BRISTOL 54.4
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 54.25 ft |
| LWL | 45.5 ft |
| Beam | 15.5 ft |
| Draft | 11.5 ft/ 5.33 ft min |
| Displacement | 54,000 lb |
| Ballast | 20,498.4 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 9.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 66 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 21 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 59 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 18 ft |
| PYmizzen luff | 36 ft |
| EYmizzen foot | 11.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 23 ft |
| Mainsail | 1,355.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 782 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 1,329.4 sq ft |
| SA total | 1,431 sq ft |
About the BRISTOL 54.4
Sloop or Ketch. Aft and Center Cockpit versions. Built on a semi-custom basis with number of interior variations. KETCH RIG: I: 66.0' J: 21.0' P: 59.0' E: 18.0' PY: 36.0' EY: 11.5' Tot. SA: 1431 sq.ft.
The Bristol 54.4 is a rare, heavy-displacement cruising sloop designed by Dieter Empacher and built by Bristol Yachts (USA) in 1985. With a displacement of 54000.0 lb and a D/L ratio of 255.92, this vessel represents the pinnacle of traditional, robust construction, though its specific hull count remains unverified in available data.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced bluewater cruisers who prioritize safety, comfort, and long-term durability over high-speed performance. Its high comfort ratio of 45.08 and substantial ballast of 20498.4 lb make it ideal for offshore passages where stability and seakeeping are paramount.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.64 and a full/long keel configuration, the Bristol 54.4 is exceptionally well-suited for serious offshore cruising, offering excellent stability and tracking ability in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other large, heavy-displacement trawler-style or traditional cruising sloops from the 1980s, such as the Hallberg-Rassy 54 or the O'Day 54. These boats are similar due to their emphasis on solid construction, low sail area to displacement ratios, and focus on safe, comfortable offshore passage-making.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the BRISTOL 54.4 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 54.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
1 reported issues across 1 systems for the BRISTOL 54.4, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BRISTOL 54.4? 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 1 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 54.4
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