Bristol 33.3 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Bristol Yachts, founded by Clint Pearson in 1964, established itself as one of the pioneering and most successful fiberglass sailboat builders in the United States, renowned for its "overbuilt" and durable vessels. The Bristol 33.3 entered production towards the later part of Bristol's operational history, benefiting from the builder's decades of experience in fiberglass construction that allowed for consistent quality and efficient production. While earlier Bristol models (such as the Bristol 33 and 34) were designed by Halsey Herreshoff, the 33.3 is a distinct, later design by Dieter Empacher, reflecting an evolution in design philosophy while maintaining the brand's reputation for robustness.

Empacher's specific goals for the Bristol 33.3 included creating a yacht that was both docile to handle and capable of respectable performance, coupled with very comfortable living spaces. The boat was offered with both a standard fin keel, drawing 5.92 feet, and a shoal-draft keel/centerboard option, which reduced the minimum draft to 3.92 feet, offering versatility for different cruising grounds. With a length overall of 33.33 feet and a waterline length of 26.67 feet, the 33.3 provides a stable platform for her size.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bristol 33.3 is a masthead sloop with a reported sail area of 562 square feet. Her sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) is approximately 15.18, suggesting she is a moderately powered cruiser, capable of good performance in a range of conditions without being overly tender in heavier air.

With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 38.6% (5,600 lbs of ballast in a 14,500 lb displacement), the Bristol 33.3 exhibits a good degree of initial stability, allowing her to stand up to a breeze and provide a comfortable motion at sea. Her displacement-to-length ratio (Disp/LWL) is roughly 342.5, placing her in the heavier, more traditional cruiser category. This indicates a robust and seaworthy vessel designed for comfortable passage making rather than pure light-air racing, aligning with Bristol's reputation for building solid yachts. The fin keel, combined with a skeg-hung rudder, offers a good balance of lift and directional stability, contributing to the "docile" handling characteristics envisioned by her designer.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not detailed in all specifications, the Bristol 33.3 was designed with comfortable accommodations in mind, aiming to provide "very comfortable" living spaces. Interior photographs often show a cozy cabin environment characterized by significant use of wooden paneling and trim, a hallmark of quality construction from her era.

The typical layout for a boat of this size usually features a V-berth forward, followed by a main salon with settees that can convert to berths, a folding table, a galley, and a navigation station. The galley generally includes wooden cabinetry, a sink, and a stove, designed for practicality at sea. A dedicated head compartment would typically be found, often located between the V-berth and the main salon or aft near the companionway. Storage is usually ample, integrated into the joinery throughout the boat. While specific ventilation details are not always highlighted, boats of this vintage typically relied on opening ports and hatches for airflow.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Bristol yachts, including the 33.3, consistently praise the brand's superior building and solid reputation, contributing to a devoted owner base and the vessels' ability to retain their value. Many appreciate the robust construction, often described as "overbuilt," which instills confidence on the water.

However, like many boats of her vintage, some common maintenance considerations have been noted. Original Bristol models, including some from this era, sometimes featured balsa-cored decks, which can be susceptible to leaks if deck fittings are not properly maintained and re-bedded over time. Additionally, some interior bulkheads may have been constructed with plastic laminate over plywood, which, if exposed to moisture, could potentially lead to issues. Despite these potential points for attention, the Bristol 33.3 is generally regarded as a well-constructed and capable cruising sailboat that continues to be a popular choice for those seeking a durable and comfortable vessel with classic lines.