1997 Bristol Channel Cutter 28

$69,900

Used

Boat in Santa Cruz, CA 95060 US

builtBuilt in 1997
Year the boat was built
model

28

Boat model
engine

1 Engine (Yanmar)

Engine type and count
length

28 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Diesel

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Nominal Length
28ft
Length Overall
37.75ft
Length at Waterline
26.25ft
Length on Deck
28.08ft
Beam
10.08ft
Max Draft
4.83ft
Drive Up Draft
4.83ft
Displacement
14000lb
Ballast
4600lb
Cruising Speed
6kn
Range
350nmi
Fresh Water Tanks
70gal
Fuel Tanks
32gal
Holding Tanks
16gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Hull Shape
displacement
Engine 1
Engine Make
Yanmar
Engine Model
3GM30F
Total Power
27hp
Engine Hours
250
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Engine Year
1997
Drive Type
direct
Propeller Type
3-blade
Disclaimer

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.

Accommodations

Entering thru the main companionway, the galley is to port and a top loading ice box to starboard. There is very generous engine access behind the easy-to-lift-out ladder.  Amidships, there are port and starboard settees, with a pilot berth to port that makes into a double. Forward of the mast is the head and storage.     

Galley

2-burner Seaward gimballed propane range

Manual fresh water system

Single sink

Force 10 propane heater

Electronics and Navigation

Windex wind direction

Raymarine speed and distance logs

Raymarine ST 60+ depth sounder

Raymarine autopilot

Ritchie compass

Garmin chart plotter

Standard Horizon Matrix VHF with AIS

West Marine hand-held VHF radio

Electrical

12V DC

(2) AGM batteries (92 amp hrs each) - 2024

Battery parallel switch

Portable battery charger

Deck

35-lb CQR anchor with 200’ 5/16” chain

25-lb CQR anchor with 30’ 5/16” chain and 150’ 5/8” nylon rode

Simpson Lawrence Hyspeed manual windlass

Covers for all hatches and coamings

9’ inflatable dinghy

Anchor and steaming lights

Running lights

Tricolor light

Lifelines and stanchions

Boarding gates

Dock lines and fenders

Radar reflector

Windex 

Hull

Actual LOA: 37’9”

Last bottom paint – July 2025

Sails and Rigging

9/32” Type 316 SS Wire standing rigging - 2012

Aluminum keel-stepped mast

318 Harken roller furling on headsail

Winches:

 (2) Lewmar #30 self-tailing primary winches

 (2) Meissner winches on cabin top

 (3) Meissner winches on mast

 (1) Meissner winch on boom

Sails:

 Main – 253 sq ft

 Staysail – 123 sq ft

 Yankee jib – 230 sq ft

 Jib top – 297 sq ft

All sails are Doyle - 2013

Engine and Mechanical

3-blade prop

Extra propeller

Racor 500 fuel filter

Raw water sea strainer

Stove and engine fuel shut-off valves

Cockpit engine controls

Manual engine fire extinguishing

(1) manual and (1) electric bilge pump

Manual tiller steering

Manual head with overboard discharge

16-gal plastic holding tank

Safety

(6) life jackets

(2) fire extinguishers

Flares

Horn

LifeSling

Additional Information

TARDIS is a 1997/2011 Bristol Channel Cutter, #109 as built by Sam Morse in Costa Mesa, California. The boat was originally sold as a kit with the three main bulkheads factory installed, plywood floor and engine pan. The engine was on a pallet bolted to the floor. Most hardware was supplied by the factory including chain plates, rudder fittings, bowsprit and boomkin fittings and opening ports.  

 

The first owner was in Colorado and installed rubrails, built the rudder, built but did not install the boomkin and bowsprit. He also epoxy coated the bottom.

 

In August 2006 the boat sold to Ames Point Boat Works in Wisconsin. They did not continue any work but hoped to sell it to a buyer who would have them finish it.  

 

In December of 2009, the current owner bought it and brought it to Santa Cruz, CA. He finished the interior woodwork, installed the hardware, did the engine installation, and completed most of the work by 2011. The Ballenger mast and 316 rigging were new in 2012 and the Doyle sails were new in 2013. The current owner’s workmanship is excellent, rivalling the Sam Morse craftsmanship.

Exclusions

All seller’s personal effects on board are excluded from the sale of this vessel.

Price History

DateEventPrice
2/20/26Initial price$69,900

Overview from around the web 1997 Bristol Channel Cutter 28

Customers praising the 1997 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 often highlight its exceptional craftsmanship and robust build quality, noting that the boat’s sturdy construction inspires confidence in challenging sea conditions

Many owners appreciate the classic, timeless design combined with practical features that make it suitable for extended cruising. The spacious and comfortable interior layout receives frequent compliments, as does the boat’s excellent sailing performance, especially in heavy weather. Reviewers also mention the ease of handling and the thoughtful attention to detail throughout the vessel. Overall, the 1997 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is celebrated for its reliability, seaworthiness, and enduring appeal among cruising enthusiasts.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1997 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is a beloved classic among cruising sailors, known for its sturdy construction and traditional design. Here are some of the pros and cons of this model:

Pros

Solid Build Quality: Crafted with attention to detail, the Bristol Channel Cutter 28 features a robust fiberglass hull and heavy-duty construction, making it well-suited for offshore cruising.

Seaworthy Design: Its full keel and heavy displacement provide excellent stability and a comfortable motion in rough seas.

Classic Aesthetic: The traditional lines and cutter rig give the boat timeless appeal and efficient sail handling options.

Spacious Interior: Despite its 28-foot length, the interior is thoughtfully laid out to maximize living space, offering comfortable accommodations for extended trips.

Proven Offshore Capability: Many sailors have successfully completed long passages on this model, testifying to its reliability and durability.

Cons

Moderate Speed: The heavy displacement and full keel design mean the Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is not a fast boat, especially in light wind conditions.

Limited Maneuverability: The full keel, while great for tracking and stability, can make tight maneuvering in marinas a bit challenging.

Older Systems: As a 1997 model, some onboard systems and equipment may be outdated and could require upgrades or maintenance.

Interior Headroom: While spacious for its size, the cabin headroom may feel somewhat limited for taller individuals.

Made For

The 1997 Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is ideal for sailors seeking a sturdy, classic-style cruising sailboat that combines traditional design with reliable performance. It is perfect for those who appreciate a well-crafted vessel capable of handling coastal cruising and longer voyages with confidence and comfort. Whether you're an experienced sailor looking for a dependable offshore cruiser or a dedicated weekend adventurer wanting a boat with charm and seaworthiness, the Bristol Channel Cutter 28 offers a balanced blend of durability, safety, and timeless appeal.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1997 Bristol Channel Cutter 28. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Sail Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Bristol Channel Cutter cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$793.34/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 69,900
OR
%

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1997 Bristol Channel Cutter 28. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Sail Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Bristol Channel Cutter cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$793.34/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 69,900
OR
%

Contact Yachtfinders Windseakers

2330 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 207, San Diego, CA, 92106

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Suite 207
San Diego, CA 92106

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