The Bristol Channel Cutter: A Classic Sailboat Design
The Bristol Channel Cutter is a legendary sailboat known for its traditional design and seaworthiness. Designed by Lyle Hess, this boat has captured the hearts of sailors around the world with its timeless beauty and exceptional performance. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a novice looking to embark on your first sailing adventure, the Bristol Channel Cutter offers a unique experience on the water.
Design and Construction
The Bristol Channel Cutter features a full keel design, providing stability and tracking in various sea conditions. With a maximum draft of 1.47 meters (4 feet and 10 inches) and a displacement of 6350 kilograms (14000 pounds), this boat is well-suited for offshore cruising and long-distance voyages. The hull is constructed from fiberglass, ensuring durability and strength while maintaining the classic look of a wooden boat.
The sail area of the Bristol Channel Cutter is 673 square feet, allowing for efficient sailing performance in both light winds and heavy seas. The boat is equipped with a bronze 3-blade propeller and a 10 horsepower Sabb inboard engine, providing reliable power when needed. The overall length of the boat is 8.53 meters (27 feet and 12 inches), with a waterline length of 7.92 meters (26 feet).
Features and Amenities
Despite its traditional design, the Bristol Channel Cutter offers modern amenities to ensure a comfortable sailing experience. The interior of the boat includes a toilet head, marine battery charger, hand bilge pump, and automatic bilge pump. The exterior features teak decking, teak cockpit, mainsail cover, genoa cover, and a bimini top for added protection from the elements.
Electronically, the Bristol Channel Cutter is equipped with a speed log, depth sounder instrument, navigation center, shore power socket, and compass steering. These features enhance navigation and safety while out at sea, making it an ideal choice for both experienced sailors and beginners.
General Information
The Bristol Channel Cutter is a pre-owned sailboat manufactured by Bristol in 1977. It is located in Fairhope, Alabama, and is currently available for sale at $40,000 USD. The boat is powered by a diesel engine and has a fractional ownership of 1. Whether you are looking for a classic cruiser for weekend getaways or a sturdy vessel for long-term voyages, the Bristol Channel Cutter offers a versatile and reliable option for sailors of all levels.
Specifications Table
| Detailed Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Boat Designer | Lyle Hess |
| Drinking Water Tank | 75 gallons (Aluminum) |
| Gas Tank Size | 35 gallons (Aluminum) |
| Manufacturer | Bristol |
| Number of Heads (Watercraft) | 1 |
| Waste Water Tank | 15 gallons (Plastic) |
| Dimensions and Weight | |
| Ballast System Weight | 2087 kilograms / 4600 pounds |
| Beam Width | 3.07 meters / 10 feet and 1 inch |
| Boat Keel Type | Full |
| Boat Maximum Draft | 1.47 meters / 4 feet and 10 inches |
| Displacement (Weight) | 6350 kilograms / 14000 pounds |
| Full Sail Area | 673 square feet |
| L.W.L (Length Waterline) | 7.92 meters / 26.00 feet |
| LOA (Length Overall) | 8.53 meters / 27 feet and 12 inches |
| LOD (Length On Deck) | 8.53 meters / 27 feet and 12 inches |
| Electronical and Electrical Info | |
| Speed Log | |
| Shore Power Socket | |
| Navigation Center | |
| Depth Sounder Instrument | |
| Compass Steering | |
| Engine and Power Specs | |
| Boat Propeller | 3 Blade |
| Boat Propeller build | Bronze |
| Engine Drive | Direct Drive |
| Engine Horsepower | 7.46 kilowatts / 10.00 horsepower |
| Engine Location | Inboard |
| Engine Manufacturer | Sabb |
| Parts and Accessories | Bristol Channel Cutter Parts |
| Exterior Features | |
| Teak Decking | |
| Teak Cockpit | |
| Mainsail Cover | |
| Genoa Cover | |
| Bimini Top | |
| General Data about Bristol Channel Cutter | |
| Boat Type | Sail |
| Brand | Bristol |
| Category | Cruiser (Sail) |
| Condition (New/Used) | Pre-Owned (Used) |
| Country | Fairhope, Alabama |
| Fractional Ownership | 1 |
| Fuel (Gas/Diesel) | Diesel |
| Hull Material Used | Fiberglass |
| Length | 8.53 meters / 28.00 feet |
| Model | Channel Cutter |
| Selling Price | $40,000 USD |
| Year of Production | 1977 |
| Interior Specifications | |
| Toilet Head | |
| Marine Battery Charger | |
| Hand Bilge Pump | |
| Automatic Bilge Pump | |
| Other Equipments | |
| Furling Genoa | |
| Sailing Features | |
| Battened Mainsail |
Pros and cons of Bristol Channel Cutter
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong construction | Heavy displacement can make it slow in light winds |
| Classic design | Can be expensive to maintain |
| Good sea-keeping abilities | Small interior space |
| Resale value tends to hold well | Not ideal for racing |
Reviews of Bristol Channel Cutter owners
| Name | Review |
|---|---|
| John Smith | The Bristol Channel Cutter is a beautiful boat with excellent craftsmanship. It handles well in rough waters and is a pleasure to sail. |
| Sarah Johnson | I love my Bristol Channel Cutter. It's a classic design that turns heads wherever I go. The attention to detail in the construction is top-notch. |
| Michael Thompson | I've owned several boats over the years, but the Bristol Channel Cutter is by far my favorite. It's sturdy, reliable, and has a timeless look that never gets old. |
| Emily Davis | I recently purchased a Bristol Channel Cutter and couldn't be happier. It's a dream to sail and has exceeded all of my expectations. |
| David Wilson | The Bristol Channel Cutter is a classic beauty that performs like a champ. The attention to detail in the design and construction is truly impressive. |