Triton (Jouët) Information, Review, Specs

Designed by the renowned naval architect Carl Alberg, the Jouët Triton carries the DNA of a vessel intended for both comfortable cruising and occasional racing. Its connection to the original Pearson Triton, a groundbreaking fiberglass production sailboat, sets the stage for a boat that prioritizes a balanced approach to sailing, aimed at democratizing the pleasure of being on the water.

History and Design

The story of the Jouët Triton begins in 1965, marking its entry into production. Its creation represents a fascinating cross-cultural collaboration, as Jouët acquired a license from Pearson Corporation to build the Triton hull in France. This allowed Jouët to leverage a proven and popular design while imbuing it with their distinct French manufacturing touch. While sharing the identical hull design with its American counterpart, the Jouët Triton features a different deck and coach roof, notable for its "signature Jouët windshield forward."

Jouët, founded in 1925, had established a strong reputation for producing well-designed and seaworthy boats. The company transitioned seamlessly from traditional wooden boatbuilding to fiberglass construction, embracing the material that revolutionized the marine industry. The Jouët Triton, built with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, reflects this period of modernizing production. Jouët's design philosophy emphasized creating capable sailing yachts that could handle diverse conditions, a characteristic that the long-keeled Triton hull inherently provided.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While performance ratios are typically applied to larger vessels, the Jouët Triton, with a length overall of 28.33 feet and a waterline length of 21.5 feet, is well-regarded for its sailing characteristics. The original Pearson Triton, sharing the same hull, was designed by Carl Alberg as a "racer-cruiser," balancing speed with stability and comfort.

With its traditional long keel and modest draft of 3.92 feet, the Jouët Triton is known for its directional stability and comfortable motion in a seaway. She tends to track well and offers a reassuring feel, making her a suitable choice for coastal cruising. The fractional sloop rig, with a main sail area of 231 square feet and a foretriangle area of 139.65 square feet, totaling approximately 370 square feet of sail area, provides ample power for various conditions. The long keel contributes to good windward performance and a forgiving nature, making the Triton a pleasurable boat to sail, particularly for those who appreciate classic handling characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Jouët Triton, while compact given its overall length, is designed to maximize usable space for a cruising couple or small family. Specific detailed layouts for the Jouët version are not widely documented; however, given its shared hull with the Pearson Triton and the typical designs of its era, one can infer a practical arrangement.

The cabin would typically feature a V-berth forward, serving as the primary sleeping area. A marine head would likely be positioned between the V-berth and the main salon, often to port or starboard. The salon would offer settees on either side, which could double as additional berths, and a fold-down table. A small galley area, usually to starboard, would provide basic amenities such as a sink and space for a stove. Storage would be provided through lockers and shelving, typical for a boat of this size. The interior finish would likely feature a combination of molded fiberglass liners and wood trim, reflecting the common construction practices of French builders during that period. A distinctive feature, as noted, is the unique "signature Jouët windshield forward," which likely contributes to light and visibility within the forward part of the cabin.