Bristol Pilot Cutter 40ft ( Replica Bristol-Built, Immense Potential)

Hello there. Here we have my BPC replica, built in Bristol as a 7/8 version of Marguerite. I bought it as a known project and, having done extensive research into the hull form and overall design, I was hooked . After all, I was to travel the world via sail, what better way? Https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol_Channel_Pilot_CutterMy faves :- The design has been described as the best sailing boat design ever,[1] for being both high speed, highly manoeuvrable and yet easy to handle by just two crew.

That they fulfilled their function admirably may be guessed when I say that I could find no record of one of those ships being lost through stress of weather. Remember we are speaking of the Bristol Channel in winter. One yachtsman I knew used to take off his hat and keep a moment’s silence if anyone mentioned cruising this area in his presence. The gesture was not meant as a joke.I digress, lets get to what's included and sizing:- 'Golden Pearl of Pill' is name at present. Length 40ft / 12m beam 10.1ft / 3.06m draft 6.3ft/ 1.92m All internal measurements are to hull material at head height.

Saloon 4 x 3.03m / 13ft x 9.94ftfwd cabin 2.82 x 3.03m / 9.94 x 9.25ftchain locker .97m / 3.2ftcockpit 2.3 x 1.79m / 6.66 x 5.9ftcockpit to stern 1.58m / 5.2ftNew ENTIRE deck- beams/ deck itself, and doghouse. Ply/ Grp Perkins 4107 (told actually now 4108 but?)New unused Hurth gearboxNew unused stainless shaft and cutlass bearing (outer) in bronzeYou can spin the shaft with a light twist, very well aligned.Triple bronze prop (nut/ key), somewhere near 16" I thinkNew unused manual shift/ throttle and cables " " fuel tank/lines and filters" " exhaust" " eberspacher exhaustvarious other unused/ 'new' items in the engine bay vicinity. By which I mean that they've been fitted, engine cracked up and tested but that's it. So, secondhand only by the fitment, and a small while running up. Electric/ manual winchBaby blake toilet........a classic 44' main mast25' boom16' gaff15' bowspritVarious mast/pole fitments cables etc.

NO rigging/sails Plastimo Atlantic (sorta plumbed when bought, works fine)Eberspacher 24v DL1 (think model?) untested New fuel tank (approx 30litres in there!)New exhaustNew Eberspacher exhaust/ outletEberspacher DL1 (think) 24v unfitted/ untested but was told workedLaminated hardwood tiller arm240v panel fitted, working stainless rope stays various fittings/ bitsSmall ships registered, ( time-elapsed)This may be a touch prolonged, so settle in please.Ok, bought with every intention of using it to go around the world. Was looking for a reasonable-cost way of doing so, wind power seemed to fit the bill. I researched all hull forms and hit upon the Bristol pilot, as it was built for the harshest seas, yet had to be both fast, and safe. After all, twas a race out to a ship, only for the captain to literally jump-ship (hence " pilot"), in order to earn his money. Picture a bunch of guys, all in Bristol pilots, awaiting a large ship, in order to jump onboard and bring into harbour safely.

The poor lad, was left to singlehandedly sail back to port ! So, single handed at this particular length- yesProven fast/ eternally safe hull form- yesImmense strength, gaining in until 60 yrs old, then static- yesI point you toward Colin Brookes book ( who was a prolific designer/ manufacturer in England in 60's) mainly, yet still builds. One of 3 big companies producing ferro boats in UK then. He now lives over in N.Zealand, which has an outright respect for this boatbuilding process. ONLY !

I mean only given a bad name by home builders, trying to cut corners. Yes, if you use salt impregnated sand, it'll rot. If you use chicken wire, not mesh layers, it'll fall apart, etc etc. This book alone, will teach you just how fantastic this process is. The very 1st- a dinghy in france, built 1850-ish, is still alive and well.

As are the container ships sunk for a breakwater in USA, as are numerous (sunken to hide) boats/ ships from war era. Etc etc. In fact, if built properly, they have an enormous lifespan. Many brought back from holed/sunken hunks. This indeed was built properly, it was built in Bristol area ( as should be) by a well known builder.

My apologies, locals know more about my boat history than I. Was on the water for approx 20 years prior to my purchase. Previous owner then fitted an entire new deck/ beams etc. If you moved it within its yard, it could be kept here in Ponsanooth until it goes to water.. It HAS to be removed from its current location within 1 month. I also need a few days to remove my bits .

There cannot be, any removal of items within the vessel, until the entirety is moved. That is the one incontestable 'rule' enforced on this sale. No matter the reasoning, this MUST be kept to. I include this in the ad, as to be 'official '. Also, up until I remove my items, the storage will be paid by myself ( 1 MONTH).

Yet still, I direct you to the aforementioned. The new ' owner', up until the removal point, may only enter the boat with myself present. I remain owner, yet not responsible for propping. This is to ensure that it isn't bought merely for its contents, which lets face it, I could remove if money were the only object.It isn't of course. This is a sale of a dream, my dream to see the world.

The dream remains, the vehicle of choice has changed. Money WILL be lost in this sale, but the point is, to have another Bristol pilot (replica) on the water. Of which only 18 originals exist. One that will not need attention to it's hull every year. I owned on a 40's carvel planked boat for years, I loved that boat.

I am in no way against wooden vessels. Currently there's an original for sale @ £165,000. ! I've done nothing to it, bar turn saloon section into wood workshop for a couple of projects. Oh yes ! There are bits to repair on hull;- keel at stern (3 or so rods/ replaster)I made more 'honest', the issues I saw when purchasing.

Despite being promised all was well. Couple of void areas stern gland area Bow knockstbd skin fitting holeWhatever you think, however you feel about these small items, it's been afloat for decades with most of them present. I questioned with another boater, we said 5-7ish days of repair for someone who had a fair idea, and was capable with hands. If only bought as a liveaboard (yes, a fantastic life), .....cheap as chips ! No pretty repairs- fill small holes and throw in.

I lose..........you win.Advertising fee / final value fee to be paid upon auction end only. ON DRY LAND.......2 MILES TO WATER= Crane & truck 1 MONTH TO REMOVE FROM CURRENT LOCATION Located Ponsanooth, Cornwall TR3 7SQ -ish. Buy yourself many lifetimes worth of UK sailing design, buy yourself: a dream.