Triton 22 Information, Review, Specs

Produced between 1968 and 1972, the Pearson 22 was built in the Portsmouth, Rhode Island, factory during a period of intense innovation. According to records maintained by the Pearson Yachts Portal, the model was designed to compete in the Midget Ocean Racing Club (MORC) circuit while remaining manageable for a young family. Its sibling models included the larger Pearson 26—one of the most successful fiberglass sailboats ever built—and the Pearson 24, both of which shared the Shaw-era characteristics of increased beam and a flatter underbody for improved off-wind performance.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Pearson 22 is characterized by its agility and responsiveness, a stark departure from the heavy, "track-like" feel of the earlier Alberg designs. With a displacement of approximately 3,100 pounds and a ballast of 1,000 pounds, the boat possesses a relatively high ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 32%, providing surprising stiffness for a vessel of its size. The transition to a fin keel and a spade rudder allowed the boat to turn in its own length, a trait highly valued by club racers of the late 1960s.

On the water, the boat feels light but secure. Its Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.2 suggests a moderate performer that requires a reef once the breeze consistently tops 15 knots. Because of its spade rudder, the boat is susceptible to "feeling" the helm more acutely than a full-keel vessel; it provides immediate feedback to the sailor but requires more active steering in a following sea. Technical documentation from the Pearson Yachts Portal highlights that the hull was designed to provide a dry ride, though its relatively low freeboard means that in choppy coastal conditions, the cockpit can occasionally become "lively."

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 22-foot boat, the interior is remarkably functional, though it adheres to the "sitting headroom" limitations typical of the era, offering roughly 4 feet 8 inches of vertical space. The layout is straightforward: a V-berth forward, followed by a small area for a portable head, and two settees in the main cabin that double as berths. Small galley modules were often situated near the companionway to allow the cook to stand under the open hatch for better ventilation and headroom.

Materiality reflects the mid-century Pearson aesthetic, utilizing mahogany or teak trim against white fiberglass liners to prevent the "dark cave" feeling common in early wooden boats. Unlike its predecessor, the Electra, which had a very cramped "daysailer" feel, the Pearson 22 utilized its 7-foot 7-inch beam to create a sense of volume that was class-leading at the time. There were few variations in the interior during its production run, as Pearson focused on a standardized, high-quality build to keep the price point competitive with the emerging O'Day and Catalina markets.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Pearson 22 with the understanding that these vessels are now over 50 years old. While the hulls are famously "overbuilt" with solid fiberglass, several specific areas require scrutiny:

• Deck Delamination: Like many Pearsons of this era, the deck uses a balsa wood core. Water intrusion through improperly bedded stanchions or cleats often leads to soft spots. A thorough "tap test" with a phenolic hammer is essential.
• Mast Step Compression: The mast is deck-stepped, supported by a compression post below. Owners on technical forums frequently report issues where the base of the post or the deck under the mast step has compressed due to moisture or structural fatigue.
• Spade Rudder Integrity: The spade rudder is a hollow fiberglass shell over a metal frame. Over time, water can seep into the rudder, causing the internal foam to saturate and the metal armature to corrode.
• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are bolted through the bulkheads. These should be inspected for "bleeding" or crevice corrosion, which can lead to catastrophic rig failure if neglected.

Community & Resources

The Pearson 22 benefits from one of the most robust owner networks in the sailing world. The Pearson Yacht Owners Association provides a wealth of technical knowledge and historical documentation. Additionally, the Pearson Yachts Portal serves as the definitive digital archive for the model’s original brochures and line drawings. Because the boat shares many parts and design philosophies with the ubiquitous Pearson 26, technical advice and replacement parts are significantly easier to source than for other boutique brands of the same age.

The Verdict

The Pearson 22 is an iconic example of the "Golden Age" of fiberglass boatbuilding, offering a bridge between the classic Alberg era and the modern performance designs of Bill Shaw. It is an ideal vessel for the budget-conscious sailor who prioritizes build quality and sailing "feel" over interior volume.

Pros:

• Robust, solid-glass hull construction.
• Excellent maneuverability and "sporty" handling for a vintage cruiser.
• Active and supportive owner community.
• Strong resale value relative to other 22-footers.

Cons:

• Limited headroom (less than 5 feet).
• Susceptibility to deck core rot if maintenance was deferred.
• The spade rudder is more vulnerable to debris than a skeg-hung or keel-hung design.