Pearson Triton 28

[Time2Go]

Hi Friends,
I just sold my Oday Mariner 2+2 and was looking for a faster and more
responsive daysailer. The bigger boat will have to wait until I move to Florida
in a few years. I am bird dogging a few "Flying Scott's "
And I come across a very reasonably priced Triton that appears to have been
recently restored and converted to Diesel power.
I have read up on this boat and know that a few have circumnavigated
Yada Yada, this is not my plan at all, just Fla, Bahammas, Northern Caribbean
Now I have a problem I really like Daysailing because it's close by,
10 minutes to the lake, 1.5 hours to nearest open water.
I usually spend a good chunk of my late spring to early fall
crewing on other's boats. Really wasn't looking for a bigger boat now
and really can't explain it but the Triton has kinda captured me.
I'd be interested in any thoughts you might have on this vessel.
Especially in regards as it being a "wet boat" due to low freeboard
Previously I've owned an Ericson 27 and have crewed on a IP 27
so compare and contrasts of these two would be welcome.
I really like the combo of lake sailing on small boats and crewing
on ocean boats and thought this is what I'd be doing for the next few years
but the Triton is messing with me.
Ever been messed with by a boat?
Cheers
Neil

[brownoarsman]

I own a Pearson 28-1.2. I've seen a lot of Tritons though, and I will say they look a lot more beautiful than the later Pearson 28s. Also, they have wider side decks, I believe, so easier to move about. Lower freeboard and wider side decks mean less cabin volume, obviously, so it's a compromise.
Even my Pearson 28-1.2 had a few waves slapping over the sides when I was sailing from the Bahamas to Charleston (avg of six foot wave height over five days). This can be ameliorated with some side cloths.
The biggest issue was a dodger, as waves hitting farther up the bow clear the deck. That issue needs a dodger.
The tritons are very lovely and usually very inexpensive.


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[Don C L]

Yes, I have been messed with by an older, low freeboard, skinny, long keel boat and love it. In my case I have the competition, the Columbia 29. I think there is an active Triton owners group on Facebook and other places, they are still popular among folks who know boats. And you'll see some useful info at atomvoyages.com. BTW it probably is not as wet as you might think but a dodger will make it even more enjoyable. I duck behind the house and most goes over my head. The rudder on mine is fg but the Triton had a wooden rudder, you may want to ask about its condition.

[WindwardPrinces]

One thing is for sure, they're attractive boats.

[Time2Go]

For a variety of reasons I bought the Flying Scot
The main one was that my lake is only 10 minutes away
and nearest open water is at least an hour and a half and I have
a crew slot on a European cruise this summer.
So I wanted to pass on the listing for the Triton to those who might be interested.
Looks like it could fit lots of folks looking for a good boat for
little money. Asking 4,000 and has been repowered with a diesel
Looks freshly painted
But we all know pictures can lie
The listing is on Craigslist, Jersey Shore
Cheers

[SteveSails]

Fond memories of Triton #503 that I owned in the late 1970's, a strong capable boat but there are a few points to keep in mind.

Since the last Triton was built about 1970 any Triton sailing today would have had its share of repairs and refits, maybe some done well, others not so much.

Things to watch for: Rudder is wood planks bolted to bronze rudder shaft, not bad if maintained or replaced by a real craftsman, easier to fix than a glass/foam rudder.

Deck stepped mast is supported by wood beams, check for rot.

Balsa core deck no doubt rotted by now or repaired years ago, could be a big job in your time or money.

The original Atomic 4 engine was good but raw water cooled, so more than likely rusted out and replaced, quality of work may vary. Later Tritons had a dripless shaft seal, worked OK in mine but unknown how it holds up over the decades, check for leaks.

Electrical system was minimal, just cabin and running lights, will need to run wiring if you want electronics, DC refrigeration and so on. No shore power wiring in the one I had.

Deck hardware, winches, standing rigging, and wire running rigging may all need to be replaced. Jib was hanked on so don't expect a furler unless a PO added one.

The roller furling booms of that era were a PIA, convert to jiffy reefing if not already done.

Tritons were built before holding tanks were the law, if a tank was added check how well that was done.

Now the good points:
Heavy solid glass hull with encapsulated lead ballast, no keel bolt worries but check for grounding damage and water intrusion.
Later models have a monel fuel tank that should be fine today.
Bronze window frames and ports.
The fractional rig is back in fashion.
Timeless Carl Alberg design.
Should be an excellent budget boat for cruising the Bahamas.

Hope this helps anyone interested in a Triton.

[Cruiser2B]

Atom Voyages - Home

you will find out everything you need to know about Triton and classic boats of this type.

Lackey Sailing | One Man… One Boat at a Time

this site has very good write-ups about boat repair with lots of pics. He has a good deal of info on the site about his own Triton and repairs he made.



I will say this as an Alberg design fan and Alberg 30 owner, they are not the fastest boat especially in light air, but in 15kts the Tritons ability will really shine.

[Tayana42]

The Flying Scot is a fun boat too. Though not many have circumnavigated😄.


S/V B'Shert

[pickpaul]

As another Alberg 30 owner I'd urge you to look at the extra 2ft, it makes a big difference and the prices are close these days.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by pickpaul

As another Alberg 30 owner I'd urge you to look at the extra 2ft, it makes a big difference and the prices are close these days.

What is this big difference you speak of?

Pearson Triton 28:

http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?CLASS_ID=508

Alberg 30:

http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=928

[Don C L]

Yes I'd probably qualify it as "noticeable" but not "BIG." That Alberg is a VERY nice boat too.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Don C L

Yes I'd probably qualify it as "noticeable" but not "BIG." That Alberg is a VERY nice boat too.

Alberg 30's are awesome...............

I saw this boat at the marina where I bought my boat from a few years back for $2,000.

I plan to go back sometime soon to see if it is for sale. They just sold an Alberg 30 from there last year for $8,000 with a relatively new engine....

There is also a Westsail 32 there that has been on the hard since I bought my boat in 2011. The owner is "fixin her up....."

[sanibel sailor]

Originally Posted by thomm225

What is this big difference you speak of?

Pearson Triton 28:

TRITON (PEARSON) sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

Alberg 30:

ALBERG 30 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

9000 vs <7000 lb displacement

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by sanibel sailor

9000 vs <7000 lb displacement

That doesn't seemed to have slowed down the voyaging achievements of the Pearson Tritons.

Plus, the Triton has the better Bal/Disp ratio of 43.5 as compared to 36.6 for the Alberg.

And the water lines are basically equal.......

[pickpaul]

I'm 6ft tall and they say buy the smallest boat that fits your needs, I can stand in shoes in my A30 so I bought it.

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