BRISTOL 30
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 30 ft |
| LWL | 22.67 ft |
| Beam | 9.17 ft |
| Draft | 4.5 ft |
| Displacement | 8,650 lb |
| Ballast | 3,449.6 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 34.17 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 29.17 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12.92 ft |
| FLforestay | 11 ft |
| Mainsail | 416.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 198.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 338.2 sq ft |
About the BRISTOL 30
An updated version of the BRISTOL 29. A centerboard version was also available. Draft: BU:3.33' BD:6.0'. (Dimensions for tall rig shown here)
Designed by Halsey Herreshoff and built by Bristol Yachts, Inc. (USA) from 1968–1978, the Bristol 30 is a classic 30.0 ft masthead sloop with 174 hulls produced. It is a heavy-displacement cruiser, weighing 8650.0 lb with 3449.6 lb of ballast, known for its robust construction and comfortable motion.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize comfort and durability over high-speed performance, as well as owners willing to invest in maintenance for a classic wooden-trimmed interior.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.79 and a comfort ratio of 28.09, the Bristol 30 is well-suited for offshore passages, offering a stable, seakindly ride despite its moderate sail area to displacement ratio of 15.24.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 30 and O'Day 30, which share similar dimensions and era, but the Bristol 30 distinguishes itself with a higher D/L ratio of 331.45 and a more refined, heavier build quality.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
7 listings · boat years 1970–1985 · median $10,000
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 30ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
11 reported issues across 6 systems for the BRISTOL 30, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BRISTOL 30? 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
Similar Sailboats
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Used sails that fit the BRISTOL 30
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