Help Identifying Center Cockpit Ketch

[Foreverunstopab]

Hello everyone. I'm a bit stumped. I think I've found my new home but cant seem to find any information on her. The owner says its a 1974-75 Bristol 40 ft or so with a full keel, center cockpit, ketch rigged with kutter head sails, walk through aft cabin. Documentation shows Net 20 with a 9ft draft, so I know that's a little off. I'd like to find out more information on her. I've searched up and down on the internet for Bristol with no hits on the layout. Any ideas? Here are the pictures I have.

[Foreverunstopab]

Anyone?

[Rhosyn Mor]

I will be very very surprised if thats a Bristol 40, looks home made, maybe a bolger, whose the maker on the registration?

[Vasco]

Sure looks home-built. What sort of hull/deck joint does it have?

[Foreverunstopab]

The registration says Bristol and there is a Bristol engraved electronics panel in the main salon. I am beginning to think it may not be a Bristol either. Have you seen a boat of this design? She has a reverse transom as well.

[Foreverunstopab]

I'm not to sure on the hull deck joint. She only has the one hatch in the V Birth, then the aft companion way and forward companion way from the cockpit.

[Rhosyn Mor]

if that boats registration and documents say its made by Bristol I would run away, run away from it as quickly as you can........ there is no way that is a bristol 40.....
its going t ohave no resale value and is of unknown heritage....... it sure looks like a Bolger design though... maybe a larger Badger type... if the registration is federal then you should also be able to get an abstract of title which will give you all the details, pas owners etc, if tis a state reg, you are SOl, but I would stay as far away from that boat as I could... Unless you could pick it up VERY cheaply - say under 16K and you are not plannig on cruising foreign waters, and you dont plan on a resale

[Stevens 47]

See the photos. Designer Eldredge-McInnis

[fred]

Get the hull ID # off the upper starboard corner of the transom.
Run it thru the various boat history ID agencies.
CG as well.

I agree it's a TC440...nice.

Get positive ID info anyway... your insurance company will want it.

fred

[Foreverunstopab]

I will look for a HIN. She is CG Documented so that at least a relief. The price is right. I'll post with more information.

I've searched and can not find any information on the Bristol TC440.

Fred or Stevens 47, can you please post more information on the TC440? Any sailing experience on them or links to history, hull design, layout ect? Anything would be greatly appreciated!

[fred]

Google the designers......Eldredge-McInnis....

I got 6000 hits !!!!!!

What are the last 2 numbers on the HIN? Should be the year....

Good luck...

fred

[Stevens 47]

I had a look in my Boatwatch a Master Guide to Sailboats of the World. The boat I believe is on page 61, it is also known as a Bristol SeaLion 40.

Her are some specs that i got of the web.

It seams to known as a motor-sailor. The ballast to displacement has me a bit worried. Sorry I do not have any direct sailing experience of this boat.

Builder/Designer
Builder: BristolDimensions
LOA: 40'LWL: 33' 4"Beam: 12' 6"Displacement: 26000 LbsDraft: 5' 2"Ballast: 5000 Lbs LeadEngines
Engine(s): PerkinsEngine(s) HP: 85Engine Model: 4-236Cruising Speed: 8 ktsTankage
Fuel: 108 GallonsWater: 150 Gallons ( 2 Tanks)

[Foreverunstopab]

Stevens47 I'm a bit confused, the first post said it was a TC440, then the other a SeaLion 40. After looking at more pictures from your first post this is the exact boat, layout and all.

Do you have a link to the ad for sale on yachtworld? I would assume it has the exact specifications. Thanks!









I take it the boat I intend to purchase is the TC440. Ill be there again next week and will get the hin number.

[fred]

If you're using a broker call them, they will have the HIN on record.
If it's private call the PO and get the #.....

That is the best way to ID the boat. Don't wait.
There are clones of almost every boat out there.

If they are resistant, tell them it's to get an insurance or loan quote.

If neither will give up the number, it's time to ......

Be cautious.

fred

[Foreverunstopab]

Ok I have the HIN BTY440111073

Bristol 440 #11 Built 1973

Ill call the Coast Guard Monday and get the scoop.