BRISTOL 35.5
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 35.5 ft |
| LWL | 27.5 ft |
| Beam | 10.83 ft |
| Draft | 5.75 ft |
| Displacement | 15,000 lb |
| Ballast | 6,499.5 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 47 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 15 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 40.75 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12.25 ft |
| FLforestay | 15 ft |
| Mainsail | 622.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 352.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 599.3 sq ft |
About the BRISTOL 35.5
Keel/CB version also available (sometimes referred to as BRISTOL 35.5C). Draft: BU: 3.75' BD: 9.5' BALLAST 7000 lbs.
Designed by Ted Hood and built by Bristol Yachts Inc. (USA) from 1978–1996, the Bristol 35.5 is a robust cruising sloop with 183 hulls produced. It is widely recognized for its solid construction and comfortable interior, though owners frequently report significant maintenance challenges regarding deck core moisture and keel sump integrity.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal and nearshore cruisers who prioritize comfort and durability, as well as those willing to perform diligent preventative maintenance on known structural weak points rather than seeking a turn-key vessel.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 15000.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.76, the Bristol 35.5 possesses the heavy displacement and stable hull form necessary for offshore passages, provided the keel sump and deck core are structurally sound.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Tartan 34 and O'Day 35, which share similar beam and displacement characteristics from the same era, offering alternative choices for buyers seeking a 35-foot cruising sloop with comparable interior volume and handling traits.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.7 | 5.6 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 60° | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.7 | 6.7 |
| 75° | 5.3 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| 90° | 5.2 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.5 |
| 110° | 5.1 | 6.1 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.1 |
| 120° | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.3 |
| 135° | 4.6 | 5.6 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.7 |
| 150° | 3.9 | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 8.4 |
| Beat VMG | 3.1 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Run VMG | 3.4 | 4.3 | 5.1 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.8 |
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
23 listings · boat years 1973–1987 · median $39,500
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 35.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
27 reported issues across 9 systems for the BRISTOL 35.5, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BRISTOL 35.5? 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 27 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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