Bristol 40 vs Ocean 40
How do the Bristol 40 and Ocean 40 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Bristol 40 | Bristol 40 | Ocean 40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 40.2 ft12.25 m | 40.0 ft12.19 m |
| Waterline length | 27.5 ft8.39 m | 31.8 ft9.70 m |
| Beam | 10.8 ft3.29 m | 12.8 ft3.89 m |
| Draft | 5.4 ft1.65 m | 7.0 ft2.13 m |
| Displacement | 17,580 lb7,974 kg | 19,000 lb8,618 kg |
| Ballast | 6,500 lb2,948 kg | 9,100 lb4,128 kg |
| Sail area | 648 ft²60.2 m² | 769 ft²71.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.33 | 17.28 |
| Displacement / Length | 376 | 263 |
| Comfort ratio | 36.4 | 28.9 |
| Capsize screening | 1.66 | 1.91 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 7.0 | 7.6 |
Bristol 40 vs Ocean 40: the short version
- The Bristol 40 and Ocean 40 are close in length (40.2 ft12.25 m vs 40.0 ft12.19 m ).
- The Ocean 40 is heavier, displacing about 8% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Ocean 40 carries the more powerful rig (17.3 vs 15.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Bristol 40 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Bristol 40 rates better for offshore work (1.66 vs 1.91).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.