Down The Ways: Bristol Channel Cutter

From the board of Lyle Hess comes this intriguing 28' Bristol Channel Cutter which reflects the designer's admiration for the traditional 19th century English cutters. The pedigree of these craft may be seen in this new version and also in her 24' predecessor, best known through the outstanding racing record of Renegade and through the literary contributions of Lin and Larry Pardey, world cruisers on Seraffyn.

Characterized by considerable beam carried well throughout, firm bilges, full keel and heavy displacement, she has the load-carrying ability a cruiser needs, and an easy motion at sea.

The Bristol Channel Cutter embodies the same qualities for which the Pardeys chose Seraffyn, but with room to spare. Important considerations were the ability to carry a hard sailing dinghy on deck in a safe place amidships, the capability of being handled alone under the worst conditions, minimal maintenance, and of a size small enough to be affordable, yet roomy enough to provide a home for two.

Her stout hull is of hand-laid fiberglass, and deck and cabin trunk are one-piece plywood-core fiberglass. Generous beam allows wide, workable deck areas and a large self-bailing cockpit. Her bulwarks are 7" high.

An innovative feature of the Bristol Channel Cutter is her retractable bowsprit. Secured to the bitts with a tapered hardwood fid, the bowsprit may be driven forward to tighten the head-stay. By removing the fid, the sprit may be released and taken inboard, which is an obvious advantage in marinas where dockage is charged by overall length! A jib downhaul facilitates dousing the jib without crawling out on the bowsprit, and roller-furling is optional. Lazy jacks are provided for the mainsail.

The suggested layout below is simple, workable, and uncluttered. In the main cabin, a dinette to port converts to a double berth. Opposite is a large galley and enclosed head. A chart table with ample storage for instruments is provided to port, and a wide quarter berth opposite will absorb an extra hand. A wood-burning heat stove warms the main cabin.

The enclosed forward cabin has a generous V-berth and two vast hanging lockers on either side. A convenient booby hatch with two ports provides light, ventilation and access to deck.

The Bristol Channel Cutter is offered in several stages of completion, thus the owner may participate in her construction to whatever degree he is inclined. Alternate interior plans are available.

For more information write Sam L Morse Co., 1626 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627.