BRISTOL 33.3
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 33.33 ft |
| LWL | 26.67 ft |
| Beam | 11.17 ft |
| Draft | 5.92 ft |
| Displacement | 14,500 lb |
| Ballast | 5,599.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.9 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 45.54 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 14.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 39.54 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 14.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 581.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 330.2 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 561.3 sq ft |
About the BRISTOL 33.3
Keel/CB also available. Draft-BU:3.92'
The Bristol 33.3 is a rare, high-quality cruising sloop designed by Deiter Empacher and built by Bristol Yachts Inc. (USA) between 1986 and 1994. With only 9 hulls built, this limited-production vessel offers a distinct alternative to more common designs of its era, combining Bristol's reputation for solid construction with Empacher's performance-oriented layout.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and short-handed sailors who value a responsive, well-balanced sloop with a comfortable interior. Its moderate displacement and fin keel make it ideal for those seeking a blend of performance and liveability without the complexity of a heavy bluewater trawler.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 14500.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.84, the Bristol 33.3 offers reasonable offshore stability, though its fin keel and moderate ballast ratio suggest it is better suited for protected coastal waters than extreme ocean passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 34 and O'Day 34, which share similar dimensions and target the same market of comfortable coastal cruisers. However, the Bristol 33.3 distinguishes itself with a lighter displacement and a more performance-focused hull form compared to the heavier, slower designs of its contemporaries.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the BRISTOL 33.3 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 33.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the BRISTOL 33.3yet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a BRISTOL 33.3? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your BRISTOL 33.3?
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: Yanmar — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the BRISTOL 33.3
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…