Trapper Yachts, a name that resonates with many British sailors, carved out a significant, albeit relatively brief, niche in the yacht building industry. Emerging from a crucial acquisition in the early 1970s, the company became known for producing robust and performance-oriented fiberglass yachts, collaborating with prominent naval architects before succumbing to challenging economic conditions.
The story of Trapper Yachts begins around 1970 when Deacons Boatyard acquired Anstey Yachts. Anstey Yachts, established by Russell and June Anstey around 1964, was initially set up to produce fiberglass yachts under license from Canada's renowned C&C Yachts. Deacons Boatyard itself had a long-standing history in the marine world, founded in 1922 by Francis Deacon. This acquisition marked the formal birth of Trapper Yachts, consolidating the manufacturing capabilities of Anstey Yachts with Deacons' sales expertise.
In 1973, Trapper Yachts expanded its operations, relocating to a new, larger facility on the outskirts of Poole, a site previously occupied by Kingfisher Yachts. Deacons Boatyard Ltd then transitioned to primarily serve as a sales base for the newly branded Trapper range. Among the early models to emerge from this new chapter were the TRAPPER 240, a centerboarder, and its fixed-keel counterpart, the TRAPPER 250, both based on earlier designs by the esteemed British naval architect Edward Dubois.
History and Evolution
Trapper Yachts quickly established itself, introducing new models and embracing innovative designs. A significant milestone arrived in 1974 with the addition of the TRAPPER 300, designed by the celebrated Canadian naval architect Bruce Kirby, 6, 11]. Kirby, renowned for designing the Laser dinghy, brought a performance-oriented philosophy to the Trapper line.
As the decade progressed, Trapper continued to expand its offerings. In the late 1970s, production began on the TRAPPER 700, a yacht noted for its similarities to the C&C 35 but featuring a distinct coach roof design. This model was available in both fixed keel and keel centerboard versions. The 1980s saw the introduction of the TRAPPER 501 in 1981, presented as a more luxurious iteration of the existing Trapper 500. The Trapper 500/501 models were also designed with input from Robert Ball and C&C Design. The TRAPPER 31, later renamed the TRAPPER 950, was derived from a successful half-ton racer by British designer Rob Humphries.
However, the early 1980s brought significant economic headwinds, which proved challenging for many in the marine industry. Due to these unfavorable conditions, Trapper Yachts' manufacturing facility was eventually closed down. Despite the closure of their own production unit, the legacy of Trapper yachts continued as production was subsequently taken over by North Shore Yachts of Emsworth. By the mid-1980s, Deacons Boatyard, the parent company, functioned purely as a sales operation for Trapper yachts. Further afield, in 1984, Deacons was involved in selling the TRAPPER 36, a model built in Italy, although only a limited number were sold. The late 1980s saw attempts to introduce new models like the TRAPPER T250S in 1987, a keel centerboarder designed to eliminate the centerboard case from the cabin, though again, few were sold, 16]. The same year also saw the introduction of the TRAPPER 42 (also known as the SHOW 42), a new yacht produced by Barbaris in Italy but built in Malta, with only a small number finding owners.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Trapper Yachts quickly gained a reputation for producing capable and seaworthy cruising yachts that also offered good performance, making them suitable for both comfortable family cruising and club racing. Their design philosophy often blended practical cruising amenities with a competitive edge, appealing to sailors who sought versatility and efficiency on the water.
A key aspect of Trapper's identity was its collaboration with respected naval architects. Edward Dubois, a prolific British yacht designer, contributed to the initial Trapper 240 and 250 models, laying a solid foundation for the brand. Bruce Kirby's involvement with the Trapper 300 further cemented the company's reputation for performance, leveraging his expertise from celebrated racing designs, 14, 29]. The influence of Rob Humphries on the Trapper 31/950, derived from a successful half-ton racer, underscored Trapper's commitment to designs with racing pedigree. The Trapper 500/501 also benefited from the design input of Robert Ball and C&C Design.
While specific signature construction techniques are less documented, the company's early reliance on fiberglass, a material that revolutionized yacht building, was foundational to their production methods.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Several Trapper models achieved notable success and left a lasting impression on the sailing community:
- Trapper 240/250: These early models, designed by Edward Dubois, established the brand's presence and offered both centerboard and fixed-keel options, catering to different sailing preferences and cruising grounds.
- Trapper 300: Designed by Bruce Kirby, this 26.25-foot masthead sloop was a popular cruiser-racer from the 1970s, known for its good performance and suitability for club racing, 17]. Its design featured a standard cast iron keel and spars by Proctor.
- Trapper 500/501: The Trapper 500, a highly successful cruiser/racing yacht, was followed by the Trapper 501 in 1981, offering a more luxurious take on the design, 30]. This 8.3-meter (27-foot 3-inch) masthead sloop featured a moderate displacement and a substantial ballast, making it a stable and capable vessel.
- Trapper 700: Introduced in the late 1970s, the Trapper 700 shared similarities with the C&C 35 but possessed its own distinct coach roof. Available with both fixed keel and keel centerboard options, it represented a larger cruising yacht in the Trapper lineup.
- Trapper 31 / 950: Derived from a successful half-ton racer by Rob Humphries, this model reflected Trapper's ongoing interest in performance designs.
While production numbers for individual models are not readily available, the continued presence of many Trapper yachts on the water today attests to their enduring quality and design.
The Builder Today
Trapper Yachts, as an independent manufacturing entity, is no longer in business, having closed its manufacturing facility in the early 1980s due to challenging economic conditions, 4]. While yachts bearing the Trapper name were subsequently produced by North Shore Yachts and through Italian builders like Barbaris in the late 1980s, the core operations of the original Trapper Yachts ceased.
Despite the discontinuation of new production, the legacy of Trapper Yachts lives on through a dedicated community of owners. The Trapper Owners Association serves as a vibrant hub for owners and enthusiasts, providing a platform for sharing knowledge, history, and camaraderie. This active owner community underscores the enduring appeal and quality of Trapper yachts, which continue to be cherished and sailed by those who appreciate their sturdy construction, balanced performance, and timeless designs.
