Bristol 27

B27 Technical Information

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Description

The Bristol 27 is a 27-foot monohull, aft-cockpit, fiberglass, mast-head sloop sailboat. Designed by the renowned naval architect Carl Alberg and produced by Bristol Yachts of Bristol, Rhode Island, USA, 337 yachts were produced from 1966 to 1978. Three different models were produced: Standard (Cruising), Dinette, Weekender.

 

Technical Diagrams

Line Drawing (Cruising Model)

Line Drawing (Weekender Model)

Sail Plan

(http://www.bristolowners.org)

Sales Brochure

Custom quality! For a reasonable price, the Bristol-27 provides a quality hull filled with excellent features and workmanship. The proven reliability of both designer and builder makes it a lasting value. She’s roomy! She’s fast! She’s a good heavy weather performer! She’s a boat we are proud to place against any kind of competition. We feel she’s an “inside and out” bargain. Pick the version that best suits your needs … and compare! Hand lay up construction and full length keel with attached rudder provides strength and sailing stability.

Fall in love! The best way to judge a boat is to sail it, to live in it, to own it over a period of time. This isn’t always possible to do before you buy, but you certainly can ask other owners what they think. Ask them what they think of the Bristol styling inside. Ask them about the quality of materials and workmanship. Maybe you could turn on the charm and ask them for a ride.

If you fall in love with it … great! You’re on your way to sailing satisfaction!  Note: inboard power available. Check the long list of optional equipment and tailor this mini-yacht to taste.

Original Equipment
Hull & Deck:
Features of opening hull mold:
Cruising Model:
Dinette Model:
Cockpit:
Deck Hardware:
Interior:
Engine:
Electrical System:
Tanks:
Spars & Rigging:
Colors:

Questions


+ Where is the hull number on a Bristol 27?
– – If you want to find your Bristol 27’s hull number and year built, you might be able to check the hull topsides near the transom.  I found mine far aft on the starboard side.  Below are some photos of mine:

Here's the hull number itself. In plain English, my guess it reads 'Bristol Yachts 27. Hull #370. Built on (?) 09/1975

Here’s the hull number itself. In plain English, my guess it reads ‘Bristol Yachts 27. Hull #370. Built on (?) 09/1975

See the top left of the hull, you can see the imprint area.

See the top left of the hull, you can see the imprint area.

Another location to find the hull number on your Bristol 27 may be on or in the electrical panel.  Here’s an image of my Bristol 27’s original panelboard as well as Loki’s, which shows the hull number for each boat:

Note the hull number marked on these two Bristol 27 electric panels. One was written on the back in permanent marker (Hull #370) and the other was imprinted right on the front (Hull #37).

Another location to find the hull number of a Bristol 27 may be on the sail.  For example, here’s an image of Hull #2 – Sweet Pea, Hull #177 – Harbor Duck & Hull #335 – Winter Dream:

Hull numbers shown on the sails of Bristol 27 sailboats.

Another location to find the hull number may be plaque installed on the boat.  Hull #289 found their plaque mounted on the forward portion on outboard engine well, just behind the rudder post, easily visible in the cockpit.  Here’s an image of that plaque:


+ Are there any design changes within the same Bristol 27 model?
-> 8/1/2018 – Production model sailboats like the Bristol 27 may go through design changes as they’re produced through the years.

Currently, bristol27.com knows of no major design changes (e.g. hull shape, length, weight, etc.) that occurred within the same Bristol 27 model.  There are major design changes between the Bristol 27 models Cruising, Dinette and Weekender, but this question will specifically focus on changes within the same model.  For information about differences between different models, please review the above images and text.  Also keep in mind that this question isn’t fully answered and not all design changes are listed here, since it’s not easy to clearly define design changes across a wide set of old production boats.

One known design change is on the Cruising model, and relates to the exterior icebox hatch.  This design change was first noticed by Noel, from Bristol 27 Hull #2 – Sweet Pea.

Cruising model Bristol 27 sailboats have a somewhat uncommon design feature – the icebox is accessible from both inside and outside the boat.  Their icebox is built higher on the freeboard, directly under deck.  A hole is cut through the deck in the forward edge of the starboard cockpit seat which gives access to the icebox’s interior.  This hole hole is covered and protected by a hatch (aka “exterior icebox hatch”).

Some Cruising model exterior icebox hatches are installed flush with the cockpit seat and a flange built below deck.  Other Bristol 27 Cruising model hatches were installed raised above the cockpit seat, with a flange built onto the deck and a hatch with sides.  The exact hull # where this model’s design change occurred isn’t known.  The first known instance of a flush hatch is hull #2 and first known instance of a raised flange hatch is hull #100.  In other words, it currently seems Cruising model hull #’s 0 – 100 have the flush exterior icebox hatches, while hulls #101+ have a raised hatches.

Exact reasons for this hatch’s design change isn’t known.  Likely the change was to reduce chance of water ingress, since a raised flange is more waterproof.  One downside of this design change is that a raised flange presents a tripping hazard and somewhat blocks a good seating spot for crew.  Generally, this hatch isn’t very seaworthy, as it’s installed far outboard on the boat and the hatches weren’t designed to be battened down.  Also, adding a second hatch to the icebox makes it inefficient.  Over time, many Bristol 27 owners permanently sealed off exterior icebox hatches due to these concerns.

For a visual of this design change on the Cruising models, please see the following image comparing flush vs. raised cockpit seat hatches:

Some Cruising model exterior icebox hatches are installed flush with the cockpit seat and a flange built below deck (left).  Other Bristol 27 Cruising model hatches were installed raised above the cockpit seat, with a flange built onto the deck and a hatch with sides (right).

Another known difference between some Cruising models is the rudder core.  Hull #002 has a wood rudder core, whereas hull #370 has a fiberglass rudder core.  It’s not clear when or why this change occurred.  It could be because a change was made by the manufacturer over the years.  Or, perhaps the type of motor the boat has an impact on the rudder core material. since hull #370 was powered with an inboard and requires a cut-out for the propeller while hull #002 was an outboard motor in a well.

 

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