trident 24

[butler]

hi,
anybody out there know what these boats are like to sail, i have been offered one with a drop keel? what is a fair price to pay. it has a 13hp diesel.
thanks chris

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[jonjo]

Re: It depends

This yacht will be around 35 years old and as such it would be impossible to price without a detailed description.

A GRP yacht is just a collection of bits that corrode, blister, stretch, leak, block, snap and discolour.

Beyond 20 years of age every part of a yacht is suspect and the value will be determined by the level of mis-use, maintenance and equipment replacement.

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[bob26]

I have owned two of these - but not a drop keel version. I think the fin keeler may sail best of all but the drop keel is probably better than the bilge keel version (which is what I have sailed). The bilge keelers are not sparkling performers compared with modern boats and they are a bit tender compared with beamier boats. But they are quite quick sea kindly and give a lot of confidence, are easy to handle, light on the helm and good seaboats. they are also very solidly built compared with later grp designs. They have wide side decks and easily handled small foresails (7/8ths rig). Des Sleightholme - former editor of Yachting Monthly famously owned one (Tinker Liz) and featured her regularly in YM. As you can see for yourself they do not have standing headroom (unless you are v short) but as a result they are very pretty traditional design and shallow draught.

There is an active Trident Owners Association
http://www.trident-owners-association.co.uk

They will be able to put you in touch with a drop keel version owner who can give you a view on how they sail.

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[bob_tyler]

I had one in the late 60s/early 70s. Fin keel version. They were very well moulded but the interiors can vary as many were home or kit completed. A 13hp diesel should drive it well as the originals were mainly 6hp Vire which gave quite reasonable performance when required.

I never had to worry about sea-worthiness, she handled beautifully with just a little weather helm when pressed.

I agree with Bob26 that the owners' association site could be a geat help to you. Enjoy her if you buy her.

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