Bristol 35 Information, Review, Specs

The Bristol 35, identified as Alden design #1000, emerged during a transformative era in boatbuilding when fiberglass was rapidly gaining acceptance as a superior material for consistent quality and efficient production. Clifford Swain, a key figure at the Alden firm, penned the lines for this yacht, reflecting the design philosophy of the era that prioritized seaworthiness and comfortable cruising. Bristol Yachts, under the leadership of Clint Pearson, championed fiberglass construction from its inception, earning a reputation for building "overbuilt" and durable vessels known for their traditional aesthetics and good sailing characteristics. The Bristol 35 was offered with either a standard or a dinette interior layout, providing options for different owner preferences. Furthermore, variations included a yawl rig and a keel/centerboard version, which featured a board-up draft of 3.75 feet and a board-down draft of 9.0 feet.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of nearly 35 feet and a waterline length of 23.75 feet, the Bristol 35 demonstrates a design optimized for steady performance and stability. Her calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 15.68, or 15.85 as reported by some sources, suggests a moderate sail plan relative to her displacement. While this indicates she may not be a spirited performer in very light airs, it contributes to a more controlled and comfortable motion in stronger winds.

The Bristol 35 boasts a substantial Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.416, with 5,200 pounds of lead ballast in a 12,500-pound displacement. This high ratio is a strong indicator of excellent stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze and providing a reassuring feel offshore. Her Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at approximately 416.7, firmly places her in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, emphasizing comfort and seaworthiness over outright speed. Owners have generally described the Bristol 35 as a boat that "sails nice," possessing "good positive righting moment," making her a "perfect coastal cruiser" with a hull speed of 6.53 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Bristol 35 are not widely documented in public reviews, the model was known to be available with two primary interior configurations: a standard layout and a dinette version. Consistent with Bristol Yachts' reputation for robust construction, the interior would typically feature solid fiberglass hull and deck components, providing a strong foundation. Like many cruising yachts of its era, the Bristol 35 likely featured a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees, and a galley, all designed to maximize livability within its 10-foot beam. Owners would generally expect durable, quality finishes, aligning with Bristol's manufacturing ethos.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Bristol 35 generally appreciate its solid construction and seaworthy characteristics. The vessel is often lauded as a robust and reliable coastal cruiser, capable of providing a stable motion in various sea states. However, as with many fiberglass boats of its vintage, some owners have noted potential areas for attention, such as the possibility of "sponginess" or "crackling sounds" on the cabin top, which can indicate issues with deck core integrity that may require re-bedding or repair of deck fittings over time. Despite these potential maintenance considerations, the enduring popularity of Bristol yachts, including the 35, among a dedicated community of owners underscores their fundamental soundness and "good bones" for continued enjoyment and refurbishment.