1985 Bristol Channel Cutter Bristol Chanel Cutter 28

This 1985 Bristol Channel Cutter is a fiberglass cutter-rigged sailboat designed by the late Lyle Hess and built by Sam L. Morse Company in California. The 28-foot yacht features the traditional design hallmarks of the type: a spooned plumb stem, fixed long keel, transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller, and the seaworthiness derived from historic Bristol Channel pilot cutters. Power comes from a Yanmar 3YM30 diesel engine installed in 2010.

The boat accommodates one cabin with a single head. The layout includes a galley with an Origo stove and oven, fresh and sea water systems served by manual foot pumps, and a composting head. Two stainless steel water tanks totaling 72 gallons were installed in 2010. Three electric bilge pumps plus a manual backup provide redundancy, with a high water alarm included. A diesel heater and both wind and solar generation support extended cruising.

The sail plan was completely renewed in 2017 with custom sails from Port Townsend Sails: a full-batten mainsail with double reef points, a roller-furling yankee, a hank-on staysail, and a storm staysail. Supporting hardware includes a Harken MK IV roller furler, Strong Track mainsail system, lazy jacks, and Barient and Anderson winches. A new bowsprit and tiller were added in 2014, and the standing rigging was replaced in 2000.

Electronics are comprehensive: Si-Tex chartplotter, Raymarine radar, VHF with DSC and AIS, depth sounder, knot meter, and a Richie compass. Scanmar Monitor windvane self-steering and an Aqua Signal tri-color/anchor light are fitted. A Simrad TP32 tiller pilot is included but not yet installed. Deck hardware includes a Rocna 55-pound primary anchor with custom bronze roller, Danforth spare, manual windlass, and safety lines with lifeline netting. Canvas includes a Sunbrella dodger, cockpit sun awning, and hatch covers.