1981 Bristol 40 Sold Boat in Groton, CT 06340 US
Built in 1981
40
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40 feet
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Fiberglass/Reinforced
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 1981 Bristol 40 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $56,000 | $54,900 | $54,500 | $59,900 | $50,000 | $49,900 |
| Location | Groton | Mystic | Stonington | Mystic | Stamford | Norwich |
| Nominal Length | - | 38' | 48' | 33' | 39' | 40' |
| Engine Make | - | Yanmar | - | - | Westerbeke | Yanmar |
| Total Engine Power | - | 40 hp | - | - | 44 hp | 57 hp |
| Days on Market | 519 | 377 | 451 | 64 | 14 | 64 |
| Get in touch |
Other Bristol boats for sale in Connecticut, United States
A well regarded Ted Hood hull, the Bristol 40 comes from a highly distinguished pedigree of yacht design. She is a wonderfully thought out, well constructed and sturdily built vessel with decades of testimonials and usage boasting her triumphs . Proclaimed to be one of the best monohull cruising vessels of all tim by CCAe, the attractive Bristol 40 is the perfect coastal couples cruiser.
SPINDRIFT is a great opportunity to own one of these wonderful vessels with some thoughtful and strategic upgrades and improvements. She has been upgraded with a Hoyt self tending jib, new alternator, new batteries, new solar, and more! Come take a look at this attractive Bristol 40 and see all she has to offer in person.
Walkthrough
Stepping into the SPINDRIFT cockpit you can see her classic ethos coming through with her teak grating underfoot and simple design. With seating for four adults plus the skipper, she is a perfect couples cruiser. Going down below into the salon you have the galley to starboard, nav station to port, and single pilot berth to port and aft of the nav station. The salon is simple and clean with two straight settees and a folding table being the main features; surrounded by ample book shelf storage, drawer storage under the settees, and cabinet storage on either side of shelf storage. Forward of the salon is a massive wet head- you’ll be pressed to find larger on another 40’ boat! Furthest forward in the boat is the primary’s cabin complete with v-berth with filler cushion and an additional amount of incredible storage throughout. One of the highlights of SPINDRIFT is her second overhead hatch, an optional addition from the factory that is far less common and provides a great amount of natural light and ventilation throughout the cabin.
Cockpit:
(2) Lewmar 48 Winches
(1) SS horn cleat for jib sheets
Westerbeke engine display
Raymarine MFD
Datamarine Depth
Datamarine Speed
Ritchie binnacle compass
Magma mounted SS grill
White Cockpit cushions w/green piping
Green canvas dodger
Lifesling
Horseshoe throwable
Nav Station:
Simrad NSS 8 Chartplotter (on swivel for use from helm or nav station)
Furuno GP-32 GPS
Dual MXD55 Stereo
Standard Horizon GX2150 Matrix AIS+ VHF
Simrad RS35 VHF with AIS
Raymarine 4000 Autopilot
Galley:
SS sink with fresh water faucet
Shipmate (3) burner propane stove/oven
Microwave
Coffee maker
Ice box
Salon:
(2) straight settees
Folding dining table
(4) book shelves
(4) cabinet storage lockers
(6) drawer storage under settees
Head:
Marine manual flush toilet
Shower head
Sink with vanity
Storage throughout
Teak floor grating
(1) opening window hatch
Forward cabin:
V berth with filler cushion
Large overhead opening hatch
(2) opening window hatches
(2) storage lockers
(6) drawer storage
Additional storage throughout
Recent Upgrades
Engine overhaul 2021 and 2024 with further upgrades.
Autopilot repaired and operating with short cable. Large cable purchased but not run through pedestal.
Solar 2024 with Bluetooth status
Magma Grill 2021
Sheet lines 2021
Electrical system re-worked 2024
1 X large House Battery 2024
2 Deep cycle start batteries
New shower drain installed 2022
New water pump 2021
New Alternator 2024
Heat exchanger flushed 2024
Sails and Rigging
Fully Battened Main
95% RF jip on Hoyt Boom
Reacher
Quantum mainsail
North Sails boom sail
Harken Roller Furling
(3) Lewmar mast mounted winches
(2) Lewmar #43ST 2 Speed Primaries
Dutchman System for Main
Mechanical
COMPLETE ENGINE OVERHAUL: 2024 and 2021
NEW TRANSMISSION: 2021
NEW SOLAR
NEW BATTERIES: 2024
NEW ALTERNATOR
NEW HEAT EXCHANGER
Westerbeke 4-107 fresh water cooled diesel engine
Edson Engine Controls
Dripless Shaft Seal
(2) Electric Bilge Pumps
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 4/9/25 | Initial price | $56,000 |
1981 Bristol 40 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1981 Bristol 40
Customers praise the 1981 Bristol 40 for its classic design, solid construction, and exceptional sailing performance
Many highlight its spacious and well-crafted interior, which provides comfort for extended voyages. Owners appreciate the boat’s stability and handling, making it suitable for both coastal cruising and offshore passages. Overall, the 1981 Bristol 40 is valued for its timeless appeal, durability, and reliable craftsmanship.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1981 Bristol 40 is a classic cruising sailboat known for its solid construction and timeless design. Here are some of the key pros and cons:
Pros
Sturdy Build: The Bristol 40 is renowned for its robust fiberglass hull and quality craftsmanship, offering durability and longevity.
Comfortable Interior: It features a well-laid-out interior with ample headroom and comfortable accommodations suitable for extended cruising.
Sailing Performance: With a moderate displacement and well-balanced sail plan, the Bristol 40 provides stable and predictable handling in a variety of conditions.
Traditional Aesthetics: Its classic lines and teak trim appeal to sailors who appreciate traditional styling and elegance.
Good Storage: Plenty of storage space is available for gear and provisions, making it practical for longer voyages.
Cons
Heavier Displacement: The solid construction results in a heavier boat, which may lead to slower speeds compared to lighter, more modern designs.
Older Systems: Being a 1981 model, some of the original systems and equipment may be outdated and require maintenance or upgrades.
Limited Tankage: Fuel and water tank capacities may be smaller than newer cruising boats, potentially limiting range without frequent resupply.
Maintenance Intensive: The traditional teak trim and older materials require regular upkeep to maintain appearance and functionality.
Interior Layout: While comfortable, the interior design may feel dated compared to contemporary layouts focused on maximizing space efficiency.
Made For
The 1981 Bristol 40 is ideal for sailors seeking a classic, well-crafted cruising yacht that combines traditional design with reliable performance. Perfect for experienced cruisers and those who appreciate sturdy construction and timeless aesthetics, this boat offers comfortable accommodations for extended voyages while maintaining manageable handling for coastal or offshore sailing. Its robust build and spacious layout make it well-suited for couples or small families looking to explore coastal waters or embark on longer passages with confidence and style.
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Other Information about Stonington Yacht Sales
Stonington Yacht Sales, LLC (SYS) is the exclusive yacht brokerage at Dodson Boatyard, in beautiful Stonington, CT. We are small by design, intentionally focused on serving and representing a select group of clients and their current or future boats. But don't let our size conceal our capabilities. We have the experience, knowledge and horsepower to provide the finest services to those who seek a strong, collaborative relationship with a yacht broker to assist them in buying, selling or donating their boat.
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Contact Stonington Yacht Sales about 1981 Bristol 40
Dodson Boatyard, 194 Water Street, Stonington, CT, 06378
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