The Pearson Triton, also known as the Triton, is one of the early production fiberglass sailboats. The Triton was introduced at the 1959 New York National Boat Show and was an immediate sales hit. Over seven hundred examples of this conservative, deep-water 28.5 foot auxiliary cruising sailboat were fabricated between 1959 and 1967. The Triton was designed by Carl Alberg, with a strong influence from Scandinavian sailboats such as the Folkboat and also the CCA race rules of the day. Note the long, graceful overhangs of the stern and bow. The Triton was built by Pearson Yachts in Bristol, RI and so-called West Coast Tritons were build under license at Aeromarine Plastics in Sausalito, CA. The east and west coast designs differ in a number of important construction details but the most obvious change was all-fiberglass coaming around the cockpit on the WC models replacing the wooden coaming on the EC models. All were originally powered by a Universal Atomic Four gasoline auxiliary engine. Though the interior is narrow and spartan by modern boat standards, Tritons have gained a reputation for being safe, stable, "bullet-proof" boats and are still considered a good choice for a couple wishing to cruise on a small budget. In 2006, prices for Tritons range from US$500 for marginal fixer-uppers to about US$20,000 for a well-found boat with updated systems throughout. Noted single-handed sailor, James Baldwin, successfully circumnavigated his Triton "Atom" in the 1980s, and many Tritons have made numerous Pacific or Atlantic crossings.
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Specifications
LOA: 28'-6" LWL: 20'-6" Beam: 8'-3" Draft: 4'-0"
Ballast: 3019 lb (Lead) Sail Area (100%): 362 ft2 Displacement: 6900 - 8000 lb. (Approx)*
- The actual displacement figure is in some dispute, as no one seems to know for sure whether the boat ended up heavier than designed or not. Most Tritons in cruising (fully loaded) displacement mode exceed 8000 lb and approach 9000 lb.
Reviews
Related Vintage Sailboats
Other somewhat comparable boats in the "Plastic Classic" category (built before 1975?) include the Pearson Vanguard, Pearson renegade, Pearson Ariel, Alberg 30 and Alberg 35, Albin Vega and the Catalina 27.
External links
- National Triton Association
- Moyer Marine - Atomic Four Specialists
- San Francisco Triton Association
- New England Triton Association
- http://www.ensignclass.com/ ENSIGN CLASS ASSOCIATION
