Bristol Gull Launch

[Duvie]

Anyone know anything about these boats? This is a project boat I am thinking about looking at. I think they are 15 foot and might also be called a pilot. I can not find much on the internet about them. The boat has a 18 horse Westerbeke inboard.

 

[Nomad Willy]

Looks British to me.

Love that classy curved transom.

Probably a 5 knot boat.

Probably a self bailing cockpit but not much room inside.

 

[Tad Roberts]

Neat boat with at least excellent design pedigree.....While the builder is long gone, the designer still exists and I would guess you can get technical info from them.

 

[CPseudonym]

I'm a sucker for launches and captains gigs. Couldn't see much from the photo but the lines shown in the article photo are very easy on the eyes.

If you decide to pass on the project please PM me the info.

 

[Duvie]

Gull of Bristol Pilot Hull number 66

Looks like I bought myself a launch. I will be picking it up Tuesday. This boat was built in 1970 in Dartmouth, MA. It appears they are constructed with no wood in the hull, deck or superstructure. stringers and grid system appear to be of all fiberglass construction. She appears structurally 100% and needs only a few minor cosmetic repairs. She is very dirty right now but looks like she will clean up nice. I am going to take my time and go through her 100%.

 

[FF]

Do you need an engine & tranny?

I have an almost zero time Volvo MD 7B , about 17 -18HP ,,2-1 reduction ,,$3K

Located in Florida

A guess 5.5 or 6K on 1/2 gph or less.

 

[beachbum29]

Does the Westerbeke have a big flywheel on it?

 

[Duvie]

more pictures

All set on the engine. she has a Westerbeke Diesel engine model #20B-TWO. I would say it does not have the big flywheel but the pictures may answer that.

 

[beachbum29]

Don't see one

 

[CPseudonym]

Two worthy projects picked up by members in as many days. First the Albin 25 and now this launch. I better quit admiring these projects before I have one parked in my backyard.

 

[Duvie]

Tad Roberts, where did you get the "cut sheet" on the Gull of Bristol pilot? I was looking at the Gull of Bristol Helmsman 20 and was curious about the specs? I can't find any info on the Helmsman. Thanks, Leon

 

[Tad Roberts]

Tad Roberts, where did you get the "cut sheet" on the Gull of Bristol pilot? I was looking at the Gull of Bristol Helmsman 20 and was curious about the specs? I can't find any info on the Helmsman. Thanks, Leon

That's a scan of a design review from Yachting Magazine of the day. I've not seen anything on the 20', I believe there were very few built.

 

[Duvie]

Thanks Tad, I was looking at a 20 and it appears that someone cut the liner and deck out of it and replaced the deck to make it more like a center console. Doesn't look terrible but takes all of the charm out of the original design for me anyway.

 

[Tad Roberts]

The 20' appears to be an attempt at a higher speed hull, it has a hard chine aft just below waterline while the 15' is round-bottomed right to the transom.....

 

[Duvie]

Tad, you are correct. Stated cruise on the 20 foot boat was 12 knots. The 15 footer would make 5.5 knots at 1000 rpm’s and might make 5.6 knots at 2600 rpm’s!

 

[CLAMMAN401]

I own a 15ft Bristol pilot it only does 5 to 6 knots has the original 22 hp Palmer marine engine after gull of Bristol the molds were bought by Pearson yacht but neither the 15 or 19 ever took off I believe I recall reading that they were u s coast guard certified life boat as long as the flotation billet were installed