BRISTOL 3800
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38.25 ft |
| LWL | 30.58 ft |
| Beam | 12.08 ft |
| Draft | 10.25 ft/ 4.5 ft min |
| Displacement | 19,150 lb |
| Ballast | 9,000.5 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 51.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.75 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 45.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 769.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 431.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 733.2 sq ft |
About the BRISTOL 3800
Similar to BRISTOL 38.8.
The Bristol 3800 is a classic 38.25 ft masthead sloop designed by Ted Hood and built by Bristol Yachts Inc. in the USA. Production was limited to the single year of 1982, with the total number of hulls built remaining unconfirmed in available records.
- Best for:
- This vessel is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers who prioritize a comfortable, heavy-displacement ride over high-speed performance. Its substantial displacement of 19150.0 lb and comfort ratio of 32.6 make it ideal for those seeking stability and seakindliness in moderate to heavy weather.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 19150.0 lb, a low capsize ratio of 1.81, and a full/long keel, the Bristol 3800 possesses strong inherent stability and seaworthiness suitable for offshore passages. However, specific bluewater conversion history or owner reports confirming extended offshore use are not present in the current data set.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Cal 40 and O'Day 38, as they share similar era, displacement, and cruising-oriented designs. These boats offer similar heavy-displacement characteristics and traditional layouts, appealing to buyers seeking robust, non-performance-focused cruisers.
Direct variant of the BRISTOL 3800
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
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the BRISTOL 3800 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 38.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
2 documented issues across 2 systems, documented on the near-identical sister model BRISTOL 38.8. The BRISTOL 3800 shares its hull, rig and keel, so these findings apply.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BRISTOL 3800? 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 2 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes (from sister model BRISTOL 38.8, rig/keel differences flagged)
- ✓ 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 3800?
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Used sails that fit the BRISTOL 3800
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…