BRISTOL 45.5
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 45.25 ft |
| LWL | 37.25 ft |
| Beam | 13.16 ft |
| Draft | 11 ft/ 4.92 ft min |
| Displacement | 34,660 lb |
| Ballast | 15,000.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 57 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 18.8 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 48 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 15.3 ft |
| PYmizzen luff | 30.5 ft |
| EYmizzen foot | 8.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 18.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 1,024.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 535.8 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 910.9 sq ft |
| SA total | 1,033 sq ft |
About the BRISTOL 45.5
Sloop or ketch. Aft cockpit (above) and center cockpit models. See BRISTOL 45.5 CC. Information from original manufacturers brochure. KETCH RIG: I: 57.0' J: 18.8' P: 48.0' E: 15.3' PY: 30.5' EY: 8.5' Tot. SA: 1033 sq.ft.
Designed by Ted Hood and built by Bristol Yachts Inc. (USA) from 1979–1989, the Bristol 45.5 is a heavy-displacement cruising sloop known for its robust construction. With a displacement of 34660.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 43.66, it offers a stable, seakindly ride, though the exact number of hulls built remains unconfirmed in available records.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideal for serious coastal cruisers and bluewater adventurers who prioritize safety, comfort, and long-term durability over high-speed performance. Its heavy displacement and full keel design suit owners planning extended offshore passages or liveaboard lifestyles.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.62 and a displacement of 34660.0 lb, the Bristol 45.5 is well-suited for offshore passages, offering excellent stability and resistance to capsizing in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 43 and the O'Day 42, as they share similar heavy-displacement characteristics, full keel designs, and a focus on safe, comfortable offshore cruising. Like the Bristol, these boats are prized for their seaworthiness and ability to handle rough conditions with ease.
Direct variant of the BRISTOL 45.5
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 45.5 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 45.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
26 reported issues across 10 systems for the BRISTOL 45.5, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BRISTOL 45.5? 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 26 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
Which engine powers your BRISTOL 45.5?
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, Westerbeke — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the BRISTOL 45.5
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…