Margaret D Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Margaret D was designed with the novice sailor and the single-hander in mind. Its handling characteristics are defined by a focus on stability and manageable sail areas rather than raw speed or racing prowess. According to design notes from Aborn Smith Jr., the vessel was intended to be "quick to rig," an essential feature for a boat that often appealed to those moving up from day sailers to pocket cruisers.

The most intriguing aspect of its performance profile is the variety of available rigs. While most 25-footers of the era were standard sloops, the Trump 25 was offered with cutter and even ketch rigs. A ketch rig on a 24.5-foot hull provides an unusual amount of sail-handling flexibility, allowing the skipper to "reef" by simply dropping the mainsail and sailing under jib and mizzen in heavy weather—a configuration often referred to as "jib and jigger." While this adds complexity to the standing rigging, it provides a balanced helm that is exceptionally forgiving in gusty coastal conditions. Given its 1970s fiberglass construction, the hull is likely heavy for its length, leading to a motion that is more "sea-kindly" and less "nervous" than modern, lightweight performance hulls.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its era and modest length, the Margaret D maximizes its enclosed living space to provide a functional overnighting experience. The interior typically follows the classic pocket cruiser layout: a forward V-berth for sleeping, a compact main salon with facing settees, and a rudimentary galley area. Because these boats were produced in such small numbers, many interiors were finished with a level of hand-craftsmanship that reflected the builder’s proximity to the Connecticut maritime tradition.

The "Margaret D" designation specifically refers to the Trump 25 model, but the builder also produced a larger sibling, the Trump 27. The 27-foot variant offered a slightly expanded footprint, providing better headroom and a more dedicated navigation station. However, the Trump 25 remains the more iconic of the two due to its "beginner-friendly" reputation. The use of fiberglass for the hull and deck ensured a watertight envelope, though the interior often featured extensive wood trim to soften the industrial feel of the early GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) era.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Margaret D should approach the vessel with the scrutiny required for a 50-year-old fiberglass boat. While the hulls were built during an era when manufacturers tended to "over-build" with thick laminates, several age-related factors must be addressed:

1. Rigging Complexity: If inspecting a ketch or cutter variant, pay close attention to the chainplates and mast steps. The additional mast and stay points increase the potential for deck leaks and core saturation.
2. Deck Core Integrity: Like most boats of this vintage, the Trump 25 likely utilizes a balsa or plywood core in the deck. Soft spots, particularly around the cockpit and stanchion bases, are a common find in 1970s Stonington-built boats.
3. Rudder Bushings: Owners in various sailing forums have noted that boats of this displacement and age often exhibit "play" in the rudder post. Checking the bushings for wear is critical for maintaining the boat’s celebrated ease of handling.
4. Osmotic Blistering: Early fiberglass hulls are susceptible to osmosis. A haul-out inspection is necessary to check for hull blisters, especially if the boat has been kept in warm or brackish water for extended periods.

Community & Resources

Due to its limited production run, there is no formal national class association for the Margaret D. However, the legacy of the builder is preserved through the history of the Stonington maritime community. Technical information is often shared within the Atlantic Yacht Services archives, the successor company to Trump Yachts that operated in New London until 1991. Owners often congregate in general pocket-cruising forums to discuss the unique rig tuning required for the Trump 25's ketch and cutter variants.

The Verdict

The Margaret D (Trump 25) is a rare, stoutly built pocket cruiser that offers a "big boat" feel in a trailerable or easily dockable package. It is best suited for traditionalists who appreciate unusual rig configurations and the history of small-scale American boatbuilding.

Pros:

• Extremely easy to single-hand and rig.
• Unique ketch/cutter options provide excellent sail-plan versatility.
• Sturdy, over-built fiberglass construction typical of the 1970s.
• Highly exclusive; a conversation piece in any marina.

Cons:

• Limited production (10 units) makes finding replacement parts or model-specific advice difficult.
• Heavier and slower than modern 25-foot performance cruisers.
• Age-related maintenance (deck core and rigging) is almost certainly required.