Clint Pearson launched Bristol Yachts in the fall of 1964 after he stepped out of the presidency of the Pearson Yachts Division of Grumman Allied Industries. Purchasing the Poppasquash Point boat yard and the land on Franklin Street to establish a manufacturing plant, Pearson began the production of various yachts including the Bristol 27 designed by Carl Alberg. In one year 172 Bristol 27's were built by Pearson's growing company.
Other early Bristol lines included the Bristol 29 designed by Halsey C. Herreshoff, the Bristols 32 and 39 designed by Ted Hood, and Bristol 34 designed by John Alden.
Later models included the 31.1, 35.5, 4.1.1, 45.5, 47.7 and larger custom boats. The largest Bristol yacht built was Raj, a 72 footer built on speculation. In total, 4,400 Bristol Yachts were produced between 1965 and 1997. Clint Pearson handed over the reigns of Bristol Yachts in January 1998 to Bristol Marine, whose principals by fate worked closely with Ted Hood and Halsey Herreshoff prior to their ownership of Bristol Yachts.

• Traditional and classic cruising yacht