1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28
$49,900
Boat in Port Townsend, WA 98368 US
28
1 Engine (Volvo)
35 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
The Bristol Channel Cutter, (Lyle Hess design) has gained fame through Lin and Larry Pardey. The couple, both sailors and writers, are well known for their small boat sailing around the world in a BCC! Their coined phrase, "Go Small, Go Simple, but Go Now," has inspired many.
Penna is a 1978 Bristol Channel Cutter that has been lovingly sailed and maintained. Her fresh water home for the last seven plus years has been Flathead lake in Montana and previously moored on Lake Union in Seattle. She is a rugged boat with simple systems. Traditional sails and rigging in good condition, tiller steering, wide non-skid decks in great condition, bronze hardware including the portlights and winches, Teak cockpit grating, Dyneema lifelines, Chesapeake Lightcraft nesting dinghy with sailing kit, CQR style anchor with manual windlass, new Mahogany boomkin and boarding ladder, not to mention the trustworthy original Volvo MD7a 2 cylinder engine.
Penna's interior echos her clean exterior, with Aftrican striped mahogany panels, custom oar handrails, gray interior cushions, gold countertops, brass Fynspray sink faucet, 2 burner Wallas Stove/heater, Isotherm refrigerator, manual head and hotwater shower, Xantrex inverter and much much more. Please see the complete inventory list for additional details.
This lovely boat is located in Port Townsend.
Please drop in or call for a viewing.
- Refrigerator: Isotherm 36
- Wallas: Diesel Stove top / Heater
- Depth finder( mounted on a sleek purple-heart wood mount that pivots into companion-way (has ultrasound gel in transducer)
- Pots and pans, silverware
- Extra stainless steel and bronze fasteners (in separate clear plastic boxes)
- Sets of metric and inch wrenches
- Bronze stanchions
- New owner-made Sailrite tan sail covers
- Owner made tan hatch covers
- African striped mahogany wood paneling and the ash strips on the "walls"
- Interior cushions
- Galley sink cutting board/cover (stored in bracket above galley)
- Teak grating in cockpit and shower
- Traditional bowsprit netting
- All sheets and halyards approx. two years old
- Mahogany boarding ladder with hull mounts
- Bookcase with Maritime books specific to BCC
- Jib pole (mast bracket needs to be installed)
- Bulkhead mounted half model
- 8 matching fenders
- Two West Marine folding cockpit seats
- Storm jackets (2 sets)
- Old-fashioned brass signaling horn and compressed gas hand-held signal horn
- Navigation instruments for chart use
- Brass swinging Inclinometer (needs to be mounted)
- Assorted tools in built-in drawers next to head and wrenches in cubby under stove for opening fuel and water tank
- CQR style anchor w 200 ft of 5/16 chain and 200 ft of 3/4” rope rode
- Second folding anchor in lazarette
- Manual windlass (handle in lazarette)
- Bronze winches
- Spartan marine all bronze seacocks (grit and lubricant in tool ches
- Large plumbing repair kit w various parts and tools
- Large electronics repair kit w various parts and tools
- Two hank-on foresails and main w reefing lines (old but good condition)
- Extra 5 gal water and fuel containers (in lazarette),
- Brass Fynspray sink fresh water faucet
- New, unique interior handholds that also are ceiling-mounted leathered dinghy oars
- Wind generator mounted on mast-top
- Hand-held and mounted VHF radios
- Brass interior lights
- Wood shroud rollers (stored on berth)- placed on shrouds that sail touches when close-hauled
- Ash and bronze boat hook (stored on berth)
- Extra blocks, shackles, cotter pins, lines, etc in tool chest
- Hot water shower in forepeak
- Marine head, manual
- ¾” dock lines w heavy duty snubbers including spring lines
- Maritime books specific to BCC 28
- Boom/cockpit tent
- Tiller tender
- East Port nesting dinghy/sailboat (with sailing kit) Chesapeake Light Craft
- 12vDC / 120v AC Main Panel
- Batteries: 2 x Lifeline AGM 8D, starboard quarterberth, aft cockpit locker
- Inverter: Xantrex Freedom HF 1800
- Wallas Stove/ Heater
- Isotherm Refrigerator
- Quick Nautic boiler (water heater)
- Shore power outlet -aft cockpit
- Shower with bilge pump
- Shower Water Pressure pump: Jabsco Xylem 31395
- VHF: Apelco 4500
- Marine Head: Raritan PH II
- Two hank-on foresails and main w/ reefing lines
- All sheets and halyards approx. two years old
- Jib pole (mast bracket needs to be installed)
- Bronze winches
- VHF Radio: Apelco VHF 4500
- Compass: Plastimo
- Navigation instruments for chart use
- Galley Stove: Wallas 2 burner diesel stovetop / heater
- Refrigeration: Isotherm Cruise 36
- Stainless Steel sink with Brass Fynspray faucet
- East Port Nesting Dinghy/sailboat (with sailing kit) Chesapeake Light Craft
- Anchor: (Primary) Type CQR Size 35 lbs
- Spare folding Anchor
- Chain: 3/8th inch, est. 200 ft.
- Bronze Windlass: Manual
- ¾” dock lines w heavy duty snubbers including spring lines
- 8 fenders
- PFD's
- Fire Extinguishers - 2
- Horn
- Navigation Lights
- Running Lights
- Stern Light
- Anchor Light
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1/24/26 | Initial price | $49,900 |
1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28
Customers praise the 1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 for its exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design
Many highlight its sturdy construction and seaworthy performance, making it ideal for both coastal cruising and extended voyages. Owners often mention the spacious and comfortable interior, which combines classic charm with practical functionality. The boat’s ease of handling and reliable sailing characteristics receive consistent positive feedback, making it a favorite among traditional sailboat enthusiasts. Overall, the 1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is celebrated for its durability, beauty, and dependable performance on the water.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is a classic cruiser known for its sturdy construction and traditional design. Here are some of the pros and cons of this vessel:
Pros
Solid Build Quality: Crafted with a robust fiberglass hull and heavy-duty construction, the Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is renowned for its durability and seaworthiness.
Traditional Aesthetics: The boat features a charming classic design with a full keel and cutter rig, appealing to sailors who appreciate timeless styling.
Good Offshore Capability: Its heavy displacement and full keel provide excellent stability and tracking, making it well-suited for offshore cruising.
Spacious Interior: For a 28-foot boat, the interior layout is thoughtfully arranged to maximize comfort and livability during extended trips.
Proven Track Record: Having been built for many years, the design has a strong reputation and a dedicated community of owners and enthusiasts.
Cons
Heavier Weight: The solid construction and full keel result in a heavier boat, which can mean slower speeds and less responsiveness compared to lighter designs.
Limited Modern Amenities: As a 1978 model, it may lack some of the contemporary conveniences and updated systems found on newer boats unless retrofitted.
Maintenance Requirements: Older vessels often require ongoing maintenance and potential upgrades to keep them in optimal sailing condition.
Smaller Sail Plan: The cutter rig, while versatile, may require more sail handling effort, and the sail area is modest relative to the boat's displacement.
Limited Maneuverability: The full keel design offers great directional stability but can make tight maneuvering in marinas more challenging.
Made For
The 1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is ideal for sailors who appreciate classic, sturdy craftsmanship combined with manageable size. Perfect for those seeking a reliable cruiser that offers excellent offshore capability in a compact and easy-to-handle package, this boat suits both seasoned sailors and adventurous newcomers looking for a traditional design with modern performance. Its robust construction and comfortable accommodations make it well-suited for coastal cruising, weekend getaways, and extended voyages.
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Address
Boat Location
Contact SEA Marine about 1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28
419 Jackson Street, Port Townsend, WA, 98368
Contact SEA Marine
419 Jackson Street, Port Townsend, WA, 98368









































