Bristol 48.8 Information, Review, Specs

Representing Bristol's later "second generation" models, the 48.8 was produced during a period when the company was known for creating diverse designs that catered to serious cruising needs. Her semi-custom build approach meant that individual boats could vary in their specifics, allowing owners a degree of personalization within a proven design.

History and Design

The Bristol 48.8 began production in 1989 and continued until Bristol Yachts ceased operations in 1997, placing it among the final yachts built by the venerable Rhode Island manufacturer. Its design lineage traces directly back to the successful Bristol 47.7, a popular cruising yacht also penned by Ted Hood.

Ted Hood, an America's Cup designer, sailmaker, and yacht architect, was renowned for his innovative approach and commitment to long-range cruising designs. For the 48.8, Hood's design philosophy appears to have sought a balance of speed and comfort; the hull is noted to be "slimmer than 82% of all other designs" in its class, suggesting a focus on a "significantly more speedy hull design" for a cruising vessel of its size. This design choice reflects Hood's ongoing effort to blend performance with the practicalities of a yacht intended for extended periods at sea. Bristol Yachts, under the guidance of founder Clint Pearson, was a pioneer in fiberglass construction and earned a reputation for producing "overbuilt" vessels, ensuring exceptional durability and reliability—a manufacturing ethos that would have been applied to the 48.8.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bristol 48.8's design ratios provide insight into its on-water behavior, confirming its identity as a stable and capable cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 14.8 to 15.28, she is moderately canvassed, suggesting she is not a light-air speed demon but is well-suited for handling stronger breezes without becoming overly tender. This characteristic makes her a predictable and reassuring vessel in varied conditions.

Her Ballast to Displacement Ratio of roughly 43.3% is notably high. This significant ballast percentage contributes to excellent stiffness and stability, allowing the 48.8 to stand up to a strong wind and maintain a comfortable motion through a seaway. This high stability factor also provides an "excellent righting capability if capsized," underscoring her seaworthy design. Furthermore, with a Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 300, the Bristol 48.8 firmly falls into the category of a heavy, traditional cruiser. This heavier displacement contributes to a comfortable ride and robust feel, prioritizing stability and seaworthiness over light-displacement speed, a hallmark of Bristol's cruising yachts. Anecdotal descriptions suggest that, despite her substantial weight, the 48.8 handles predictably and offers a balanced helm, qualities highly valued by long-distance cruisers. The combination of a deep centerboard (4.92 ft minimum to 11.0 ft maximum draft) enhances upwind performance when deployed, while allowing access to shallower anchorages with the board retracted.

Accommodations and Layout

As a nearly 50-foot cruising yacht, the Bristol 48.8 was designed to offer substantial and comfortable accommodations for extended periods aboard. While specific interior layouts varied due to its semi-custom nature, owners could expect a generous living space typical of a large offshore cruiser from this era. The interior typically featured multiple cabins, a well-appointed galley, and a spacious salon designed for comfort and functionality. Common arrangements would include a comfortable V-berth forward, a large salon, a functional galley with ample storage, and private aft cabins, ensuring privacy and comfort for several occupants. Given Bristol Yachts' reputation, the interior finish would likely have showcased quality joinery and durable materials, emphasizing practicality and a classic yacht aesthetic.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Bristol yachts, including the 48.8, frequently praise the solid construction and seaworthy nature of these vessels. Bristol's reputation for being "overbuilt" translates into a feeling of security and reliability on the water, making them popular choices for those seeking a robust platform for cruising., 14] Owners often highlight the comfortable motion in a seaway, a direct benefit of the boat's heavy displacement and high ballast ratio.

While generally well-regarded, like many older production fiberglass boats, potential owners should be aware of common maintenance considerations. Although the Bristol 48.8 is noted for having a solid fiberglass deck, some earlier Bristol models with balsa-cored decks were susceptible to soft spots if original deck fittings developed leaks. Therefore, inspecting for any signs of water intrusion or localized deck issues on a specific 48.8 is always prudent for any vintage vessel. However, the overarching sentiment among owners is appreciation for a well-built, capable yacht that, with proper care, continues to offer excellent cruising enjoyment.