Triton 30 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Pearson Triton 30 began production in 1985, a period of significant transition for Pearson Yachts. The company, a pioneer in fiberglass boatbuilding, was sold by Grumman Allied Industries in March 1986 to a private investor group. This shift occurred as Pearson was approaching its eventual cessation of operations around 1990, impacted by the recession of that era.

The Triton 30's lineage is particularly noteworthy. It was built using the molds of the Chaser 29, a successful International Offshore Rule Half Ton class racer designed by Doug Peterson. 7, notes These molds were later used for the US 29 before being acquired by Pearson Yachts. The fact that Pearson's Triton 30 was an "unauthorized and altered copy" of Peterson's original design, never approved by him, adds a unique chapter to its history. 2, 4, notes Doug Peterson himself is a renowned American yacht designer, credited with numerous world-class racing and cruising designs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area of 381 square feet, a displacement of 6,800 pounds, and a waterline length of 24.5 feet, the Pearson Triton 30's design ratios offer insight into its expected performance. Its Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 17.01 suggests a versatile performance profile, indicating it should perform adequately in both light and moderate winds without being overly tender. The Ballast to Displacement Ratio stands at a robust 41.9%, pointing to a good degree of stiffness and stability, enabling the boat to stand up well to a breeze and provide a comfortable motion. Furthermore, its Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of 206.5 places it in a moderate weight class, hinting at a design that balances performance with cruising comfort, often associated with a capable racer-cruiser. The boat features a fin keel and a spade rudder, typical of designs aimed at improved performance and maneuverability.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and maximum headroom of the Pearson Triton 30 is not extensively documented in publicly available sources. Generally, sailboats of this size and era, designed as racer-cruisers, typically feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert into berths, a galley area, and an enclosed head. While precise details on the finish quality or material use (such as wood trim versus fiberglass liners) are not readily available for this particular model, Pearson Yachts, as a builder, was known for producing reliable and well-engineered fiberglass sailboats, often with a focus on sensible designs for both cruising and racing enthusiasts.