The Bristol 38.8 stands as a quintessential example of the "second generation" of Bristol Yachts, representing a period where the builder transitioned from the narrower, traditional Alberg designs to the beamier, high-performance cruising hulls of Ted Hood. Introduced in 1982, the 38.8 was designed to occupy the sweet spot between the immensely popular Bristol 35.5 and the larger, more complex Bristol 41.1. This model is often cited by maritime historians as the production-line cousin to Ted Hood’s prestigious Little Harbor series, sharing the signature "whale-bottom" hull form and a versatile keel-centerboard configuration. Built with the "overbuilt" philosophy common to the Rhode Island yard, the 38.8 features a solid fiberglass hull and an encapsulated lead keel, avoiding the maintenance headaches associated with external keel bolts.
Bristol 38.8 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview
- Make
- Bristol
- Model
- 38.8
- Builder
- Bristol Yachts
- Designer
- Ted Hood
- Number Built
- 82
- Production Year(s)
- 1982 - 1996
Below are the most recent Bristol 38.8 sailboat listings (up to 10).
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| Source | Year | Make | Model | Price | Cabins | Heads | City | Country | Listing Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DISCLAIMER: We are not affiliated with any external listing websites in any way. We simply aggregate publicly available listings to make it easier for buyers to find sailboats for sale. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the listings, so please verify all information with the seller before making any decisions.
Market Overview
Price & Volume Trends
Monthly breakdown
| Month | Listings | Median Asking Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2025 | 2 | $79,900 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | $69,950 |
| May 2025 | 1 | $55,000 |
| Jun 2025 | 3 | $45,000 |
| Jul 2025 | 2 | $64,900 |
| Sep 2025 | 3 | $55,000 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | $49,900 |
| Jan 2026 | 2 | $98,214 |
| Apr 2026 | 3 | $62,900 |
Median Price by Country
Listings by Country
Price Reduction Insights
33.3% of listings have had price reductions
Average discount: 15.8% off original price
| Model | LOA | Median Price (USD) | Listings | Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol 35.5 | 35.5' | $44,000 | 29 | 6 |
| Little Harbor 40 | 40.16' | $42,500 | 27 | 7 |
| Bristol 41.1 | 41.14' | $74,499 | 17 | 3 |
| Bristol 38.8 | $63,900 | 16 | 4 | |
| Bristol 29.9 | 29.92' | $14,500 | 13 | 3 |
| Bristol Channel Cutter | 37.75' | $139,000 | 13 | 4 |
| Wauquiez Hood 38 | 38.06' | $59,800 | 11 | 2 |
| Caliber 38 | 38' | $84,500 | 11 | 7 |
| Bristol 32 | 32' | $16,900 | 5 | 0 |
| Bristol 47.7 | 47' | $198,500 | 3 | 0 |
| Moody 38 | 37.5' | $96,602 | 3 | 0 |
| Country | Median Price (USD) | Listings (past 12 months) | Recent (90d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $62,900 | 15 | 3 |
| Australia | $98,428 | 1 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a used Bristol 38.8 cost?
- The median asking price for a used Bristol 38.8 over the past 12 months is $63,900. Prices vary by condition, year, equipment, and location.
- How many Bristol 38.8 sailboats are for sale?
- We have tracked 16 Bristol 38.8 listings over the past 12 months, with 4 listed within the last 90 days.
- Are Bristol 38.8 prices going up or down?
- The median asking price for the Bristol 38.8 has increased by 18.86% over the last 3 months compared to the 12-month average.
- Where is the cheapest place to buy a Bristol 38.8?
- United States currently has the lowest median asking price at $62,900, while Australia is the most expensive at $98,428 — a 56% difference.
- Do Bristol 38.8 listings get price reductions?
- About 33% of Bristol 38.8 listings have had their price reduced, with an average discount of 15.8% off the original asking price.
- What are similar sailboats to the Bristol 38.8?
- Comparable models include the Bristol 35.5, Little Harbor 40, Bristol 41.1. See the comparison table above for pricing and availability.