45' Bristol 45.5 Aft Cockpit Cruisers

Bristol 45.5 Aft Cockpit

First Impressions The handsome profile of Bristol Yachts such as the 45.5 attests to the first class tastes of our New England craftsmen. The teak trappings blend with a sweet sheer for a fine first impression. Like the Bristol 41.1 and others, the 45.5 comes in both aft and center cockpit versions though the aft cockpit model is rare with reportedly only 5 ever built according to brokerage records. Dieter Empacher did an excellent job of maintaining a low profile on the more common center cockpit deck mold, so the aft cockpit is only slightly sleeker looking to my eye. Finishing her off is a delectable rocket ship stern. Underneath she features a Hood centerboard fin keel arrangement with a partial skeg mounted rudder.

Bristol 45.5 Galley

Construction and What To Look For Bristol used woven roving and polyester resins for a variable inch thick solid glass hull paired with a end grain balsa cored deck. The ballast is a 15,000 pound cast lead insert encapsulated in her keel cavity for a high proportionality to her 34,660 designed displacement. On deck, the toe rail, handrails, and combing tops are solid teak. The main mast is keel stepped and set in the same location whether she is sloop, cutter, or even ketch rigged.

Bristol 45.5 Line Drawings

On Deck and Down Below. Down the companionway ladder, you are immersed in the lovely light teak interior. Her galley is the attractive and secure U-shaped style offset starboard side. Bristol Yachts was a semi-custom builder, so you may find lounge chairs or a straight settee in the saloon across from a dinette arrangement. Centerline is a folding table and inline with the forward bulkhead is the keel stepped spar. The aft head has a separate stall shower unlike the forward wet head.

Engine and Underway The original engine on these yachts was either a Westerbeke in the range of 60 to 70 HP, 6 cylinder. Access is available from the port passageway and through the aft head. Fuel is located in two 100 gallon stainless steel tanks. She comes in sloop versions drawing 4� 11� with the board up, but when sailing windward having the board down to 11� significantly improves her pointing height and stability. The sailing performance of these heavy displacement 34,000 pound yachts is a prime attraction for both passage making and coastal cruising. Her long lines, fine entry, and meaty aft sections give her a PHRF of 111.

Conclusion The Bristol 45.5 is one of Bristol�s second generation designs attributed to Ted Hood along with the 41.1, 47.7, etc. She has traditional New England looks with a high performance keel centerboard under body. These yachts are usually lavished with attention by owners who demand perfection as well as extravagantly equipped with all the latest and greatest accouterments.