1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 Boat in Oriental, NC 28571 US
28
1 Engine (Yanmar)
28 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
S/V Artha is a 1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 designed by Lyl Hess. Her current owner undertook an extensive refit focused on preparing the vessel for offshore cruising, including significant work to the hull, rudder, rig, engine, electrical system, plumbing, and cruising systems.
Following the refit, Artha cruised to the Bahamas before making the approximately 650-nautical-mile passage from the Bahamas to Oriental, North Carolina.
The result is a classic Lyle Hess offshore design paired with substantially modernized cruising systems, including lithium house batteries, solar power, inverter, watermaker, refrigeration, modern instrumentation, and Starlink.
Artha features that classic look with the long bow sprit to host the jib, as well as a staysail and mainsail. The rigging (both standing and running) have been refitted, along with many other aspects on deck.
2023-2025 Refit Specifications:
- Rig
- New mast step
- Mast stripped and then painted in Interprotect 2000e and Coppercoat
- New mast sheeves
- New standing rigging
- New running rigging
- New bowsprit
- New bumpkin boards
- New lazy jacks
- Mast winches serviced
- Halyards routed to cockpit
- New Harken Ocean furler
- New jib chain plate (on the bowsprit)
- New bumpkin chain plates
- New Lehman winch handles
- Sails
- Yankee cut jib, poor but working condition
- Staysail, fair condition
- Mainsail, fair condition
- Hull
- Osmosis repair with TotalBoat epoxy
- Four coats of Interprotect 200e barrier coat
- Coppercoat
- Professionally rebuilt rudder
- New bronze rudder pintles
- New bronze rudder gudgeons
- New sea cocks
- New hull hardware
Below deck, the galley features almost entirely electronic appliances, a water maker, and a sizeable fridge. All saloon upholstry has been recently redone. Below is the list of canvas and appliances included in the recent refit.
2023-2025 Refit Specifications:
- Canvas
- New stack pack
- New saloon upholstery
- Appliances
- Airhead composting toilet
- 40quart Engel fridge/freezer
- Dometic fridge (built in)
- 4GPH Little Wonder Water Maker (runs off 15 amps of solar)
- Air frier
- Electric stove top/griddle
2023-2025 Refit Specifications:
- Diesel Maintenance and Repairs
- New motor mounts
- New exhaust elbow
- New cutless bearing
- New stern tube packing
- New diesel tank
- New oil and fuel filters
- New impeller
- New starter solenoid
- New coolant
- Oil change
- Heat exchanger cleaned
- Electrical
- New four 100-ah lithium batteries (Vatrer)
- New 80+ amp alternator
- New breaker panel
- New 3000-watt Renogy inverter
- New six 100-watt solar panels
- New battery charger (brand?)
- New 500-watt mini inverter
- New wiring (marine-grade copper-tinned)
- New Victron Bluetooth shunt
- New Victron charge controllers, one for each solar panel
- Systems
- Starlink Standard
- Anemometer
- 50-gallon fresh water capacity
- Fresh water electric pump/wash-down
- New Airmar depth sounder, knot meter and temperature reader
- Compass
- Ground Tackle
- New 45-pound Mantus anchor
- New ⅜” galvanized chain
- New ⅝” rode
- Used danforth-style anchor
- Manual windlass
- Additional Gear IncludedÂ
- New dock lines and/or anchor rode
- Fenders
- Spare lines
- Two diesel cans
- Three potable water cans
- 2.5HP Yamaha outboard
- 100-watt extra solar panel
- Spare diesel parts
- Spare 1x19 rigging
- New cabin fans
- Safety Equipment
- New jackline
- Tether and off-shore life jacket
- Heavy duty spotlight
- New flares
- Air horn
- New electric bilge pump
- Manual bilge pump
As with all vessels, there is always a to-do list. Below is the remaining outstanding tasks that will need addressed:
- Replace the VHF microphone
- Replace the anchor/tri-color light bulbs and mount
- Seal the stanchion leaks
- Seal the Dometic fridge leak
- Replace the engine shut-off cable
- Re-plumb the engine raw water intake strainer
- Fix the starboard lifeline swage piece
- Repair the engine over-heat alarm
- Install fuel and water gauges
- Replace the watermaker membrane
- Cosmetic work
Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 9/3/26 | Initial price | $39,500 |
Videos from Curtis Stokes & Associates on this 1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28
Overview from around the web 1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28
The 1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 has garnered a reputation among sailing enthusiasts for its classic design and seafaring capabilities
Here’s a summary of what customers are saying about this vessel: 1. Stability and Performance: Many owners praise the Bristol Channel Cutter 28 for its solid construction and exceptional stability. Sailors appreciate how well it handles rough seas, making it a reliable choice for both coastal cruising and longer offshore passages. 2. Timeless Design: The boat's classic lines and traditional aesthetic have won over many admirers. Customers frequently comment on its beautiful craftsmanship and attention to detail in the cabin, deck, and overall layout. 3. Comfort and Space: Despite its compact size, sailors find the interior surprisingly spacious and comfortable. The well-designed cabin provides ample room for lounging and sleeping, often exceeding expectations for a vessel of its size. 4. Ease of Handling: Owners mention that the Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is manageable for single-handed sailing, thanks to its well-placed controls and intuitive layout. This makes it an appealing option for both seasoned sailors and those new to sailing. 5. Community and Support: The Bristol Channel Cutter has a dedicated community of owners who share experiences, tips, and advice. Many customers enjoy the camaraderie and support they find within this passionate group of sailing aficionados. 6. Durability: Several testimonials highlight the boat's durable build, with many owners reporting excellent performance even after decades of use. This longevity is often seen as a testament to the quality of materials and craftsmanship. In summary, the 1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is highly regarded by its owners for its robust design, exceptional sailing performance, and comfortable living space, making it a treasured choice among classic sailing vessels.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The Bristol Channel Cutter 28, known for its classic lines and seaworthy design, offers a unique sailing experience. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of this particular model from 1978.
Pros
Seaworthy Design: The Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is celebrated for its robust construction and seaworthy performance. Its full keel and heavy displacement provide stability and confidence in various weather conditions.
Classic Aesthetics: With its traditional lines and craftsmanship, this boat exhibits timeless beauty that appeals to many sailing enthusiasts.
Spacious Interior: The layout is designed to maximize space, offering comfortable accommodations for overnight trips. It typically includes a compact galley, generous storage, and functional sleeping areas.
Easy Handling: The Cutter rig configuration allows for efficient sail handling. With a foresail and a main sail, it provides versatility and ease of use, especially for single-handed sailing.
Strong Community: Owning a Bristol Channel Cutter often means joining a passionate community of enthusiasts who share tips, resources, and stories, enhancing the ownership experience.
Cons
Limited Speed: The design prioritizes stability and comfort over speed, which may not appeal to those looking for a performance-oriented sailing experience.
Maintenance Requirements: As a boat from 1978, regular maintenance is crucial to keep it in good condition. Owners should be prepared for ongoing upkeep, especially with an older vessel.
Space Constraints: While the interior is thoughtfully designed, the overall size of the 28-foot boat may feel cramped for some, particularly during longer voyages with more than two people.
Cost of Parts: Due to its vintage status, sourcing specific parts or upgrades may be more challenging and potentially more expensive than for newer models.
Age-related Considerations: Being a 1978 model, potential buyers should be cautious and conduct thorough inspections for any signs of wear and tear, ensuring the structural integrity and overall seaworthiness of the vessel.
Made For
The 1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is perfect for a range of sailing enthusiasts. Ideal for solo sailors and couples looking for a dependable and classic cruising experience, this vessel offers a blend of tradition and practicality. With its robust design, it's well-suited for those who enjoy coastal sailing as well as longer voyages. Adventurers will appreciate the Cutter’s excellent handling characteristics and seaworthiness, making it a reliable choice for those looking to explore adventurous waters, while weekend cruisers will find its cozy interior and thoughtful layout perfect for short getaways. Whether you're an experienced mariner or a novice looking to dive into the world of sailing, the Bristol Channel Cutter 28 stands as a beloved choice for anyone seeking a reliable, timeless sailing experience.
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| Â | 1978 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $39,500 | $42,000 | $29,500 | $29,000 | $29,000 | $25,900 |
| Location | Oriental | New Bern | Roper | Washington | Wrightsville Beach | Vandemere |
| Nominal Length | 28' | 38' | 36' | 37' | 34' | 41' |
| Draft | 5' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Yanmar | Perkins | Perkins | Beta Marine | Yanmar | Perkins |
| Total Engine Power | 27 hp | 50 hp | 42 hp | 38 hp | 20 hp | 50 hp |
| Days on Market | 2 | 631 | 1150 | 405 | 77 | 22 |
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