Bristol 38.8

Overview

The Bristol 38.8 bridges the gap between the widely-known Bristol 35.5 and the larger 41.1, offering the same Ted Hood–era build quality in a more capable offshore package. With only approximately 82 hulls built over a 14-year production run, it is one of the rarer Bristol models - and consequently one of the most sought-after by buyers who know the marque. The centerboard configuration was the only option offered, giving the 38.8 flexibility between a board-up draft of 4 ft 6 in for coastal anchoring and a board-down draft of over 10 feet for windward performance offshore.

Bristol’s approach is consistent across all Hood-era models: overbuilt solid fibreglass hull, hand-laid teak joinery, Lewmar winches, Edson steering - a construction standard that has produced boats still in excellent condition four decades after launch.

Construction

The hull is solid hand-laid fibreglass; the deck is balsa-cored. Encapsulated lead ballast of 9,000 lbs gives a ballast ratio of 47% - generous even by offshore standards and the source of the 38.8’s notable stiffness. The hull-to-deck joint follows the same flanged-and-through-bolted method as the 35.5, with a teak toerail adding a further structural bond at the rail. Headroom in the main salon exceeds 6 ft 4 in - significant for a 38-footer.

Under Sail

Performance characteristics follow the Bristol pattern: heavy, sea-kindly, and most comfortable from 12 knots upward. The high wetted surface area of the long keel chord makes light-air progress slow, but the boat tracks exceptionally well and avoids the hobby-horsing in chop that plagues lighter fin-keel designs at this displacement. The Capsize Screening Ratio of 1.81 sits well within Category B offshore limits, and the Comfort Ratio of 32.6 reflects a noticeably settled motion at sea.

Ocean Racing Record

Ardent finished the Marion-Bermuda Race in 2019 and 2025.

Buyers Notes

Rare boat; allow time to find a well-maintained example and use a Bristol-familiar surveyor.

The same four problem areas as the 35.5 apply: balsa deck core moisture intrusion, centerboard pennant wear, aluminium tank corrosion, and mast-step water pooling. The centerboard pennant (stainless steel cable) is the most time-sensitive item - wear is gradual and failure risks the board dropping without warning. Engine access is tight. The Chesapeake Bristol Club maintains archives for this model including original wiring diagrams and brochures.