1980 Bristol 35.5C Boat in Bristol, ME 04539 US
35.5C
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36 feet
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Fiberglass/Reinforced
Key Specifications
- Length Overall (LOA): 35' 6" / 10.82 m
- Beam: 10' 10" / 3.30 m
- Draft (Centerboard): 3' 9" (min) to 9' 6" (max)
- Displacement: 15,000 lbs / 6,804 kg
- Ballast: 6,500 lbs (approx)
- Fuel Capacity: 30-36 gallons
- Water Capacity: 100-112 gallons
- Engine: Westerbeke 30
Design & Performance
- Hull Type: Centerboarder (with rudder on skeg)
- Construction: Solid fiberglass
- Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 46%
- Sail Area/Displacement: 15.5
- Hull Speed: ~7 knots
Interior & Layout
- Accommodations: Forward stateroom with V-berth, aft-quarter berth, and main salon with opposing settees
- Headroom: Approx 6' 3"
- Galley: Aft-starboard, typically featuring a stove with oven, and icebox/refrigeration
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEAT (AIR CONDITIONING):
Self-contained unit. Custom installation.
MarineAire. Model: MSBA16K2.
110-120 Volt.
ELECTRONICS AND NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT:
✅ B&G Electronics Upgrade (Radar, GPS, AIS, VHF, Depth, Speed, Wind) in 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 640.
Standard Horizon Depth.
Standard Horizon Speed.
Raymarine Autohelm ST4000+.
West Marine VHF 150.
West Marine VHF 600 DSC.
Gemini compass.
AcuRite weather monitor.
DECK CONSTRUCTION
Molded FRP with plywood reinforcements and balsa core. The forward deck is surrounded by a teak toe
rail and is protected by stainless steel bow and stern railings connected by dual lifelines running the
length of the deck, port and starboard. Gates are found just forward of the cockpit, port and starboard.
Teak handholds run along the cabin top, port and starboard, along with two center mounted opening
hatches, one midway, the other forward. Two dorade boxes are found port and starboard of the mast.
The bow features a roller mounted anchor with a pass-through to the chain locker below. Cleats are
found port and starboard at the bow and stern. The single spreader, deck stepped rig is supported by
wire standing rigging and a roller furler. Two halyard winches are mounted on the mast. Jib tracks run
along toe rails on the port and starboard side decks with four scuppers, two port, two starboard found
just forward of the cockpit.
MATERIAL/CONDITION:
Molded FRP deck with balsa core and plywood reinforcements.
COCKPIT:
The cockpit is spacious and provides plenty of room to sail the boat with a full crew, as well as a great
space to entertain at anchor or dockside. It features a pedestal helm with a stainless wheel, binnacle
compass, throttle and gear shift, wheel lock, depth and speed instruments, and a stainless steel
handhold. The teak-lined coamings feature two cubbies on either side. The engine control panel is
found on the lower helm. The engine start/stop controls are located at the helm. Seating for seven (7)
is provided by port and starboard benches and a stern custom bench, which features a raised
helmsman's seat that doubles as a locker cover. Two (2) additional lockers are found under the port and
starboard benches. Winches are mounted forward on the coaming. The cockpit is protected from the
elements by a Bimini.
INTERIOR DESCRIPTION:
MAIN CABIN:
With teak joinery and appointments, tan cushions and a teak and ash sole, the spacious main cabin is a
warm and inviting space. Entering the cabin from the cockpit companionway, the galley is found to
starboard and the navigation station, with a quarter berth behind, to port. A settee with seating for
four (4) is found forward of the navigation station. On the starboard side forward of the galley, a settee
with seating for four (4) extends the length of the saloon. Storage lockers are found behind the settees
with additional storage below. A bulkhead mounted folding dining table is just starboard between the
settees. Shelves and storage lockers are found above both settees. Teak handholds are overhead
mounted above both settees (now painted white). There are two (2) overhead lights and two (2)
reading lamps mounted on the forward bulkheads, port and starboard. Ventilation is provided by an
overhead opening hatch, three (3) opening ports, dorade vents and the companionway. Four (4) fixed
port/windows are found in the aft section of the cabin: two (2) port, two (2) starboard.
CABIN BRIGHTWORK:
Satin varnish finish.
NAVIGATION STATION:
Found in the aft port side of the main cabin, the forward-facing navigation station features a teak,
lift-top navigation table, VHF radio and lamp. Storage drawers are built into the table base and there is
a locker above the table on the portside. Seating is provided by the end of the quarter berth.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Sleeps seven (7) people. The port saloon settee makes into a double berth and sleeps two (2), the
starboard saloon bench converts to a double and sleeps two (2), the V-berth sleeps two (2), and the
quarter berth sleeps one (1).
HEADS:
The head is found on the port side between the saloon and forward cabin. The head features a manual
marine toilet and a countertop housing a stainless steel sink with hot and cold running water and
shower wand. A mirror, soap dish, 120 VAC outlet and locker are found above the sink counter with
drawers and a locker underneath. Ventilation is provided by an opening port and a dorade vent.
GALLEY:
The galley is found in the aft starboard side of the main cabin and features a countertop with a stainless
steel sink mounted aft and a top-loading icebox aft. A 120 Volt refrigerator is retrofitted to where the
original galley cooktop was fitted. Lockers are found above the counter, with additional lockers found
under and behind the sink. The electrical panels are mounted on the aft bulkhead above the icebox,
with the battery bank switch and a 120 VAC outlet mounted below.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 7/16/26 | Price decreased | $27,500(-23.4%) |
| 4/18/26 | Price decreased | $35,900(-6.8%) |
| 3/23/26 | Price decreased | $38,500(-3.8%) |
| 3/6/26 | Initial price | $40,000 |
Overview from around the web 1980 Bristol 35.5C
Customers praise the 1980 Bristol 35
5C for its classic design, solid construction, and comfortable sailing experience. Many highlight its spacious interior layout, which offers ample room for extended cruising. The boat’s stability and seaworthiness receive consistent positive remarks, making it a reliable choice for both coastal and offshore sailing. Owners appreciate the blend of traditional craftsmanship with practical features, noting that the Bristol 35.5C holds its value well over time. Overall, users find it to be a well-balanced cruiser that combines performance with comfort.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1980 Bristol 35.5C is a classic cruising sailboat that offers a blend of traditional design and solid construction. Here are some of the pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Sturdy Build Quality: The Bristol 35.5C is known for its robust fiberglass construction and solid craftsmanship, providing durability and longevity.
Comfortable Interior: The boat features a well-designed interior layout with ample headroom, making it comfortable for extended cruising.
Classic Aesthetics: With its traditional lines and cutter rig, the Bristol 35.5C appeals to sailors who appreciate classic yacht styling.
Good Sailing Performance: The cutter rig and moderate displacement offer balanced sailing characteristics, suitable for both coastal and offshore cruising.
Spacious Cockpit: The design includes a roomy cockpit area that enhances comfort and ease of handling under sail.
Cons
Older Design: Being a boat from 1980, some aspects of the design and equipment may feel dated compared to modern sailboats.
Weight and Speed: The moderate displacement means the boat is not particularly fast, especially in light wind conditions.
Maintenance Requirements: As with many older cruisers, ongoing maintenance and occasional upgrades may be necessary to keep systems and rigging in optimal condition.
Limited Tankage: Fuel and water tank capacities may be smaller compared to newer designs, which could impact longer passages without resupply.
Interior Layout: While comfortable, the interior may feel less spacious or modern than contemporary yachts of similar size.
Made For
The 1980 Bristol 35.5C is ideal for sailors seeking a classic, well-crafted cruising sailboat that combines traditional design with dependable performance. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a comfortable and sturdy vessel suited for coastal cruising and extended voyages, offering a spacious interior and solid construction that appeals to both seasoned sailors and enthusiasts looking for a timeless sailing experience.
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1980 Bristol 35.5C | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $27,500 | $24,900 | $19,500 | $44,500 | $59,900 | $75,000 |
| Location | Bristol | Rockland | Camden | Brooklin | Thomaston | South Portland |
| Nominal Length | 36' | 37' | 40' | 30' | 37' | 41' |
| Draft | 10' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | - | Volvo Penta | - | Universal Diesel | Nanni | Yanmar |
| Total Engine Power | - | 43 hp | - | 30 hp | 38 hp | 44 hp |
| Days on Market | 218 | 440 | 133 | 109 | 21 | 17 |
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Boat Location
Contact Rudders & Moorings Yacht Sales about 1980 Bristol 35.5C
83 Windward Lane, Bristol, RI, 02809











































