Bristol 35.5 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

The Bristol 35.5 stands as a definitive example of the "second generation" of yachts from the Rhode Island builder, marking a transition from the narrow-beamed, Alberg-inspired designs of the 1960s to the more voluminous and performance-oriented cruisers of the late 1970s and 1980s. Designed by the legendary Ted Hood, the 35.5 was introduced in 1978 and remained in production for over a decade, with roughly 250 hulls completed. It was offered in two primary configurations: a deep-keel version and a highly popular keel/centerboard version, the latter of which allowed the boat to navigate the shallow waters of the Chesapeake and the Bahamas while maintaining offshore stability. As noted in editorial retrospectives by Practical Sailor, the 35.5 remains one of the most sought-after models on the brokerage market for sailors seeking a "traditional" aesthetic paired with a hull capable of legitimate blue-water passages.