1981 Bristol 40
$67,500
Boat in Chestertown, MD 21620 US
Built in 1981
40
1 Engine (Westerbeke)
40 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
If you are seeking a classic cruising sailboat in this size and price range, you will have a tough time finding one as gorgeous, well-maintained and upgraded as Whistler. This 1981 Bristol 40 keel/centerboard sloop is hull 130 of 149 built, and she benefits from years of continuous attention. The Bristol 40 is a well-regarded Ted Hood design, and is a carefully planned, well-constructed and sturdily built vessel that can take you anywhere in classic style. The Cruising Club of America declared the Bristol 40 to be one of the best monohull cruising vessels of all time. This boat is the perfect coastal cruiser for a couple. Notable features and upgrades include:
New sails and running rigging
Newer Raymarine electronics with radar
Dockside water-cooled heat/AC system
Electric head with freshwater flush
Centerboard keel: draft 4' board up or 7' 10" board down
Please see full listing and call broker for more details.
All exterior brightwork in excellent condition
Anchor Windlass: Lewmar windlass with foot buttons at bow and up/down control at helm
Bow roller forward with plow anchor with chain/rope rode
Canvas Bimini
Canvas Dodger
Canvas Hatch covers
Canvas Mainsail Cover
Centerboard cable replaced around 2010
Centerboard full keel with encapsulated lead ballast
Cockpit cushions
Cockpit with full lazarette storage both port and starboard
Deck: 3x polished stainless steel dorade vents
Deck: lifelines replaced 2021
Deck: transom mounted swim ladder
Hull is solid fiberglass, with Navy Blue Awlgrip paint
Lifesling
LPG locker on aft deck
Mast: steaming light / flood light
Masthead anchor and running lights
Running lights on deck are LED
Steering cables replaced around 2010
Varnished cockpit boards, hatch boards & toe rail
Varnished rub rail keeps the topsides looking good
Varnished teak hatch covers
Cabin & V-berth Heat & Air Conditioning: dockside water-cooled heat/AC – 2022
Cabin bookshelves
Cabin drawer storage under settees
Cabin floor refinished 2022
Cabin folding dining table
Cabin heater: Propane heater
Cabin salon settees double as sea berths
Cabin TV: flat screen TV
Cabinet storage lockers
Dome lights are all selectable red/white
Galley 3-burner propane stove/oven
Galley refrigerator: Isotherm water-cooled 12v DC - 2021
Galley SS sink with freshwater faucet
Head hoses upgraded in 2022
Head Shower
Head sink with vanity
Head storage lockers
Head toilet: Raritan Electric freshwater flush with control panel – 2022
Hot water - propane on-demand - 2025
Interior lights all retrofitted with LED’s
Pumps: automatic electric bilge pump (manual one out of service)
Quarter berth
V-berth drawer storage
V-berth forward cabin with filler cushion
Ventilation in main cabin: large overhead opening hatch and opening ports
Ventilation in V-berth: 2x opening window ports
Water heater: on-demand propane-fired hot water heater
Main: Bacon full batten mainsail with lazy jacks - 2023
Jib: Bacon 135% roller furling genoa – 2023
Downwind: Doyle asym sail tacks to bow
Running rigging all replaced - 2023
2x Lewmar 48 primary winches - 2007
2x Lewmar 42 secondary winches
2x Lewmar 24 cabin-top winches
Harken cabin-top traveler
2x SS horn cleats for jib sheets
VHF: fixed-station ICOM VHF with cockpit RAM mic and hailer horn for auto fog horns
Stereo with cabin & cockpit speakers
Autopilot: Raymarine wheel pilot – 2018
Radar: Raymarine wifi radar new in 2023, with radome in mast cage
MFD: Raymarine Axiom 9 at helm with Radar – GPS – AIS
Instruments: bulkhead mounted Raymarine i70’s
2,431 hours on well-maintained Westerbeke 40hp diesel
Rebuilt out of boat at 1100 hours including new engine mounts
Transmission rebuilt 2013
Three-blade fixed bronze propeller
Alternator & water pump new 2024
Dripless shaft seal
2x house batteries Group 24 new 2022
2x engine batteries Group 24 new 2023
Shore power system
Battery charger
The CPYB designation is earned by brokers who offer proven expertise, adhere to strict ethics, and stay current through continuing education. This provides a higher level of trust, competence, and service when buying or selling a yacht, ensuring a smoother, more professional transaction.
Key Benefits of Working with a CPYB:
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Comprehensive Service: They manage the entire process, from marketing and negotiation to closing and safeguarding funds.
Why It Matters for Buyers & Sellers:
Trust & Confidence: It signals you're working with a top-tier professional, reducing risk in a complex purchase or sale.
Better Outcomes: Their skills in marketing, negotiation, and process management lead to better deals and fewer complications.
Client-Focused: They are committed to long-term client satisfaction and building lasting relationships.
In essence, a CPYB provides a benchmark for excellence, ensuring you receive superior representation and service in the yacht brokerage market.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 6/28/25 | No change | $75,000 |
| 6/24/25 | Price decreased | $67,500(-10.0%) |
Videos from East Coast Yacht Sales - NJ on this 1981 Bristol 40
1981 Bristol 40 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1981 Bristol 40
Customers consistently praise the 1981 Bristol 40 for its classic design, solid construction, and exceptional sailing performance
Many highlight its spacious and comfortable interior, making it ideal for extended cruising. Owners appreciate the boat’s balanced handling and reliable rigging, noting that it performs well in a variety of wind conditions. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in the 1981 Bristol 40 are often mentioned as standout features, contributing to its reputation as a durable and timeless sailboat. Overall, sailors value the blend of traditional aesthetics with practical functionality that this model offers.
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 pros and cons associated with this model:
Pros
Sturdy Build: The Bristol 40 features a robust fiberglass hull and traditional full keel, providing excellent durability and stability in various sea conditions.
Classic Aesthetics: With its elegant lines and traditional styling, it appeals to sailors who appreciate classic yacht design.
Comfortable Interior: The interior layout offers ample space for cruising, including comfortable berths, a functional galley, and a well-designed navigation station.
Good Sailing Performance: Despite its heavy displacement, the Bristol 40 sails well, especially in moderate to heavy winds, offering a smooth and steady ride.
Solid Reputation: Known for its seaworthiness, it has a loyal following among bluewater cruisers.
Cons
Heavy Displacement: The boat's weight can make it less responsive in light wind conditions and may require more effort to handle.
Older Systems: Being a 1981 model, some of the onboard systems and equipment may be outdated and could need upgrading or maintenance.
Limited Speed: The full keel design, while stable, tends to limit top speed compared to fin keel modern cruisers.
Maintenance: Traditional wooden trim and older construction materials may require regular upkeep to maintain their condition.
Interior Layout: While comfortable, the interior may feel somewhat dated compared to more contemporary designs, with less emphasis on maximizing space efficiency.
Made For
The 1981 Bristol 40 is ideal for experienced sailors and cruising enthusiasts who appreciate classic design, solid construction, and comfortable accommodations. Its blend of traditional craftsmanship and reliable performance makes it perfect for those seeking a dependable vessel for coastal cruising or extended offshore passages. Whether you're planning leisurely weekend sails or longer adventures, the Bristol 40 offers a spacious and well-appointed interior along with sturdy handling that appeals to sailors who value both style and substance on the water.
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Address
Boat Location
Contact East Coast Yacht Sales - NJ
68 1st Ave, Suite A, Atlantic Highlands, NJ, 07716
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