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Bristol 433
Designer: Ted Hood / D. Empacher  ·  Builder: Bristol Yachts Inc.  ·  First built: 1986
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About the Bristol 433

With limited documentation available, the Bristol 433 represents one of the more elusive models from Bristol Yachts' distinguished lineup. Bristol's reputation for building solid, well-constructed cruising sailboats suggests this 43-footer likely embodies the same quality craftsmanship and traditional design philosophy that made the Rhode Island shipyard famous among serious cruising sailors. Based on Bristol's typical design approach during their production years, the 433 would have been engineered as a capable coastal and offshore cruiser, emphasizing seaworthiness over pure performance. Bristol consistently prioritized structural integrity and sailing comfort, creating boats that inspired confidence in challenging conditions while providing comfortable accommodations for extended cruising. The scarcity of detailed specifications makes the Bristol 433 something of a rare find in today's used boat market. For prospective buyers drawn to Bristol's heritage of building robust, traditionally-styled cruisers, the 433 would appeal to those seeking a substantial sailing yacht capable of serious passage-making. However, the limited available documentation means potential owners should conduct thorough inspections and seek out existing owners for firsthand insights into the boat's specific characteristics and performance traits.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 43.25 ft / 13.18 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.33 ft / 10.16 m
Beam 12.92 ft / 3.94 m
Max Draft 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
Min Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 26,530.00 lb / 12,034 kg
Ballast 10,500.00 lb / 4,763 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 844.00 ft² / 78.41 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Ted Hood / D. Empacher
Builder Bristol Yachts Inc.
First Built 1986
Last Built 1994
Owner Reviews

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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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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
15.24
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
37.4
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
1.74
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. 7.74
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
1.47
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. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 54.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 16.8
P (Mainsail Luff) 46.5
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.8
SA Fore 453.6
SA Main 390.6
How It Compares

vs. Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers, Saga 43, Tartan 44

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Bristol 433 ★
43.3 ft
Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers
43.4 ft
Saga 43
43.3 ft
Tartan 44
43.1 ft
LWL
Bristol 433 ★
33.3 ft
Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers
34.0 ft
Saga 43
38.9 ft
Tartan 44
32.7 ft
Beam
Bristol 433 ★
12.9 ft
Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers
13.0 ft
Saga 43
12.0 ft
Tartan 44
12.3 ft
Displacement
Bristol 433 ★
26 lbs
Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers
27 lbs
Saga 43
19 lbs
Tartan 44
18 lbs
Ballast
Bristol 433 ★
10 lbs
Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers
10 lbs
Saga 43
7 lbs
Tartan 44
Sail Area
Bristol 433 ★
844 sq ft
Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers
958 sq ft
Saga 43
952 sq ft
Tartan 44
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Bristol 433 ★
Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers
Saga 43
81 s/nm
Tartan 44
98 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Bristol 433 ★
15.2
Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers
16.9
Saga 43
20.9
Tartan 44
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Bristol 433 ★
37.4
Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers
38.2
Saga 43
27.9
Tartan 44
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Bristol 433 ★
1.74
Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers
1.72
Saga 43
1.78
Tartan 44
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Bristol 433 ★
Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers
314
Saga 43
Tartan 44
240
Hull Speed
Bristol 433 ★
7.7 kts
Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers
7.8 kts
Saga 43
8.4 kts
Tartan 44
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Bristol 433 ★
1.5
Hallberg Rassy 42 Frers
Saga 43
3.7
Tartan 44
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