A Rare Find: Vintage 1973 Bristol Trawler

69,000.00
[email protected]

Posted by Dave & Pia Niewoonder

Image of A Rare Find: Vintage 1973 Bristol Trawler

Traveler” is wonderful boat for the Great Loop. After living aboard her for over 5 years, she has proven to be truly comfortable, reliable, functional, and extremely economical to operate. Don’t let her age deter your interest. Pre-1980 fiberglass is outrageously durable, and simple mechanical and electrical systems are easy to maintain. Ask any looper: durability and simplicity are huge advantages on the loop. Her single Caterpillar naturally aspirated 3160 V8 diesel burns less than 3 gallons per hour and pushes her heavy duty hull at a steady 7 knots. The engine and fuel systems have been religiously maintained, and 300 gallons of diesel tankage gives her outrageous range. The full keel protects her prop, and her large rudder makes her easy to steer. Dual helm stations make for safe, comfortable piloting in any weather. Raymarine radar, chart plotter and Class A AIS are fully functional, and are Wi-Fi compatible with Aquamap running on a laptop, tablet or smartphone. Simrad autopilot is simple and reliable. Onan 6.5K diesel generator provides steady, reliable power when you’re anchored out, and the oversized Lofgren electric windlass makes those excursions easy. The included AVON RIB dingy with a new Yamaha 6 hp outboard will carry you back and forth from the secluded beaches, and the custom dinghy davit hoist makes loading and unloading a breeze. Cabin interior is light and roomy, with large windows, teak cabinetry, and new, machine washable custom upholstery. Aft cabin features a full bed and extensive storage; aft head includes a full size shower with great water pressure. Bow berth features two extra long single bunks with huge storage lockers underneath, and a private en suite head. We’ve made too many improvements to list, but here are the highlights from the last few years: complete resurface of hull bottom (January, 2024), new galley appliances, all new canvas, two new AC/heat pump units, custom upholstery, 2 new ~75 gallon water tanks, new composite swim platform, new Raymarine radar, new dual station VHS radio, new Magnum pure sine wave inverter with remote control, new Sandvik exterior deck shower (great for dog washing), and lots more you’ll need to see to appreciate. She also includes a full complement of lines and fenders, a huge collection of spare parts, tools, paint, and other supplies, as well as all the original documentation for all of her systems and components. You can even see the original sales brochure and delivery invoice. Come walk her decks and take her for a ride—she’s a truly special boat.

Additional information: Traveler is currently wrapped and stored for the winter. We’ll have her ready to show in May of ‘26 anywhere between Baltimore and Norfolk. Happy to answer questions between now and then.
Pricing notes: While Traveler is special, she’s not new. If your survey reveals issues, we’ll negotiate reasonably.
Condition: She needs some paint, but we love her anyway. Let us know what you think.

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A Rare Find: Vintage 1973 Bristol Trawler

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