Bristol 29.9 vs. Bayfield 29

[snort]

Has anyone had experience with either or both?
Sailing characteristics? Liveability for two for summer vacations?
What do you think?

[thomm225]

According to the New England Handicaps, the Bristol 29.9 is going to be quite a bit faster with a PHRF of 183. The Bayfield 29 has a rating of 237. Both are well built boats I understand.

[Saltyhog]

The Bristol 29.9 is a bigger boat. The Bayfield 29 is really only 27 ft. on deck. Bayfield counted the beak/bowsprit in the length. That was true for the 25 (really a 23) and the 32 (really a 30) as well.

[tommyh]

Just looked at and made an offer on a Bristol 29.9 loved the boat but someone is ahead of me.

[psk125]

We had friends with a Bristol 29.9. They cruised with two of their children. Tight, but they're still married. They now have a Bristol 35.5 Though relatively faster than the Bayfield, the Bristol 29.9 is NOT fast. A J/24 rates about 174 PHRF: five feet shorter, but more than 10 seconds per mile faster. Of course you do have a better chance of standing up in the Bristol 29.9 than you do on the J/24. You have to decide what you want- speed or comfort.

[austinrick]

After a year of research and deliberation, the Bristol 29.9 and Bayfield 29 were #1 & 2 on my short list.

Yesterday I signed a contract to buy an '86 Bayfield 29C. Saw the quality of construction, layout, singlehander friendliness, and good looks and knew I need not look further.