Trident 24 Information, Review, Specs

Built by Marine Construction Ltd., often referred to as Marcon, the Trident 24 represents a significant chapter in British yacht building. Marcon, founded by fiberglass pioneer Eric White, operated from 1964 to 1979 from Woolston, Southampton. Although the Trident 24's design originated around 1960, its main production run by Marcon spanned from approximately 1964 to 1974. Naval architect Alan F. Hill conceived the Trident 24 as one of his earliest designs, aiming to create a vessel renowned for its reliability and seaworthiness. Marcon’s manufacturing ethos, particularly under Eric White, emphasized solid construction and the groundbreaking practice of offering boats as kits, which broadened yacht ownership to a wider audience.

Over its production life, the Trident 24 offered several keel configurations to suit diverse sailing needs. While the design was originally envisioned as a lift-keeler, four distinct keel options became available: fin, centreboard, bilge, and the widely adopted triple keel. The triple keel version, which allowed the boat to dry out upright, proved particularly popular among owners in tidal areas. Initially, Marcon produced GRP hulls, with later iterations also featuring GRP deck mouldings, though some owners continued the tradition of fitting out their vessels with wooden decks.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While specific performance ratios are often less indicative for boats under 30 feet, the Trident 24 is consistently described as a stable and reliable cruiser rather than a high-performance racer. Its heavy displacement for its length, combined with a robust build, contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners generally praise its ability to handle adverse conditions, reflecting Alan Hill's design philosophy of a boat that prioritizes the safety and comfort of its crew. The fractional sloop rig, with a reported total sail area of 290 square feet, provides adequate power for cruising, making it manageable for single-handed sailing or short-handed crews. The inclusion of an inboard Vire gasoline engine, typically around 7 horsepower, offers reliable auxiliary power.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Trident 24, while compact for a 24-foot vessel, is thoughtfully arranged to maximize living space for cruising. The typical layout accommodates four berths, featuring bunks in the main saloon that are over 7 feet in length. The galley is commonly situated to starboard of the companionway, providing a functional space for meal preparation. Due to its design, the Trident 24 is noted for having somewhat limited headroom below, a characteristic that often contributes to its relative affordability compared to other boats of similar size. Despite this, the open-plan cabin often found in Trident 24s is generally regarded as "very cosy". The boat features a fresh water capacity of 17 gallons and a fuel capacity of 12 gallons, which are practical volumes for its size and intended use. Given its era, the interior finish typically involved a combination of fiberglass mouldings and various wood trims, reflecting the solid, heavy layup construction characteristic of early GRP boats.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Trident 24 often form a dedicated community, with many keeping their vessels for extended periods. The enduring appeal of the Trident 24 lies primarily in its reputation for solid construction and its reliable, seaworthy nature, making it a trusted companion for cruising adventures. Many owners appreciate its robust build quality, a hallmark of Marcon's production during an era when fiberglass construction was still relatively new and often involved generous material usage.

However, the age of these vessels means potential owners should be mindful of common maintenance items associated with older boats. While not a unique design flaw, some older deck fittings may require re-bedding to prevent leaks. The limited headroom below deck is a widely acknowledged characteristic, which some owners consider a minor trade-off for the boat's overall sailing capabilities and secure feel in heavy weather. Overall, the Trident 24 continues to be valued for its dependable performance and the sense of security it provides to those who sail her.