1988 Bristol 33.3Sold
$39,900
Boat in Island Heights, NJ 8732 US
33.3
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33 feet
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Fiberglass/Reinforced
"Timeless Design, Modern Performance - Bristol 33.3 Shoal Draft Cruiser"
Dawn Treader is a perfect example of classic beauty meeting thoughtful upgrades. This Bristol 33.3 combines stunning lines with a solid blue-water pedigree, making her often the most eye-catching boat in any anchorage. She boasts recent or new standing and running rigging, a new furler, updated electronics, plus fresh North Main and 135 Genoa sails. Solar panels and a host of other upgrades add to her appeal.
Designed by Dieter Empacher while part of the Ted Hood Design Group, the Bristol 33.3 carries forward the elegant 'Ted Hood Sheer' hull with its distinctive swept-back transom - but with a wider beam than the earlier 35.5. This extra beam aft creates a roomy, functional T-shaped cockpit, perfect for cruising comfort. Dawn Treader is the shoal draft centerboard version, offering excellent upwind performance while giving you the freedom to explore shallow waters and find the best anchorages.
Warm teak interior with teak and holly sole
Forward cabin with V berth and filler, hanging locker
Enclosed head, access to both fwd cabin & salon, shower, vanity
Opposing settees in salon, each extends to double berths, storage lockers above, behind
Bulkhead mounted teak table with leaf, extends to both settees, seats 6-8
Port side sit down navigation station with quarterberth aft, storage under
Starboard u-shaped galley with stainless steel sink
Shipmate 3 burner propane stove, oven, Bass solenoid valve, gas regulator ('20)
Adler Barber DC refrigeration
Good galley storage
All interior lights upgraded to LED ('20)
Fresh water pump ('22)
Six gallon hot water heater
Hull and Deck
Hand laid fiberglass hull and deck
White deck and trunk cabin, molded off white non-skid
Light gray topsides; Blue cove & boot stripe
Skeg-hung rudder with aperture protected propeller
Ballasted centerboard with cabin top winch, stainless pennant
Teak toe rail, rub rail with stainless striker
Stainless steel bow anchor roller
Foredeck anchor locker
Stainless bow pulpit and push pit with double lifelines; gates P&S
Folding transom swim ladder
Edson pedestal wheel steering
ten Spartan seacocks - bronze, lapped, cleaned, lubricated ('20)
Four opening ports; two screened overhead hatches, stainless dorades
Dodger and bimini
T shaped cockpit
Cockpit shower ('19)
Closed cell foam cockpit cushions ('19)
Newer custom fabricated stainless emergency tiller ('19)
Edson teak cockpit table ('19)
Steering cables and quadrant serviced
Jack lines and harness cables ('21)
Custom teak companionway boards ('21)
Solar panels - 2 x Xantrex 110 watt ('20)
New LED running, steaming, tri-color and anchor lights ('22)
New dock lines ('23)
Yanmar 3GM30F 27 HP FWC diesel, approximately 2,450 hours, good condition
Newer exhaust / elbow / riser
Two bladed bronze propellor
Balmar Alternator with charge regulator CONFIRM
Racor fuel / water separator
Sails and Rigging
North Mainsail, dacron, full batten ('20)
North 135 Furling Genoa NorLam ('23)
North 110 Furling Jib ('13)
Halyards, topping lift, main sheet, headsail sheets ('20)
Harken headsail furler ('20)
Telescoping whisker pole ('20)
New standing rigging by Lockwoods Boatworks ('22)
Adjustable Headsail sheet card ('23)
Outhaul and reef lines ('23)
Self tailing #40 primary winches
Jacklines, pad-eyes and harness cables ('21)
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 9/23/25 | Price decreased | $39,900(-11.1%) |
| 7/29/25 | Initial price | $44,900 |
Videos from Jersey Cape Yacht Sales on this 1988 Bristol 33.3
Overview from around the web 1988 Bristol 33.3
Customers praise the 1988 Bristol 33
3 for its classic design and solid construction, highlighting its spacious interior and comfortable accommodations for extended cruising. Many appreciate its balanced sailing performance and the quality craftsmanship that Bristol Yachts is known for. Owners often mention the boat’s timeless aesthetic appeal combined with reliable handling, making it a favored choice for both coastal and offshore sailing. Overall, feedback emphasizes the 1988 Bristol 33.3 as a well-built, dependable cruiser with a charming traditional style.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1988 Bristol 33.3 is a classic sailboat known for its solid construction and traditional design. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Sturdy Build: The Bristol 33.3 features a robust fiberglass hull and quality craftsmanship, contributing to durability and longevity.
Classic Aesthetics: Its traditional lines and elegant design appeal to sailors who appreciate timeless styling.
Comfortable Interior: The layout is well thought out for a 33-foot boat, offering comfortable accommodations for cruising.
Good Sailing Performance: With a balanced sail plan and moderate displacement, it performs well in a variety of conditions.
Stable and Seaworthy: The design emphasizes stability, making it a reliable choice for coastal cruising and offshore passages.
Cons
Older Design: As a boat designed in the late 1980s, some features and systems may feel dated compared to modern sailboats.
Heavier Displacement: The boat’s weight can result in slower acceleration and less responsiveness in light winds.
Maintenance Requirements: Older boats often require ongoing upkeep, including potential updates to rigging, electronics, and interior fittings.
Limited Interior Space: While comfortable for its size, the interior may feel cramped compared to newer designs with more open layouts.
Availability of Parts: Some original components or specific parts may be harder to find due to the boat’s age and production era.
Made For
The 1988 Bristol 33.3 is ideal for sailors seeking a classic, well-crafted cruiser that combines traditional design with reliable performance. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a sturdy, comfortable sailboat suited for coastal cruising and weekend adventures, offering a blend of manageable size and spacious interior accommodations. Whether you're an experienced sailor or looking to step up to a capable cruiser, the Bristol 33.3 provides a timeless sailing experience with a focus on quality and seaworthiness.
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Address
Boat Location
Contact Jersey Cape Yacht Sales about 1988 Bristol 33.3
2143 River Road, Lower Bank, NJ, 08215
Contact Jersey Cape Yacht Sales
2143 River Road, Lower Bank, NJ, 08215

































