1981 Bristol 29.9 Boat in San Francisco, CA 94107 US
Built in 1981
29.9
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30 feet
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Fiberglass/Reinforced
RIFF RAFT is a beautiful example of the iconic Bristol 29.9, originally designed for racing and beloved for its cruising and performance. The hull is constructed of solid, hand-laid fiberglass and the hull and deck are joined with an inward flange resulting in a strong and tight connection. A large rudder provides a responsive helm and the skeg forward of the rudder offers protection for the propeller and good directional control. Design features produce a well-mannered vessel in terms of speed and performance that can also stand up to heavy air. In its ten-year production run of 29.9s, Bristol Yachts produced 216 examples--quite a testament to the build quality and design.
The Bristol 29.9 remains a popular choice for sailors looking for traditional quality and construction. The exceptional spaciousness of this thirty-footer results from her long waterline, excellent utilization of interior space, her ample beam and over six feet of headroom. The 29.9 is a great boat for day sailing, overnighting or extended cruising.
RIFF RAFT has been well-maintained and updated. Her survey from 2025 is available for reference. Powered in with a 20 hp Yanmar. Bottom paint done in 2023. Her exterior teak was completely redone in 2025. The interior is clean and bright with cushions, and cabin sole in good condition. This is a classic Herreshoff-designed vessel that has benefited from knowledgeable and attentive owners. Striking at rest and even more so under sail, if you are considering a traditional yacht in good condition, RIFF RAFT should be on your short list to see now.
The Bristol 29.9 "Plan 1" layout has a V-berth forward followed by an athwartship head, opposing settees in the main salon, nav desk and quarter berth aft to port and galley aft to starboard. The port settee converts to a double berth and there is a fold-down dining table on the forward bulkhead.
The interior is white fiberglass with wood mahogany trim and teak and holly cabin sole. Head room is six feet plus and there is good light and ventilation with two opening hatches (salon and forward cabin), and ten cabin ports. Cushions and curtains in excellent condition Brass reading lights throughout Brass, goose-neck lamp at nav deskInterior handrails
- Large stainless steel sink & faucet
- Hot & Cold pressure water
- Icebox
- 2-burner CNG stove
- Select galleyware will transfer w/vessel
- GROCO Model K marine toilet
- Stainless steel sink & shower-head faucet
- FORMICA counter
- Teak-framed mirror
- Venting portlight
- Good storage
- New lifelines
- New Mast wiring
- FULL boat cover
- Hand-laid fiberglass hull w/cored decks
- Lead fin fixed keel
- Skeg-mounted Rudder
- Bottom painted (2023)
- Stainless steel bow pulpit and stern rail
- Double lifelines with gates port & starboard
- Bow roller with CQR Anchor
- Teak toe rail
- Teak handrails on coachroof
- Stainless steel folding swim ladder with teak treads
- Teak companionway drop boards
- Teak Combing boards
- Dodger with new windows
- EDSON Pedestal with 30” Stainless steel wheel
- RITCHIE Binnacle compass w/cover
- Emergency Tiller
- Emergency bilge pump
- Cockpit table & drink holder
- Masthead Sloop Rig
- NEW Standing Rigging 2013
- Main Sail
- HARKEN Roller furler
- (2) 100% Jibs
- Winches
- (2) LEWMAR 25 Primaries self-tailing, 2-speed
- (1) LEWMAR 8 Cabin top
- (1) LEWMAR 8 on mast
- Traveler mounted on coachroof
- 10' Genoa track mounted on toe rails
- YANMAR 3GM20
- 3-blade fixed 10" prop
- Garmin Map 440 Chart Plotter
- Speed, depth instruments
- FURUNO Radar
- STANDARD HORIZON INTREPID VHF
- VHF antenna
- RITCHIE Binnacle Compass w/cover
- GARMIN GPS
- 2 x Group 24 12V House batteries
- 1 x Group 27 12V engine start battery
- Battery charger Newmar PH 25 smart charger
- 30 Amp Shore power service to the 110V panel
- 7/2011
Cutlass bearing replaced
8/2011
Tachometer replaced
12/2011
New transmission/cone clutch
realign shaft
3/2012
Mainmast track for pole
new mainsheet
11/2013
Five through-hulls replaced with ball valves
New 7/32 standing rigging
New mast step
New Harken Unit 1 furler
New mast wiring and LED lights
6/2017
Replaced depth sounder
11/2017
Lifelines replaced
New jib sheets
11/2020
Replaced dodger window panels
12/2020
House batteries replaced
1/2021
Starter battery replaced
3/2021
Starter replaced4/2021
All central heavy wiring including battery and charging cables replaced and fusing upgraded.
New exhaust hoses
1/2022
Bilge pump replaced
6/2023
Hauled and bottom painted
Impeller replaced
7/2025
Haul out; bottom cleaned
9/2025
Exterior teak sanded down to bare wood
Cap rails left as bare wood
All other exterior teak surfaces were treated to 10 coats of varnish
5/2026
Engine service
New bilge pump
New raw water pump
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 11/13/26 | Initial price | $29,000 |
1981 Bristol 29.9 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1981 Bristol 29.9
The 1981 Bristol 29
9 is known as a sturdy, traditional cruising sailboat with a comfortable interior, sensible layout, and reassuring performance in a range of conditions. Its solid construction and reputation as a capable coastal cruiser appeal to sailors seeking a manageable boat for weekends and longer trips. Buyers typically value its build quality, practical accommodations, and forgiving handling, while keeping in mind that condition varies widely with age. They commonly inspect the hull and deck for moisture or structural issues, check the standing rigging, sails, engine, and through-hulls, and look for signs of deferred maintenance or outdated systems.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The Bristol 29.9 is a compact cruising sailboat designed for comfortable coastal sailing, with a practical layout and the solid feel often associated with Bristol Yachts. At nearly 30 feet, it offers a useful balance of manageable size and cruising capability.
Pros
Comfortable cruising layout: A functional cabin provides space for weekend trips and extended coastal outings.
Solid construction: Bristol boats are known for substantial fiberglass construction and a reassuring feel underway.
Manageable size: Easier to handle and berth than a larger cruising yacht, while still offering useful interior space.
Steady sailing character: Its design favors predictable, comfortable cruising over high-performance sailing.
Classic appeal: The traditional styling and established design may appeal to sailors looking for a proven older boat.
Cons
Age-related maintenance: A 1981 boat may need attention to its engine, standing rigging, sails, electrical systems, plumbing, and deck hardware.
Condition varies widely: Survey results and maintenance history matter more than age alone; inspect carefully for moisture, leaks, or structural concerns.
Older systems and equipment: Some onboard systems may be dated or due for replacement.
Moderate sailing performance: It is oriented toward comfortable cruising rather than speed or racing.
Limited space compared with larger boats: The cabin is practical for its size, but storage and headroom may feel constrained on longer trips. A well-maintained Bristol 29.9 can make a capable coastal cruiser. A thorough survey and inspection of the rig, hull, deck, engine, and onboard systems are important when assessing any example.
Made For
The 1981 Bristol 29.9 is a good fit for sailors who want a sturdy, classic cruising sailboat with a manageable size and a comfortable layout. It suits couples or small families looking for weekend outings and coastal cruising, as well as experienced sailors who appreciate traditional construction and straightforward handling.
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 1981 Bristol 29.9 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $29,000 | $30,000 | $27,000 | $31,150 | $35,000 | $22,500 |
| Location | San Francisco | Oxnard | San Diego | Emeryville | Berkeley | Emeryville |
| Nominal Length | 30' | 36' | 38' | 36' | 35' | 36' |
| Beam | 10' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Draft | 4' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | - | Volvo | Universal | - | Yanmar | Universal |
| Total Engine Power | - | 50 hp | - | - | 30 hp | 25 hp |
| Days on Market | 0 | 109 | 12 | 8 | 294 | 334 |
| Get in touch |
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Boat Location
Contact Rubicon Yachts about 1981 Bristol 29.9
3300 Powell St, Suite 105, Emeryville, CA, 94608
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