Bristol 27-2 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Bristol 27-2 in 1987 placed it squarely within the latter part of Bristol Yachts' operational history, a period marked by both continued dedication to fiberglass construction and significant industry-wide challenges. Bristol Yachts, founded by Clint Pearson in 1964, had established a strong reputation for producing robust and durable fiberglass sailboats, often described as "overbuilt" and known for their solid, seaworthy characteristics. While earlier, highly successful models like the original Carl Alberg-designed Bristol 27 were mass-produced from 1965, the 27-2 emerged into a much more difficult economic climate. The specific designer of the Bristol 27-2 is not widely documented, suggesting it may have been an internal design or a less publicized collaboration.

The context of its introduction means that, unlike many Bristol models that saw significant production and variations, definitive information about a wide production run or design iterations (such as MkI vs. MkII) for the 27-2 is largely absent. The builder's ethos at the time would still have prioritized the sturdy fiberglass construction for which Bristol was known, aiming for traditional aesthetics and comfortable cruising capabilities, even in a smaller package.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Based on its stated theoretical specifications, the Bristol 27-2 was designed as a heavy displacement cruiser. With a reported sail area of 386 square feet and a displacement of 8,300 pounds, its theoretical sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) calculates to approximately 14.82. This low figure suggests that the design was geared towards a more conservative sailing experience, potentially indicating limited performance in light air and a preference for moderate to stronger winds. Its displacement to length ratio (D/L), calculated at a substantial 350.3 for its 22.08-foot waterline, further reinforces the notion of a heavy, traditional design, prioritizing stability and comfortable motion over outright speed.

However, the absence of specific ballast figures in the available data prevents a comprehensive assessment of its theoretical stiffness and stability. Furthermore, due to the apparent limited or non-existent production beyond a potential prototype, anecdotal accounts of the Bristol 27-2's actual handling characteristics in various sea states are not available. Any discussion of its sailing performance therefore remains largely theoretical, based on the design parameters rather than real-world experience.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior accommodations and layout of the Bristol 27-2 is exceedingly scarce. Given the strong indication that few, if any, units progressed beyond a design or prototype stage, detailed descriptions, diagrams, or reviews of its interior are not available through common public channels. While its overall length of 27 feet would suggest a typical compact cruiser layout, including a V-berth forward, a small head compartment, a basic salon, and a galley, any specifics on features like maximum headroom, finish quality, materials used, storage solutions, or ventilation would be purely speculative. Therefore, a comprehensive discussion of its interior cannot be provided due to the lack of grounded information.