BRISTOL 56.6
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 56.5 ft |
| LWL | 45.5 ft |
| Beam | 15.5 ft |
| Draft | 11 ft/ 5.42 ft min |
| Displacement | 66,000 lb |
| Ballast | 20,499.6 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 9.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 68 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 23 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 59 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 20 ft |
| FLforestay | 23 ft |
| Mainsail | 1,419.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 782 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 1,329.4 sq ft |
About the BRISTOL 56.6
Extended version of BRISTOL 54.4.
The Bristol 56.6 is a substantial cruising yacht designed by Dieter Empacher and built by Bristol Yachts Inc. (USA) in 1986. With a displacement of 66000.0 lb and a LOA of 56.5 ft, it represents the high-quality, heavy-displacement tradition of Bristol Yachts, though specific hull production numbers are not definitively recorded in the source data.
- Best for:
- This vessel is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a comfortable, stable platform for extended passages, given its high comfort ratio of 54.33 and cutter rig configuration.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.54, a high D/L ratio of 312.8, and a full/long keel, the Bristol 56.6 is well-suited for bluewater cruising, offering excellent stability and tracking ability in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other late-1980s heavy-displacement cutters such as the Hallberg-Rassy 54 or the O'Day 56, as they share similar dimensions, full keel designs, and a focus on seaworthiness over pure speed.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 56.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
1 reported issues across 1 systems for the BRISTOL 56.6, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BRISTOL 56.6? 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
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