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The search continues for the next boat and I've broadened it a bit.....can anyone give me any thoughts on the Bristol 32s and 35s? Also the 32 ketch. Or the web address for an owners' group...


Thanks for your help.

http://www.bristolowners.org/boats.html

Both are nice boats. They have the typical issues of old Bristol Yachts--good and bad--as well as older boats in general.

They both have beautiful lines. I would definitely consider both were I looking for a boat in that size range. I would prefer a Hinckley Pilot yawl or sloop if money had nothing to do with it, but it usually does.

Both are mid 60's designs--first generation Bristols. The 32 is a Ted Hood design, with a DWL length slightly less than my 29. The most famous 32 is probably Kestrel: sailed across the Atlantic singlehanded and center punched a much larger ship off the UK without major disruption. The 35 is an Alden design with a little more beam. Both are relatively small boats like all first gen Bristols, meaning they are good sea boats but not a lot of room for stores.

are they solid or cored decks? if so, with what?

They have solid glass hulls and the decks are cored with end grain balsa.