Bristol 29.9 Buyer's Guide
Shopping a used Bristol 29.9 means weighing a 1977–1987 Halsey Herreshoff design that Bristol Yachts built in over 200 examples before dropping it from the line. These are second-generation Bristol fin-keel cruisers with a solid fiberglass hull, balsa-cored deck, and an inward-flange hull-deck joint — a structure that rewards a careful look because so little is hidden behind liner. The boat's two keel choices and evolving engine fit make individual history matter more than model-year alone.
Layouts on the Used Market
Two factory cabin plans exist, and the difference is galley placement rather than berth count: one locates the galley to port opposite a convertible dinette, the other aft to starboard by the navigation station and quarter berth. Both share V-berths forward, an athwartship head, and opposing saloon settees. The head sits between the saloon and the V-berth, so anyone using the forward bunk passes through it unless they go out the forward hatch. Ten ports are fitted but only four open, which is worth noting for warm-weather livability.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
A bimini and dodger are commonly fitted, making cockpit shade and spray protection a baseline expectation rather than a premium add. A short-handed setup is often seen, reflecting owners who simplified sail handling for single or couple cruising. An autopilot appears as a less frequent owner upgrade. The original electrical system already included 12-volt lighting, outlets, shore power, and a battery charger, so the meaningful buyer questions are about engine vintage and canvas condition, not baseline wiring.
What to Inspect
At a viewing, check the hull below the waterline for the occasional osmotic blistering that these boats show but that seldom proves serious osmotic blistering is sometimes noted. Because the decks are balsa-cored, probe for softness or staining around winches, stanchions, and hatch edges where water could reach the core. The hull-deck joint is an inward flange with closely spaced stainless fasteners — confirm the bolts are tight and the caulk line is intact, since this is the primary seal and is fully visible. Check which engine is installed: the oldest boats carry an Atomic 4 gasoline unit, later ones a 15 hp Yanmar, and 1983-on examples a 16 hp Universal diesel, each with different fuel and maintenance implications. Confirm the centerboard model's fiberglass board and cockpit winch operate smoothly if that variant is on offer.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
These boats turn up in the United States. Before committing, walk through the head-to-V-berth passage and judge privacy. Verify the keel type and centerboard function. Test the deck core for soft spots. Identify the engine and its fuel system. Inspect the flange fasteners for corrosion. Confirm the four opening ports seal.
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Bristol 29.9. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 11 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 25 | 2 | $17,900 | — |
| Jul 25 | 3 | $14,750 | -17.6% |
| Aug 25 | 1 | $10,900 | -26.1% |
| Sep 25 | 2 | $9,900 | -9.2% |
| Nov 25 | 1 | $12,500 | +26.3% |
| Dec 25 | 2 | $8,900 | -28.8% |
| Jan 26 | 3 | $17,000 | +91.0% |
| Feb 26 | 1 | $9,500 | -44.1% |
| Apr 26 | 1 | $17,000 | +78.9% |
| Jul 26 | 1 | $12,000 | -29.4% |
| Aug 26 | 2 | $13,700 | +14.2% |
Where they're listed
Bristol 29.9 listings appear across 1 country. United States has the most listings with 11.
Country view
11 listings · 1 country| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $12,500 | 11 | 3 | 100.0% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
3 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol 35.5 | 35.5' | $ 34,900 | 39 | 10 |
| Bristol 29.9You are here | — | $ 12,500 | 11 | 3 |
| Bristol 35 | 34.65' | $ 18,600 | 6 | 1 |