Trintella Iii Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

With a substantial displacement-to-length ratio typical of the 1970s blue-water era, the Trintella III is not a light-air racer but a momentum-driven voyager. Its hull, featuring a long fin keel and a substantial skeg-protected rudder, provides exceptional directional stability, allowing the boat to track steadily even in confused seas. This "sea-kindliness" is a hallmark of Van de Stadt designs from this period; the boat resists slamming and maintains a predictable motion that reduces crew fatigue.

The ketch rig, which was the standard configuration for many units, offers a versatile sail plan. Owners frequently report that in heavy weather, the boat performs admirably under a "jib and jigger" configuration (headsail and mizzen), keeping the center of effort low and the boat well-balanced. While it may suffer from notable prop walk in reverse and requires a bit of breeze to overcome its 7.5-ton inertia, once moving, it is a stiff, powerful performer that inspires confidence in offshore conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Trintella III reflects the high-end craftsmanship of the Wever yard, featuring extensive solid teak joinery that has become increasingly rare in modern production boats. The center-cockpit design enables a split-cabin layout that was revolutionary for a boat under 40 feet. The main saloon and galley are located forward of the cockpit, while a separate aft cabin provides private quarters for the owner or guests.

A critical distinction exists between the original model and the Trintella IIIa. In the original Trintella III, the aft cabin was often accessed via a separate companionway from the cockpit, which could be inconvenient in foul weather. The IIIa variant introduced an internal walkthrough—a passageway beneath the cockpit coaming—which integrated the living spaces and significantly improved the onboard experience for long-term cruising. Both models typically offer a full-sized navigation station, a linear or U-shaped galley, and headroom exceeding 6 feet in the main cabin, making them viable liveaboards for couples.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Trintella III’s reputation is largely anchored in the European cruising community, specifically within the "Dutch Glory" era of boat building. It is a frequent subject of technical retrospectives by the Trintella Vriendenkring, the official association dedicated to preserving the brand's heritage. The model is often cited in regional nautical literature as the "gold standard" for Dutch fiberglass production in the 1970s, representing the shift from the traditional Trintel steel cruisers to modern composites.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Teak Deck Integrity: Most Trintella IIIs were delivered with thick teak-over-fiberglass decks. Over several decades, the bedding compounds can fail and the numerous screws used to secure the planks may lead to water ingress into the deck core. A thorough moisture meter test is essential.
• Osmosis: As an early GRP production vessel, the hull laminate is thick but susceptible to osmotic blistering if it has not been treated with a modern epoxy barrier coat.
• Mast Step and Compression: Given the age and the ketch configuration, the areas beneath both mast steps should be inspected for signs of compression or sagging, particularly where the loads are transferred to the bulkheads.
• Original Power Plants: Many units were originally fitted with Perkins 4.108 or Volvo Penta MD series engines. While robust, these may be reaching the end of their reliable service life. Buyers should prioritize hulls that have undergone a modern repower.
• Rigging and Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are often original; given the boat's offshore pedigree, these should be pulled and inspected for crevice corrosion.

Community & Resources

The most authoritative resource for this model is the Trintella Vriendenkring (Friends of Trintella). This association maintains a deep archive of original Van de Stadt blueprints, technical manuals, and a registry of hull numbers. They also host annual rallies and provide a network for sourcing specific Dutch hardware that may no longer be in production.

The Verdict

The Trintella III remains a premier choice for traditionalists seeking a "bulletproof" cruiser with timeless lines and exceptional woodwork.

Pros:

• Superior Dutch build quality and high-end interior joinery.
• Stable and safe heavy-weather handling characteristics.
• Highly functional center-cockpit layout with private aft quarters.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
• Potential for high-cost maintenance associated with aged teak decks.
• Challenging slow-speed maneuverability in tight marina settings.