BRISTOL 22 CARAVEL
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 22 ft |
| LWL | 19.5 ft |
| Beam | 7.75 ft |
| Draft | 3.5 ft |
| Displacement | 2,850 lb |
| Ballast | 1,150 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.9 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 26 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 9 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 22 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 8 ft |
| FLforestay | 9 ft |
| Mainsail | 212 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 117 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 198.9 sq ft |
About the BRISTOL 22 CARAVEL
First introduced as the CARAVEL 22 from Sailstar Boats. aka SAILSTAR CARAVEL. Fin Keel or Keel/CB. Draft: CB Up: 2.5' CB Down: 4.33'. Also available with a std. settee layout.
Designed by Halsey Herreshoff and built by Bristol Yachts Inc. (USA) from 1968–1978, the Bristol 22 Caravel is a compact, well-regarded trailerable cruiser with 325 hulls produced. Its reputation for solid construction is tempered by specific age-related vulnerabilities, particularly in the deck core and keel structure, which require diligent maintenance.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideal for coastal cruisers and trailerable sailing enthusiasts who prioritize a comfortable, stable ride over high-speed performance. It suits couples or small families seeking a manageable, low-draft vessel for day sailing and short overnight trips.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 2850.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.19, the Bristol 22 is designed for coastal cruising rather than extended bluewater passages. Its fin keel and moderate comfort ratio of 14.21 suggest it handles chop well but lacks the heavy displacement and storage capacity required for serious offshore voyaging.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the O'Day 22 and Pearson 22, which share similar dimensions and trailerable utility. However, the Bristol 22 distinguishes itself with a heavier displacement of 2850.0 lb and a more robust build quality typical of the Bristol brand.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
5 listings · boat years 1970–1971 · median $4,500
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 22ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
11 reported issues across 6 systems for the BRISTOL 22 CARAVEL, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BRISTOL 22 CARAVEL? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 11 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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