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Manufacturer Profile · 1964 to 2009

Bristol

Bristol has been building boats with HINs on file from 1964 to 2009. Federal records show 4 recalls and 59 USCG-reported accidents involving Bristol hulls. Popular models include the 175br, 175, 185.

Known for:recreationalsmodels like the 175br
Known Recalls
4
USCG Accidents
59
Registered Vessels
924
Active Years
1964–2009
MIC Codes
BAU, BBB

Popular Bristol Models

175br(7)175(4)185(2)Runabout(2)175 Br(2)Bowrider(2)175 Bowrider(2)185br(2)Bayliner(2)18(1)F 18 Series(1)Br185(1)

Vessel counts from USCG registry data. Enter a HIN to check history on a specific model.

Check a Bristol Boat

Bristol HINs start with BAU, BBB. Enter any 12-character HIN for a free decode, or upgrade to a Title Report ($19) to check federal and commercial databases for stolen records, liens, salvage history, and more.

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Bristol Fleet Safety Overview

Based on 59 USCG-reported incidents involving Bristol vessels from 2009 through 2023. These figures reflect all reported accidents for this make across the U.S. fleet and do not indicate the history of any individual vessel.

6alcohol
5improper lookout
4operator inexperience
4force of wake/wave
3operator inattention

Bristol Recalls (4)

070033TAug 2007
185 BR

SEAT PEDESTALS

2,270 units affected
060088TOct 2006
195 DISCOVERY (2007)

STEERING

97 units affected
060045TJul 2006
185BR

STEERING

1,915 units affected
981604SApr 1999
172 BAY SKIFF (1999)

LEVEL FLOTATION

1 units affected

How to Identify a Bristol HIN

Every Bristol boat manufactured or imported into the U.S. after 1972 has a 12-character Hull Identification Number (HIN) stamped on the transom. Bristol HINs begin with the manufacturer codes BAU, BBB.

BAUXXXXXXXXX
MIC codeSerialMonthYear

About Bristol

Bristol is a boat manufacturer tracked by the U.S. Coast Guard under MIC codes BAU, BBB. Vessels on file span model years 1964 through 2009. HullScore tracks 924 Bristol vessels in our database, along with 4 manufacturer recalls and 59 USCG-reported boating accidents.

The most commonly registered Bristol models include the 175br, 175, 185, Runabout, 175 Br. The fleet is primarily composed of recreationals and open motorboats.

Before purchasing a used Bristol, we recommend running a boat history report. A HullScore Boat History Report ($19) checks federal and commercial databases for stolen vessel records, maritime liens, salvage history, accidents, casualties, recalls, and USCG documentation status.