1983 Bristol Channel Cutter 28
$79,900
Boat in Oxnard, CA 93035 US
28
1 Engine (Beta Marine)
38.2 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Your Next Adventure Awaits!
Kelsea, the 1983 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is a classic, traditionally styled cruising sailboat designed by Lyle C. Hess and built in the late 1970s through the 1980s. Kelsea was built by Sam L. Morse. The Bristol Channel Cutter is highly regarded among bluewater cruisers for its robust construction, conservative design, and proven offshore capability.
Designed for comfortable and safe long-distance cruising under sail, and built for longevity and strength. The hand-laid fiberglass hull with encapsulated ballast and solid fiberglass lay-ups, reflects a focus on strength and durability for ocean passages. Kelsea has been beautifully maintained, and is immaculate inside and out. Her owners have a long history of yacht ownership, and the true pride of ownership and meticulous care shines through. She is offshore equipped, and ready for any adventure. Kelsea's well thought out design, ease of sailing and comfort are suitable for both long distance passages, and short coastal cruises alike.
Kelsea's lines exude classic sailing style, which is furthered by her tanbark sails, beautiful brightwork, and clean hull sides. This fiberglass replica provides the aesthetic of a wooden boat, without the headache of wooden boat ownership.
Inside, the classic teak fixtures in the main cabin are accented with a bronze lantern, brass clinometer, clock and barometer. A New Dickinson Propane Heating Stove will keep chilly nights cozy. The pullout settees, private head and well designed galley provide all that's needed for comfort and ease at sea. The galley boasts a NEW gimbaled Force 10 two-burner stove.
Navigation has been made easy from the cabin with the addition of a swing mounted Furuno CP-1871F GPS/Chart plotter and Raymarine wind instruments. AIS transponder, Standard Horizon Eclipse VHF, and Raymarine Tiller Pilot are all top of the line, and ready to chart the course. The Hydrovane is a true luxury for those looking to get started on the adventure of a lifetime.
All the way forward is a chain locker / sail locker. This is followed by the enclosed forward head and workbench area. There is a centerline manual toilet under a lift seat and a pull out sink (which cleverly drains into the head) with pressure water. Next aft is the main salon with a centerline table with a fold up leaf on starboard. To port of the table is a settee with storage behind an upper pullout berth with storage and bookshelves outboard.
Aft is the galley on the port side and the chart table / navigation station on starboard. The primary electric panel is all the way aft above the engine compartment. Next to this is a hanging wet locker. Extending aft under the cockpit on starboard is a comfortable quarter berth.
There is a bulkhead mounded Weems and Plath barometer, clock and oil lamp, four cabin fans, a Newport Dickinson propane heater and a chart storage cabinet in the quarter-berth overhead. New interior cushion foam on settees and berths. Headroom is 6'2".
Kelsea also has a hot water heater in the lazarette and spray nozzle with faucet for showers in cockpit. Two water tanks 65 gal total (25gal & 40gal) combined with the Katadyn water maker offer ample fresh water aboard.
An L-shaped galley is immediately to port upon entering the cabin. A single stainless steel sink with hot and cold pressure water, freshwater manual foot pump, New Force 10 two burne range, oven and broiler, all new aluminum propane tanks and new fuel lines.
Ample storage is provided by lockers, cabinets, and shelves. Opposite the galley is a chart table with a top loading icebox underneath. The galley has additional counter top space with a special diner-style flip up countertop extender that mates to the chart table.
Beta B25 engine installed new in 2019 and is still under warranty. All mechanical systems gone through, hoses replaced, wiring renewed. Since purchased by current owner in 2021 the boat has gone through a complete cosmetic and mechanical renewal.
- Bronze three bladed Austral propeller
- Cockpit engine controls
- Engine alarm
- Fresh water cooling on engine
- Electric fuel lift pump for bleeding fuel system
- 2-1/2 gallon day tank
- Handheld fire extinguishers
- Manual head with holding tank and overboard discharge
- Tiller steering with Aries wind vane. Tiller easily removed to open up cockpit
- Additional emergency tiller
- Water-maker addition ready
- Four new seacocks.
- Furuno CP-1871F GPS/plotter/depth.
- Widelink B6000W AIS transponder with silent switch and antenna splitter
- Raymarine I60 wind instrument mounted on swing bracket
- Standard Horizon Eclipse GX1400 GPS/E VHF radio
- Raymarine Tiller Pilot with wireless remote
- Connections for iPad navigation
- USB charging ports throughout the boat
- Emergency VHF Antenna
- All wiring and circuitry renewed since 2018
- 110 volt AC and 12 volt DC systems
- Two Lifeline 120 amp hour AGM house bank batteries totaling 240 AH
- One Lifeline 120 amp hour starting battery
- Battery parallel switch
- 20 amp automatic battery charger
- Xantrex 1000 amp inverter
- ACR charging relay
- 70 Amp alternator
- Victron battery monitor
- All lights are LED
- Three anchors: S60 Spade primary with 275' Anchor 5/16" hi-test chain, 35# Bruce with 250' rode, FX-16 Fortress stern anchor
- Bronze manual windlass
- Lifelines and stanchions, spliced bowsprit foot ropes
- Stainless steel pushpit with seat on stern
- Dodger
- Cockpit awning with zip-off side curtains
- Sun awning from mast back
- Cockpit cushions
- Removable deck boxes at mast base
- Fender and mooring lines
- Coast Guard safety package
- Four PFDs
- Lifesling
- Salt water deck/anchor washdown at bow
- Hot water heater in cockpit lazarette
- Hot and cold freshwater shower in cockpit
- Aries servo pendulum self steering mounted on stern
- Tri-color masthead light, navigation and anchor lights
- Bottom painted in 2022
- New standing rigging - 2021
- Double spreader aluminum mast stepped on keel
- Rigging tuner kit
- Storm tri-sail track on mast
- Stainless mast steps to masthead
- Harken roller furling on headstay w/ new cover in 2023
- Boomvang
- Whisker pole stored up mast
- Tanbark Mainsail with 2 reef points
- Tanbark yankee jib
- Tanbark staysail
- Tanbark 110% genoa
- Storm trisail
- Two self tailing and five standard Barient bronze winches
- Drifter
Manufacturer's Description
The Bristol Channel Cutter is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a cutter rig, a spooned plumb stem, an angled transom, a keel and transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller and a fixed long keel. It displaces 14,000 lb (6,350 kg) and carries 4,600 lb (2,087 kg) of lead ballast.[1]
The hull length is 28.08 ft (8.56 m), but including the bowsprit and boomkin it is 37.75 ft (11.51 m)[1]
The boat has a draft of 4.83 ft (1.47 m) with the standard keel.[1]
The boat was originally fitted with a Japanese Yanmar diesel of 27 hp (20 kW). It was replaced in 2019 with A Beta Marine 25 hp and have just over 100 hours on it. Great for docking and maneuvering. The fuel tank holds 30 U.S. gallons (110 L; 25 imp gal).[1]
The design has sleeping accommodation for four people, with two straight settee berths and a pilot berth in the main cabin and an aft quarter berth on the starboard side. The galley is located on the port side at the companionway ladder. The galley is L-shaped and is equipped with a stove and a sink. A navigation station is opposite the galley, on the starboard side. The head is located in the bow and includes an optional shower. The fresh water tank has a capacity of 64 U.S. gallons (240 L; 53 imp gal) and the holding tank has a capacity of 15 U.S. gallons (57 L; 12 imp gal). Cabin headroom is 75 in (190 cm).[1][3][7]
The design has a hull speed of 6.9 kn (12.8 km/h).[3]
Dimensions
The hull length is 28.08 ft (8.56 m), but including the bowsprit and boomkin it is 37.75 ft (11.51 m)
The boat has a draft of 4.83 ft (1.47 m).
Tankage
Fuel: 1 x 35 gal Aluminum
Fresh Water: 2 x 65 gal Stainless Steel
Holding: 1 x 15 gal Plastic
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 4/1/26 | Initial price | $79,900 |
1983 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1983 Bristol Channel Cutter 28
Customers praise the 1983 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 for its classic design, exceptional craftsmanship, and solid construction
Many highlight its sturdy build and seaworthy reputation, making it ideal for both coastal cruising and extended offshore passages. Owners appreciate the spacious interior layout, which offers comfort and practical functionality for living aboard or longer trips. The boat's traditional aesthetic combined with reliable performance continues to attract sailors who value a timeless, dependable vessel. Overall, feedback emphasizes the Bristol Channel Cutter 28 as a well-loved, capable cruiser with enduring appeal.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1983 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is a classic cruising sailboat known for its sturdy construction and traditional design. Here are some of its key pros and cons:
Pros
Solid Build Quality: Constructed with a heavy displacement and robust fiberglass hull, the Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is designed for durability and long-term seaworthiness.
Traditional Aesthetic: The boat features a charming, classic look with a full keel and cutter rig, appealing to sailors who appreciate vintage style and craftsmanship.
Comfortable Interior: Despite its 28-foot length, the interior is thoughtfully laid out to maximize space and comfort for cruising, including ample storage and a practical galley.
Excellent Offshore Capabilities: The design prioritizes stability and safety, making it suitable for coastal cruising and offshore passages.
Easy Handling: The cutter rig allows for versatile sail configurations, which can be managed efficiently by short-handed crews.
Cons
Heavier Displacement: The sturdy build results in a heavier boat, which can mean slower speeds compared to lighter, more modern designs.
Limited Modern Amenities: Being a classic design, it may lack some of the contemporary conveniences and technologies found on newer boats.
Maintenance: Older boats like the 1983 Bristol Channel Cutter may require more frequent maintenance and updates to systems and rigging.
Interior Space Constraints: While well-designed, the interior space is naturally limited by the boat’s size, which may feel tight for extended cruising or multiple crew members.
Performance in Light Winds: The heavy displacement and full keel can result in less responsiveness and slower performance in light wind conditions.
Made For
The 1983 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is ideal for sailors seeking a sturdy, classic cruiser with exceptional seaworthiness. Perfect for those who appreciate traditional design and quality craftsmanship, this boat is well-suited for coastal cruising, weekend adventures, and extended offshore passages. Its manageable size and reliable construction make it a great choice for both experienced sailors and dedicated enthusiasts looking for a dependable vessel that combines comfort and performance.
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Address
Boat Location
Contact Seacoast Yachts- Channel Islands about 1983 Bristol Channel Cutter 28
2950 S. Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA, 93035
Contact Seacoast Yachts- Channel Islands
2950 S. Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA, 93035





















































































