BRISTOL 27
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27.16 ft |
| LWL | 19.75 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 4 ft |
| Displacement | 6,600 lb |
| Ballast | 2,575.3 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 30.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.3 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 25.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12.2 ft |
| FLforestay | 10.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 325.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 157.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 267 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Sole, Honda, Atomic 4, Vetus, Beta Marine, Evinrude, Yanmar, Palmer, Suzuki |
About the BRISTOL 27
Also available with a taller rig. Besides the two layouts shown here, a WEEKENDER model was also available with a shorter coach roof and longer cockpit. Dimensions from builders original brochure.
Designed by Carl Alberg and built by Bristol Yachts, Inc. (USA) from 1966–1978, the Bristol 27 is a classic full-keel sloop with 337 hulls produced. Its reputation for robust construction and seaworthiness is well-documented, though owners frequently report specific maintenance challenges related to its age and design features.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who value a stable, comfortable ride and low maintenance overhead, as well as those seeking a manageable masthead sloop for single-handed or couple cruising.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 6600.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.71, and a full/long keel, the Bristol 27 possesses strong inherent stability and seaworthiness suitable for protected offshore passages, though its narrow beam and heavy displacement limit high-speed performance.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 27 and O'Day 27, which share similar dimensions and full-keel designs from the same era, offering comparable stability and ease of handling for coastal cruising.
Direct variant of the BRISTOL 27
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Images
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
7 listings · boat years 1966–1980 · median $6,000
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 27.16ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
14 reported issues across 7 systems for the BRISTOL 27, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BRISTOL 27? 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 14 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
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your BRISTOL 27?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Sole, Honda, Atomic 4, Vetus — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the BRISTOL 27
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…