Invicta II (Tripp) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Invicta II was produced by Pearson Yachts from 1964 to 1969, following in the successful wake of the original Invicta model. Pearson Yachts, founded by cousins Clinton and Everett Pearson, was at the forefront of fiberglass boat production, a material that revolutionized the marine industry. Under the ownership of Grumman Allied Industries from 1961, Pearson experienced significant growth and investment, enabling the construction of larger and more sophisticated yachts. The Invicta series exemplifies Pearson's commitment to building high-quality, yet accessible, auxiliary sailboats with robust construction.

Designed by the esteemed naval architect William Tripp Jr., the Invicta II represents a refinement of the original Invicta, which notably became the first production fiberglass yacht to win the prestigious Newport-to-Bermuda Race. The Invicta II specifically features an extended coach roof, a significant change from the flush deck of its predecessor, aiming to enhance interior volume and comfort. William Tripp Jr. was known for creating popular sailboat designs, including other well-regarded yachts like the Bermuda 40 and Block Island 40. Both the original Invicta and the Invicta II models were offered with either a sloop or yawl rig, providing versatility to suit different sailing preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tripp Invicta II, with a displacement of 17,750 lbs, is characterized as a heavy displacement vessel. Her displacement-to-length ratio, calculated at over 500, firmly places her in the heavy cruiser category, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway and a strong ability to carry sail in higher winds, though not prioritizing light-air speed. The boat's sail-area-to-displacement ratio of approximately 14.35 indicates that she is not optimized for light wind conditions, performing better as the breeze increases. With a ballast of 5,650 lbs, her ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at around 31.8%, providing moderate stiffness and stability.

Anecdotal owner accounts praise the Invicta's solid construction and its ability to handle challenging conditions. Owners have noted good upwind and reaching performance, particularly for a shoal draft boat of its era. The centerboard keel, a defining feature, offers the versatility of reduced draft for exploring shallower waters while allowing for deeper draft and enhanced upwind performance when deployed.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom is not detailed in the provided data, the Invicta II's extended coach roof, a key differentiator from the original Invicta, was intended to improve interior volume and liveability. Reviews and owner discussions indicate that the interior layout of the Invicta II is typical of cruisers from its era, offering a functional arrangement for extended time aboard. These boats generally feature a V-berth forward, a head, a salon area often with opposing settees and a table, and a galley. The interior finish usually incorporates classic wood trim and robust fiberglass components, characteristic of Pearson's early construction techniques. Owners often describe the interior as cozy and suitable for long-distance cruising or even as a liveaboard vessel. Ventilation and storage are generally adequate for a boat of its size and vintage, though modern conveniences and layouts would differ significantly.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Pearson Invicta II frequently laud its robust construction and seaworthy capabilities, often describing it as a reliable and comfortable vessel for cruising. The quality of Pearson's early fiberglass work is a recurring theme, with many boats from this era still actively sailing. Common strengths highlighted by owners include the boat's solid feel in a seaway and its classic aesthetic.

However, as with any classic boat, owners also report common maintenance items associated with age. Recurring issues mentioned in owner forums include potential mast corrosion at the keel step and the condition of deck drain hoses, which can be challenging to replace. Blistering on the hull is also a possibility, though often manageable. Despite these potential maintenance tasks, the strong community of Pearson owners and dedicated forums provide valuable resources and support for addressing typical challenges, allowing these classic yachts to continue their legacy on the water.