Sailboat on calm water, 1981 Bristol 40 model, aerial view.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat with solar panels on calm water.

Aerial view of 1981 Bristol 40 sailboat with solar panels on green water.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat on calm water, featuring a sleek design and tan sails.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat anchored on calm water under clear skies.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat on calm water, clear sky, marina in background.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat on calm water with cityscape background.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat with solar panels on calm water, cityscape in background.

Sailboat on water, 1981 Bristol 40, with solar panels, near a bridge and marina.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat on calm water with trees and boats in the background.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat on calm water near a bridge.

Sailboat on open water, 1981 Bristol 40 model, cruising under clear skies.

Aerial view of 1981 Bristol 40 sailboat navigating through green ocean waters.

Sailboat cruising on open water, Bristol 40 model, 1981.

Sailboat cruising near a scenic waterfront cityscape with historic architecture and a distant bridge.

Interior of 1981 Bristol 40 sailboat with red seating and wooden accents.

Interior of a 1981 Bristol 40 sailboat with wood accents and a compact kitchen.

Interior of 1981 Bristol 40 sailboat with red seating, wooden accents, and nautical decor.

Interior of a 1981 Bristol 40 sailboat, featuring wood accents and cozy seating.

Interior of a 1981 Bristol 40 sailboat with red seating and decorative pillows.

1981 Bristol 40 yacht interior with wooden cabinetry, red seating, and nautical decor.

Interior of a 1981 Bristol 40 sailboat kitchen with wood accents and appliances.

Interior of a 1981 Bristol 40 sailboat, featuring wooden cabinetry and a cozy sleeping area.

1981 Bristol 40 yacht interior with wooden cabinetry, stove, and sink in the galley area.

1981 Bristol 40 yacht interior with wood paneling, red seating, and a compact stove.

Compact 1981 Bristol 40 boat bathroom with wooden cabinets and modern fixtures.

1981 Bristol 40 yacht bathroom with wooden accents, vessel sink, and decorative pebbles.

Interior of 1981 Bristol 40 sailboat with red seating and decorative pillows.

Interior of a 1981 Bristol 40 sailboat with red seating and wooden cabinets.

1981 Bristol 40 yacht interior with cozy wooden cabin and bed.

Cozy cabin interior of 1981 Bristol 40 sailboat with wooden paneling and bedding.

1981 Bristol 40 yacht interior with communication equipment and wooden cabinetry.

Sailing on a 1981 Bristol 40 yacht, calm waters, clear sky, and distant shoreline.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat deck with tan sail cover, docked on calm water under blue sky.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat deck with brown sail cover, sailing on calm waters.

Bow view of 1981 Bristol 40 sailboat on a calm river with bridge in background.

Sailing on a 1981 Bristol 40 yacht with tan sails and clear skies.

Sailboat on open water, Bristol 40 model, 1981, with clear blue sky.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat with tan canvas covers on a calm sea.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat on calm waters with clear skies.

Mast of 1981 Bristol 40 sailboat against a clear blue sky.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat on calm waters with tan sails and clear sky.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat on calm water, featuring tan sails and clear sky.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat deck view with mast, sails, and scenic waterway.

1981 Bristol 40 sailboat cockpit with canopy, featuring wooden trim and nautical equipment.

1981 Bristol 40

Name: 1981 Bristol 40
Brand: Bristol
Price: 59500 USD
Availability: InStock

| 42'

Charleston, SC 29401

$59,500

$10,000

Engine

Westerbeke

Total Power

Engine Hours

2040

Class

Cruisers

Length

42ft

Year

1981

Model

Capacity

Boat Trader Overview

This cruiser sail boat is available for sale at $59,500. Built in 1981, this vessel is 42ft in length overall with a Westerbeke inboard. A used Bristol 40 built in 1981 is perfect for a variety of water activities. This vessel is located in Charleston, SC 29401.

Boat Details

Description

1981 Bristol 40 “Blue Heeler” – Classic Offshore Cruiser, Upgraded & Surveyed
Lux Yachts is proud to present the 1981 Bristol 40 “Blue Heeler”, a Ted Hood-designed bluewater cruiser renowned for its timeless lines and offshore capabilities. This vessel has been extensively upgraded in 2024 and recently surveyed with commendable results, offering a turnkey opportunity for discerning sailors.

Bristol Yachts Heritage
Founded in 1964 by Clinton Pearson, Bristol Yachts quickly established a reputation for producing high-quality fiberglass sailboats that combined traditional aesthetics with robust construction. Located in Bristol, Rhode Island, the company was instrumental in popularizing fiberglass hulls in the American sailing industry. Over its operational years, Bristol Yachts produced over 4,400 vessels, many of which remain cherished by sailors today.

Bristol 40 Design Excellence
The Bristol 40, introduced in 1970, was designed by renowned naval architect Ted Hood as a racer-cruiser. Built until 1986, with 149 units produced, the Bristol 40 is celebrated for its elegant overhangs, sweet sheer line, and seaworthy performance. Its modified long keel with a cutaway forefoot and keel-mounted rudder offers excellent tracking and stability, making it suitable for both coastal cruising and offshore passages.

2024 Upgrades & Survey Highlights
Engine & Mechanical:
Westerbeke 40HP diesel engine with 2,043 verified hours.
New alternator, water pump, impeller, coolant tank, hoses, starter, and fresh water pump.
New Jabsco manual head installed.
Sails & Rigging:
New Precision Sails partially battened mainsail and 130% Genoa.
All running rigging replaced.

Electronics:
Raymarine Axiom Pro 12" Chartplotter.
Raymarine i60 Instrument Displays.
Standard Horizon GX1410B VHF Radio.
Power Systems:
390W Renogy solar array.
Renogy 3000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger.
Two Renogy LiFePO4 house batteries and a West Marine AGM starting battery.
Survey Findings:
Hull and deck are structurally sound with no soft spots or delamination.
Minor cosmetic gelcoat cracking typical for the vessel's age.
Overall rating: Average Condition.

Specifications
Length Overall (LOA): 40’2”
Beam: 10’10”
Draft: 5'8” (full keel)
Displacement: 17,580 lbs
Ballast: 6,500 lbs (lead)
Sail Area: 780 sq ft
Fuel Capacity:30 gallons
Water Capacity: 130 gallons

Interior Highlights
Traditional solid teak cabinetry and joinery in excellent condition.
Sleeping accommodations for six, including a forward V-berth, salon settees, and a quarter berth.
Upgraded Force 10 LPG galley stove and Sea Frost refrigeration.
Newly installed manual Jabsco head.
Dometic reverse cycle air conditioning.
The 1981 Bristol 40 “Blue Heeler” combines classic design, proven offshore capabilities, and modern upgrades, making it an exceptional choice for sailors seeking a vessel ready for immediate adventures.

Measurements

Dimensions

Nominal Length:42ft

Length Overall:40.17ft

Beam:10.83ft

Propulsion

Engine Make:Westerbeke

Engine Model:null

Engine Hours:2040

Engine Type:inboard

Fuel Type:diesel

More Details

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.