Trapper 950 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Trapper 950 begins in the late 1970s, with production officially commencing in 1980. The design, by Robert Humphreys, emerged from the competitive IOR Half Ton class, a category that fostered the development of nimble and fast offshore racers. The initial version, known as the Mistral 31, was built by Fairey Allday Ltd. from 1978. Trapper Yachts, formed after Anstey Yachts' acquisition by The Granary Group in 1974, later acquired the molds for this successful design, renaming it the Trapper 950 1, 9, Builder Article.

During this era, Trapper Yachts, evolving from Anstey Yachts, maintained a reputation for constructing well-built fiberglass (GRP) vessels, translating the visions of respected naval architects into durable yachts. Robert Humphreys' design philosophy for the 950 aimed for a "spacy hull" combined with a fractional rig, a configuration that offers advantages for both racing and cruising. While only a limited number of Trapper 950s were built, some "GP" models were produced using more exotic materials and lead ballast for enhanced performance. The yacht was also initially referred to as the Trapper 31 before settling on the 950 designation.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Trapper 950's design ratios underscore its performance capabilities. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of 21.63, the yacht exhibits strong potential for good performance in lighter air conditions, indicating a responsive and agile character. Its displacement to length ratio (D/L) of 201.21 places it firmly in the category of a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel for its size, suggesting a lively feel at the helm. The hull is constructed from solid fiberglass, and it features a fin keel with a spade rudder, a configuration typical of performance yachts of its era, contributing to its maneuverability and close-hauled abilities.

While the exact ballast weight for standard models is not widely published, the ballast material is specified as iron, with some "GP" models utilizing lead ballast 1,, 18. Owners generally describe the Trapper 950 as a fast and safe boat for its length, with an excellent hull shape that facilitates swift and secure passages. The fractional rig design simplifies tacking, a practical advantage for both racing and cruising sailors.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its origins as a Half Ton racer, the Trapper 950 likely prioritizes sailing efficiency, but still provides essential accommodations for cruising. Detailed interior layouts are not extensively documented in widely available information. However, typical for a 31-foot vessel of its design period, the interior would generally include a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley area, and a navigation station. The cockpit is designed to accommodate four to five people, suitable for both racing crews and cruising parties.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners often express enthusiasm for the Trapper 950, frequently praising its robust construction and overall quality. The yacht is generally regarded as a well-built boat. Those who own a Trapper 950 often consider it a relatively rare model. While comprehensive owner reviews detailing common issues are not widely available, the overall sentiment suggests satisfaction with its performance and solid build, requiring routine maintenance typical of fiberglass yachts, such as annual bottom cleaning and anti-fouling.