Sailing Performance & Handling
The Triangle 20 is characterized by its "big boat" feel, a result of its relatively heavy displacement and generous ballast compared to contemporary 20-foot daysailers. The hull features a shallow fixed keel containing internal ballast, through which a steel centerboard is lowered. This design provides significant initial stability and allows the boat to remain upright in gusts that would cause lighter dinghies to heel excessively. When the board is fully extended, the boat exhibits surprisingly good tracking and tacking angles, though, like many designs of its era, it lacks the pointing ability of modern fin-keel racers.
In terms of handling, the Triangle 20 is known for being forgiving and "stiff," meaning it does not lean over easily. This makes it an ideal platform for novice sailors or families. The fractional sloop rig is manageable, typically featuring a small, easy-to-tack jib. According to historical technical notes from the Grampian Owners Marina, the collaboration between Charles Angel and the builders at Grampian ensured the hull was robust enough to handle the choppy conditions of the Great Lakes, where many of these boats were first commissioned. While not a "planing" hull by any standard, the boat maintains its momentum well in light-to-moderate air due to its clean underwater lines.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Despite its 20-foot length, the Triangle 20 was marketed as a true weekender. The interior layout is centered around a V-berth forward, which is surprisingly spacious because the boat carries its beam well forward. Underneath the cushions, owners typically find storage lockers or a dedicated space for a portable head. The main cabin area usually features two short settees that can double as berths for children or additional storage.
Materials used in the interior reflect the utilitarian standards of the 1960s, with a mix of molded fiberglass liners and mahogany or teak trim. Headroom is restricted, as is expected in this size class, but the "doghouse" style cabin trunk provides more vertical space than the flush-deck designs of the same era. A significant variation of this hull is the US 20, which was essentially the same design rebranded for US Yachts. Some US 20 variants featured slightly different interior moldings and cockpit layouts, but the primary structural sibling remains the original Triangle 20 built in Oakville.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Triangle 20 should focus on the specific aging points of early fiberglass construction and the unique mechanics of the centerboard system.
- Centerboard Assembly: The most critical inspection point is the centerboard trunk and the pivot bolt. Because these boats are over 50 years old, the steel centerboard can suffer from significant corrosion, causing it to swell or jam inside the trunk. The hoisting cable and winch mechanism should be checked for fraying and structural integrity.
- Deck Delamination: Like many Grampian-built boats of this period, the Triangle 20 uses a balsa-core deck. Moisture can ingress through poorly bedded deck hardware (cleats, stanchions, or the mast step), leading to soft spots. A thorough "tap test" with a phenolic hammer is recommended.
- Transom Reinforcement: If the boat has been equipped with a heavy modern four-stroke outboard, the transom may show signs of stress cracking. Early designs were intended for much lighter two-stroke engines.
- Rudder Hardware: The pintles and gudgeons are prone to wear, which can create "slop" in the steering. Given the age, these often require custom machining or replacement if they have not been serviced.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical support and historical documentation is the Grampian Owners Marina, which maintains a repository of brochures and owner-contributed manuals for the Triangle and US Yachts lines built by Grampian. While the Triangle 20 does not have a dedicated one-design racing association today, it is frequently featured in classic fiberglass boat forums and Canadian maritime history archives as a foundational model for the Oakville sailing scene.
The Verdict
The Triangle 20 is a rugged, stable, and charming pocket cruiser that offers a historical entry point into sailing without the flightiness of a modern dinghy.
Pros:
- Exceptional Stability: The keel-centerboard design provides a safe, upright sailing experience.
- Shallow Draft: With the board up, the boat can be beached or navigated into extremely shallow coves.
- Robust Build: Early fiberglass layups are famously thick and durable.
- Historical Charm: Its classic lines and Charles Angel pedigree make it a standout in any marina of modern "plastic" boats.
Cons:
- Weight: It is heavy for its size, making it more difficult to trailer and launch than a standard 20-foot daysailer.
- Centerboard Maintenance: The internal board requires periodic maintenance that can be difficult without a specialized trailer or lift.
- Limited Interior: While it has a cabin, it is best suited for overnighting rather than extended cruising.
