The Bristol 32 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

There were three versions of the Bristol 32 built: a sloop, a yawl and a ketch. The sloop was the most common, with 322 units built between 1966 and 1983. The yawl and ketch versions had different mast heights and sail areas.

The Bristol 32 has a traditional layout with a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment with a hanging locker opposite, a main saloon with settees and a fold-down table, and a galley and a quarter berth aft. The interior is finished in teak and has a classic feel.

As mentioned above, the Bristol 32 was available as a sloop, a yawl or a ketch. The sloop had a masthead rig with a single spreader and a roller furling genoa. The yawl and ketch had similar rigs but with shorter main masts and additional mizzen masts. The sail area varied depending on the rig type, from 43.3 m² for the sloop to 51.1 m² for the ketch.

The Bristol 32 had two keel options: a fin keel or a keel/centerboard. The fin keel had a draft of 1.4 m and a ballast of 1,769 kg. The keel/centerboard had a draft of 1.1 m with the board up and 2.3 m with the board down, and a ballast of 1,814 kg.

The Bristol 32 is a heavy displacement sailboat that is stable, comfortable and seaworthy. It is not very fast or agile, but it can handle rough weather and long passages well. It is easy to sail single-handed or with a small crew, and it has good balance and steering response. It performs best in moderate to strong winds, as it is slightly underpowered in light airs.

The average cost of a secondhand Bristol 32 depends on the condition, age, equipment and location of the boat. According to some online listings, the price range can vary from $10,000 to $40,000 USD

No, this boatbuilder is not still in business. Bristol Yachts was founded in 1966 by Clint Pearson, who also founded Pearson Yachts. The company produced several models of sailboats until it ceased operations in 1997 due to financial difficulties.

The designer of the Bristol 32 was Ted Hood, who was also an accomplished sailor and sailmaker. He designed many other sailboats, such as the Hood 38, the Little Harbor series, the Wauquiez Hood 38, the Bristol Channel Cutter, the Robinhood series and the Ted Hood Yachts series. He also collaborated with Dieter Empacher on some designs, such as the Bristol 35.5 and the Bristol 41.1.