BRISTOL 43.3
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 43.25 ft |
| LWL | 33.33 ft |
| Beam | 12.92 ft |
| Draft | 10 ft/ 4.5 ft min |
| Displacement | 26,530 lb |
| Ballast | 10,500.6 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 54 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 16.8 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 46.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 16.8 ft |
| FLforestay | 16.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 875.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 453.6 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 771.1 sq ft |
About the BRISTOL 43.3
From the same mold as the BRISTOL 41.1 but with a different interior.
The Bristol 43.3 is a heavy-displacement cruising cutter designed by Ted Hood / D. Empacher and built by Bristol Yachts Inc. (USA) between 1986–1994, with a total production of 25 hulls. Known for its robust construction and comfortable motion, this rare vessel offers a blend of classic Bristol quality and practical coastal cruising capabilities.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and couples seeking a comfortable, stable liveaboard or weekend cruiser, rather than aggressive racers or solo bluewater adventurers, given its heavy displacement and cutter rig complexity.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 26530.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.74, the Bristol 43.3 possesses the inherent stability and mass for offshore passages, though its limited production run and specific maintenance needs require careful vetting for extended bluewater use.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 43 and the O'Day 42, as they share similar heavy-displacement characteristics, cutter rigs, and a focus on comfort and seaworthiness over pure speed, though the Bristol offers a more premium interior finish.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 43.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
15 reported issues across 6 systems for the BRISTOL 43.3, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BRISTOL 43.3? 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 15 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 43.3
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