1985 Bristol 31.1 Keel Center Board

$28,500

Used

Boat in Oriental, NC 28571 US

builtBuilt in 1985
Year the boat was built
model

31.1 Keel Center Board

Boat model
engine

1 Engine (Universal)

Engine type and count
length

31.1 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Diesel

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Nominal Length
31.08ft
Length Overall
31ft
Length at Waterline
24.75ft
Beam
10.17ft
Max Draft
7ft
Drive Up Draft
3.5ft
Displacement
11200lb
Ballast
4500lb
Fresh Water Tanks
65gal
Fuel Tanks
18gal
Holding Tanks
18gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Engine 1
Engine Make
Universal
Engine Model
3 Cylinder (Fresh Water Cooled)
Total Power
24hp
Fuel Type
diesel
Accommodations

All interiors are in bright varnished teak

Sole is teak and holly

From forward: Vee berth with storage under and (optional) lockers over; 5'' deep berth cushions. Overhead Bomar Hatch. Hanging locker. Access to Head/shower from Vee berth and salon. Next aft the main salon features settees to port and starboard with lockers and shelves outboard. Large aft facing nav table on starboard. There is a centerline dropleaf table with a wine bottle and silverware storage. Approximate seating for up to 7. Ventilation is very adequate from the Bomar opening ports and the overhead hatch. To port is a galley with 3 3-burner propane stove/oven with more teak cabinetry. Aft is a stainless-steel sink (Hot and Cold pressure water) and more storage. Ice box under the Nav table.

  • Headroom 6'6"
Galley

At the aft end of the salon on the starboard side, adjacent to the companionway. Ample storage and facilities for meal preparation at dockside or underway.

  • S/S 3-burner stove with oven
  • Hot and Cold pressure water
  • 2 Propane tanks
  • Electric solenoid propane control
  • S/S Sink
  • Large icebox
Electronics and Instruments

Fully instrumented.

5" Ritchie binnacle-mounted compass with Chrome cover on Edson Panel.

  • Autohelm 6000 with remote
  • Standard Horizon
  • Depth
  • Speed
  • Wind
  • VHF radio
Electrical

12 Volt and 110 Volt systems through Breaker panels

  • 12 Volt system from 3 Batteries
  • 2 Gel 1 Start battery
  • Heart 2000 R system
  • Freedom 10 Battery Charger
  • Batt Max battery combiner
  • 125 High-output alternators
  • 12 Volt propane solenoid
  • Galvanic Isolator
  • 110-volt Shore power (Two GFI outlets)
  • 6-gal Hot Water Heater
  • CD Stereo player
Sails and Rigging

Aluminum spars stepped on keel with S/S wire rigging comprising cap shrouds over single spreaders and double lower shrouds. Roller furling on headstay; rigid vang to boom. Gross/Fine-tune on mainsheet.

  • Harken Roller Furling Genoa
  • Quantum 100% Jib
  • Hood 130% Genoa
  • Hood Mainsail
  • Stayset X Halyards
  • Aluminum Spars
  • Hall rigid Boom Vang
Deck Equipment

Traditional Bristol style on deck with a featured 4" high toerail. Large cleats fore and aft as well as midships; double lifelines on S/S stanchions with gates port and starboard.

Bomar hatches over the forepeak and main salon with opening ports in the cabin trunk.

Keel centerboard operated through an SS wire pendant (as of 1997) to a winch on the cabin top.

Large, self-draining cockpit served by two oversize cockpit drains.

Standard Genoa tracks port and starboard, plus outboard reaching tracks mounted on the toe rail.

  • 2 Lewmar Primary winches
  • 2 Lewmar 16 ST Mast winches
  • Cabin top winch
  • Custom Bristol Bow fitting
  • 35 # CQR type anchor
  • Horseshoe buoy and bracket
  • Double lifelines through S/Steel stanchions.
  • Boarding Ladder with teak steps
  • Teak o/board motor mount
Mechanical Equipment

Universal 3 cylinder 24 hp diesel driving forward and reverse reduction gearbox to monel shaft and bronze propeller. (New cutlass and shaft 1997) Protected by a weed deflector at the rudder. Overboard cooling water filtered via a Groco Water strainer.
Fuel supplied via Racor primary filter.
Edson pedestal wheel steering with leather-wrapped s/s destroyer wheel.
All below the waterline are Spartan heavy-duty seacocks.

DISCLAIMER

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Price History

DateEventPrice
3/2/26Price decreased$28,500(-3.4%)
1/29/26No change$30,000
1/22/26Price decreased$29,500(-1.7%)

Overview from around the web 1985 Bristol 31.1 Keel Center Board

Customers praise the 1985 Bristol 31

1 Keel Center Board for its classic design, solid construction, and versatile sailing capabilities. Many highlight the boat’s sturdy hull and reliable keel-centerboard configuration, which offers excellent stability and the ability to navigate both shallow and deeper waters. Owners appreciate the spacious interior layout for a 31-foot vessel, making it comfortable for extended cruising. Additionally, reviewers often mention the boat’s ease of handling and balanced performance, making it suitable for both novice and experienced sailors. Overall, the 1985 Bristol 31.1 is regarded as a dependable and well-crafted cruiser with timeless appeal.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1985 Bristol 31.1 Keel Center Board offers a unique blend of classic design and versatile sailing capabilities. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Versatile Draft: The keel centerboard design allows for a shallow draft when the centerboard is raised, making it easier to navigate shallow waters and access smaller marinas or anchorages.

Solid Construction: Built in 1985, the Bristol 31.1 is known for its sturdy fiberglass hull and quality craftsmanship, providing durability and safety for coastal cruising.

Classic Aesthetics: The boat features traditional lines and a charming profile, appealing to sailors who appreciate classic sailboat styling.

Comfortable Interior: The 31.1 model offers a well-laid-out interior with practical accommodations, making it suitable for weekend cruising or extended trips.

Good Performance: With its moderate displacement and centerboard configuration, it balances stability with respectable sailing performance.

Cons

Maintenance Considerations: As a vessel built in 1985, some components may require updating or regular maintenance to keep systems reliable.

Limited Cabin Space: While comfortable, the interior space is more modest compared to larger cruising sailboats, which may feel cramped for extended liveaboard use.

Centerboard Mechanism: The centerboard system can require maintenance to ensure smooth operation and to prevent corrosion or fouling.

Older Design: The sailing technology and ergonomics reflect the era of its build, which may lack some modern conveniences and efficiencies found in newer boats.

Made For

The 1985 Bristol 31.1 Keel Center Board is ideal for sailors seeking a versatile and reliable cruiser that combines classic design with practical functionality. Its keel-centerboard configuration makes it perfect for those who want the ability to explore shallow waters without sacrificing stability and performance. Whether you're a weekend adventurer or an experienced sailor looking for a sturdy, well-crafted vessel, the Bristol 31.1 offers comfortable accommodations and easy handling for coastal cruising and extended trips alike.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1985 Bristol 31.1 Keel Center Board. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Sail Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Bristol cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$323.47/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 28,500
OR
%

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1985 Bristol 31.1 Keel Center Board. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Sail Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Bristol cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$323.47/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 28,500
OR
%

Contact Oriental Yacht Sales

1400 Tosto Cir, Sailcraft Marina, Oriental, NC, 28571

Be the first to know when similar boats hit the market

Get notified when new boats become available

Meet the Broker

Address

1400 Tosto Cir
Sailcraft Marina
Oriental, NC 28571

Boat Location

Be the First to Know

Get notified when new boats become available.