Swain /John G. Alden Assoc.
Builder Bristol Yachts Inc.
First Built 1966
Last Built 1978
Owner Reviews

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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
189
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
15.77
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
33.29
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
1.73
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. 6.53
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
0.99
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. 848.61
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 38.66
J (Foretriangle Base) 13.55
P (Mainsail Luff) 33.92
E (Mainsail Foot) 15.9
SA Fore 261.92
SA Main 269.66
Resources & Community
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