BRISTOL 38.8
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 38.25 ft |
| LWL | 30.58 ft |
| Beam | 12.08 ft |
| Draft | 10.3 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 38.8
A similar version was called the BRISTOL 3800. WAUQUIEZ HOOD 38 and LITTLE HARBOR 38 are based on this same hull design. Specs above are from a Bristol Yachts builder's brochure. Regarding displacement, after weighing, one owner reports a lightship displacement of 23,500 lbs. He also reports total water tankage of 78 gallons (bow tank 30 gal; tank under the cabin sole 48 gal).
The Bristol 38.8 is a robust, heavy-displacement cruising sloop designed by Ted Hood and built by Bristol Yachts Inc. (USA) between 1982 and 1996, with a total production of 82 hulls. Known for its exceptional build quality and seaworthiness, this vessel represents the pinnacle of American bluewater cruising yacht construction from that era.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for serious coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize safety, comfort, and long-term durability over high-speed performance. Its heavy displacement and full keel design make it particularly well-regarded by single-handers and couples seeking a stable, secure platform for extended passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 19150.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.81, and a full/long keel, the Bristol 38.8 is widely regarded as a capable and safe bluewater cruiser, evidenced by the high frequency of owner-reported watermaker, solar, and davit installations for extended offshore living.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 38 and the O'Day 38, as they share similar heavy-displacement characteristics, full keel designs, and a focus on safe, comfortable offshore cruising. The Bristol 38.8 distinguishes itself with superior interior joinery and a reputation for exceptional structural integrity compared to its contemporaries.
Direct variant of the BRISTOL 38.8
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
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
12 listings · boat years 1982–1986 · median $64,900
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 38.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
24 reported issues across 9 systems for the BRISTOL 38.8, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BRISTOL 38.8? 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 24 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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Used sails that fit the BRISTOL 38.8
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