Sailing Performance & Handling
The Aeromarine Triton 24 is defined by its lightness and its ability to outpace significantly larger monohulls, particularly in off-the-wind conditions. Built using early GRP foam-sandwich methods, the hull is inherently stiff and buoyant. According to historical design archives at Kelsall Design, Derek Kelsall’s focus on weight reduction allowed the Triton to achieve a high sail area-to-displacement ratio, ensuring that it remains responsive even in light airs.
On the water, the Triton 24 exhibits the characteristic "flat" sailing of a trimaran, rarely exceeding 10 to 15 degrees of heel before the outriggers (amas) provide maximum righting moment. Handling is reported to be nimble, though, like many early multihulls, it requires active sail trimming to prevent the main hull from burying its bow in heavy gusts. While it does not point as high as a deep-keeled racing monohull, its ability to "plane" on its main hull allows it to reach speeds into the mid-teens under the right conditions. Tracking is generally reliable thanks to a central daggerboard, which can be raised for beaching or navigating shoals, a hallmark of the Kelsall design philosophy.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Triton 24 is unapologetically Spartan, reflecting its primary mission as a fast coastal cruiser and racer. The main hull houses a compact cabin that typically features a V-berth forward and two short settee berths in the main saloon area. Headroom is restricted, usually necessitating a seated or "hunched" posture for most adults, which is common for trimarans of this era where aerodynamic drag and weight are minimized.
While the "standard" Triton 24 was the most common production model, Kelsall’s design versatility led to several siblings and variants. The T24 hull platform was occasionally modified into the Triton 25, which featured slightly extended transoms for better buoyancy aft. Additionally, some custom variants were built with a more pronounced "doghouse" or raised cabin top to provide a marginal increase in standing room, though these are rare on the second-hand market. The materials used inside are primarily functional fiberglass moldings with minimal wood trim to keep weight low.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of an Aeromarine Triton should focus their inspection on the integrity of the sandwich construction and the mechanical connections of the beams.
- Core Delamination: As a pioneer in foam-sandwich construction, early Tritons may suffer from delamination if water has compromised the bond between the fiberglass skins and the foam core. This is particularly common around deck hardware and the waterline.
- Beam Attachment Points: The Triton 24 is a "demountable" trimaran rather than a "folding" one. The points where the crossbeams (akas) bolt into the main hull and the outriggers are high-stress areas. Inspect for stress cracking, crazing, or signs of structural repair in the laminate surrounding these bolt holes.
- Daggerboard Trunk: The trunk and the board itself are prone to wear and impact damage. Check for leaks at the base of the trunk and ensure the board has not become swollen, which can lead to it jamming.
- Ama Buoyancy: Older outriggers can accumulate water if there are hairline cracks in the deck-to-hull joints or around the beam sockets. Ensure the amas are dry and the internal bulkheads remain securely bonded.
Community & Resources
The primary resource for technical data and historical context for the Triton 24 is the designer himself. Kelsall Design maintains an active presence and provides insights into the early foam-sandwich methods used by Aeromarine. While there is no longer a dedicated "Triton-only" class association, the model is frequently discussed within the broader Multihull Offshore Cruising & Racing Association (MOCRA) and various Kelsall-specific builder groups.
The Verdict
The Aeromarine Triton 24 is a vintage speedster that offers a low-cost entry point into the world of performance multihulls. While it lacks the amenities of a modern cruising catamaran, its historical significance and exhilarating handling make it a cult favorite for sailors who prioritize pace and shallow-water access.
Pros:
- Exceptional speed and light-air performance for its size.
- Shallow draft with a retractable daggerboard, perfect for beaching.
- Demountable design allows for easier transport and off-season storage.
- Strong historical pedigree from a world-renowned designer.
Cons:
- Extremely limited interior volume and headroom.
- Susceptibility to core delamination in older, poorly maintained hulls.
- Requires more active management and "high-strung" sailing than a monohull.
- Demounting for transport is a labor-intensive process compared to modern folding systems.
