Pearson Triton.....barn find...

[SVDistantStar]

I know cheap boats are normally not good boats, but i think this one may have a chance at a new life. Theres a '66 Triton for sale near me for a rock bottom price. It was a project that was started then abandoned and has been setting in a pole barn got the last 5 years. It needs the topsides and deck painted. I spent awile going over it this week and i couldnt find anything that made me worry. The decks are solid, the hull looks good, all the bulkheads are solid. Didnt get to look at the sails but they are said to be good. It has a Yanmar 2GM20, but it needs to be rebuilt. I can do almost all the work on it.

[sailingdog]

Go for it...

[SVDistantStar]

If i get my truck sold soon, ill be its next owner. Going to sell Distant Star if i buy this one.

[Paul_L]

Check the decks carefully. It would be unusual for a Pearson of that age not to have some delamination and core damage. Fixable, but nice to know before you start. Carefully check any of the bronze rigging components, such as the gooseneck and chain plates, for stress/corrosion cracks. Same with many of the bronze bolts used.

Paul L

[djodenda]

Be careful, but good for you. People who save old boats (without going broke or crazy) are heroes.

Really.

David

[SVDistantStar]

Well i cant go broke saving it since im already there. Seems noone wants to buy a diesel pickup right.

[barchetta3]

Can you tell us more about the circumstances and options with this boat?

[kai34]

do it, the triton is my one of my dream boats. there are some great sites that show some restorations of these beautiful boats. on is Pearson Triton #381 Glissando | Restoring, Maintaining, and Cruising a Plastic Classic on the Coast of Maine which is a total restoration. good luck and keep us updated.
-kai

[Delirious]

She looks better than the 1960 Triton yawl I am looking at seriously as a major project boat (I have a weak spot for yawls).

Four potential problem areas for Tritons:

Rudder cracking (if it's the original wood rudder).

Deck core rot & delamination

Mast support softness, compression, cracks.

Tang cracks, bedding problems.

I believe yours is post external ballast so you don't have the fifth worry spot of keel bolts.

All of these are fixable, as mentioned, but some sizeable investments of your time or someone else's time on your additional investment to correct if necessary. Sounds bad, perhaps, but for a 42 year old boat there ain't many that won't have similar or equivalent problems. I'm 90% convinced I'm going to go ahead with my purchase. There aren't many sailboats WORTH that much work and the Pearson Triton is one that is worth it.

Check out Practical Boat Buying Vol 1 or Spurr's Upgrading the Cruising Sailboat for some good insight on the Triton. Cost you a LOT more to get something as seaworthy new or slightly used and the half model of her on the mantle won't come near looking as good. ;-)

[T34C]

(I have a weak spot for yawls).

Can I interest you in a nicely restored Tartan 34 yawl?????