1965 Bristol 35.5 vs 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 — Comparison

1965 Bristol 35.5
VS
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1965 Bristol 35.51994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
General
ManufacturerBristolHallberg-Rassy
Year1965–19721994–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASweden
DesignerHalsey HerreshoffOlle Enderlein
Dimensions
LOA10.82 m (35.5 ft)8.85 m (29.0 ft)
LWL7.62 m (25.0 ft)7.70 m (25.3 ft)
Beam2.97 m (9.7 ft)3.02 m (9.9 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.50 m (4.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)
Ballast2,449 kg (5,399 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area47.4 m² (510 ft²)38.0 m² (409 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1965 Bristol 35.5
14.75
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
16.14
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1965 Bristol 35.5
41.53
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
40.54
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1965 Bristol 35.5
0.66
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1965 Bristol 35.5
28.88
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
20.16

Detailed Comparison

The 1965 Bristol 35.5 and 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1965 Bristol 35.5 is a classic design by Bristol from USA, while the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 is a 1990s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The 1965 Bristol 35.5 was penned by Halsey Herreshoff. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 was designed by Olle Enderlein.

In terms of size, the 1965 Bristol 35.5 measures 10.82m (35.5ft) overall with a beam of 2.97m, compared to the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 at 8.85m (29.0ft) with a 3.02m beam. The 1965 Bristol 35.5 is 1.97m longer than the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29. The 1965 Bristol 35.5 displaces approximately 59% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1965 Bristol 35.5 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.75 and 47.4 m² of sail area. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29, with an SA/D of 16.14 and 38.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1965 Bristol 35.5 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 28.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.66). The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 41.5% for the 1965 Bristol 35.5 and 40.5% for the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1965 Bristol 35.5 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1965 Bristol 35.5 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1965 Bristol 35.5 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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