Bristol 39 Information, Review, Specs

Bristol Yachts, founded by Clint Pearson, established itself as one of the pioneers in commercially successful fiberglass sailboat construction in the United States. During the production run of the Bristol 39, the company was known for its commitment to "overbuilt" durability and a design philosophy that favored traditional aesthetics, good sailing characteristics, and comfortable cruising capabilities. The Bristol 39, alongside its nearly identical successor, the Bristol 40, stands as a testament to this enduring quality and design ethos.

History and Design

The Bristol 39 began its production run in 1966, continuing until 1970, with 58 units built. It was closely followed and eventually superseded by the Bristol 40, which shared a very similar hull and design, with the primary differences often lying in interior layouts and slight dimension changes. Both models were the brainchild of Ted Hood, a prolific designer known for his blend of performance and comfortable cruising in his creations. Hood's design philosophy for these models typically aimed for seaworthy vessels with pleasant sailing characteristics.

A notable variation during the production of these early Bristol models was the availability of a keel/centerboard (CB) version, known as the Bristol 39 CB. This option offered a shallower draft when the board was retracted (4.0 feet) for exploring skinny waters, while providing a deeper draft (7.8 feet) with the board down for enhanced upwind performance. The standard Bristol 39 featured a long keel with a maximum draft of 5.4 feet. Bristol Yachts embraced fiberglass as a revolutionary building material, allowing for consistent quality and efficient production, a hallmark of their "overbuilt" reputation for solid, durable, and reliable vessels.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.28, the Bristol 39 is categorized as having moderate light-air performance. This suggests she will perform adequately in lighter winds but is not optimized for extreme speed in such conditions. Her ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.37 indicates a moderate level of stiffness and stability, suggesting she can stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling, providing a comfortable motion for cruising.

The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 374.8 places the Bristol 39 firmly in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser. This heavy displacement, combined with her long keel hull type, contributes to a stable and seakindly motion, particularly appreciated in open water and rougher conditions. While perhaps not the most nimble in tight harbors, her full keel design provides excellent directional stability on a long course. Owners have noted that the Bristol 40 (and by extension, the nearly identical 39) can be "fairly tippy" with the centerboard up, but generally offers a solid feel. Her theoretical hull speed is calculated at 7.03 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures for the Bristol 39 are not readily available in the provided data, the general consensus for the closely related Bristol 40 suggests "headroom is good, and you can easily make" your way around the interior. The design philosophy of the Bristol 39 and 40 allowed for various interior layouts, contributing to their appeal. Typically, these classic cruisers would feature a V-berth forward, a head compartment, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, and a galley. The built-up interior of these models emphasized practicality and comfort for extended cruising. Reviews and owner descriptions often highlight the use of traditional materials, such as teak and holly cabin soles, which contribute to a classic marine aesthetic. The construction allows for various interior options and different actual storage arrangements depending on the specific boat.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Bristol 39s and 40s frequently praise the solid construction and traditional lines of these vessels. They are often sought after for their "good bones" as platforms for refurbishment, with many receiving extensive refits that showcase their enduring quality. The robust build and seaworthy nature are consistently highlighted as strengths.

However, common maintenance considerations are also noted. A recurring issue for early Bristol models, including the 39, is the potential for deck core issues, particularly soft spots, which are often attributed to original deck fittings developing leaks over time, requiring re-bedding. Some owners of the centerboard versions have reported problems with their centerboards. Despite these common refit points, the active and dedicated community of Bristol owners underscores the lasting appeal and inherent value of these classic yachts.