Mariner 19 or Triton 21

[Wing_Mechanic]

I'm new to the sailing world and have been shopping for my first sailboat. Right now I'm torn between two boats for sale locally and thought maybe I could get some insight. I'm looking at a 1976 Oday Mariner 19 2+2 or a 1984 Pearson Triton 21. Both are asking just under $3k OBO. I can find a big following for the Mariner, but information on the Triton 21 is pretty spotty, though apparently it is the US 21 but produced by Pearson. The Triton+trailer is close to my max towing weight and will look disturbing behind my frontier, but overall I really like the Triton and have seen it in person. It needs a bottom job, rudder needs to be faired, blots through deck leak water in several spots, water staining under portholes... but otherwise everything else seems great. I haven't viewed the Mariner yet as it's about 2 hours from me. Any thoughts on a first sailboat between the two? Are both good choices, or is there a reason there aren't many Triton 21's around?

Thanks
Scott

 

[shemandr]

When I first read the OP I was thinking the Triton 21 was a stretched Ensign. But SBData shows the Triton 21 as an entirely different boat. It is a nice looking boat with a lifting keel as opposed to the long keels of the ensign and electra. SA/disp. a fairly sporty 24 and a little cutty cabin. If you have found one in a condition you accept at a price you accept you should buy it.
It's hard to tell why there aren't more Triton's around. The boat just might not have found a niche in the market. Search for other 21-24 foot boats that came out in the mid 80's and you might find the answer. The J 22 came out in '83.

 

[Will Gilmore]

welcome to SBO's forums, Wing_Mechanic,
This is the best place to answer all your sailing questions and I have no doubt you will find a satisfying answer to this one.

I am a Mariner owner, myself, and a huge fan, but that Triton looks like a great boat too. I'm unfamiliar with it.

Just from what little I can see, I'd recommend you ask yourself, what you want out of your sailboat. Both boats will sleep four, not too large people, but the Triton looks a bit more roomy of you don't like small births. The triton has more modern lines and probably sails like a banshee, maybe even planes under the right conditions.

The Mariner is the Rhodes 19 hull, a fast, proven design from the mid-sixties, but probably a slower design than the Triton. I know the CB version of the Mariner will launch easily at most any boat ramp. She typically weights in at just under 4000 lbs.

The Mariner has the largest cockpit for a boat of her size, at 9' in length, making her a great boat for friends and family to join for day sails. The other advantage to the Mariner is availability of parts. She still being built by Stuart Marine in Rockland, Me. And the Class Association is active and holds class events. There are a number of member in Florida.

Good luck, this is a tough decision.

-Will

 

[rgranger]

Love your boat and she will love you back. Try to go on a short sail on both and see which one speaks to you.

 

[Wing_Mechanic]

Thanks for the insight! The Mariner sold and the Triton owner and I couldn't quite agree on a price. I ended up leaning towards the Mariner but it was too late. I'm on the search for one in Florida or the southeast United States...

 

[Tater]

Wing_Mechanic, Today at each end of the Navarre bridge I saw an apparently abandoned sailboat, beached. If you are looking for a project, and can figure salvage law and get it home??? The hulls didn’t look bad from a distance. I don’t recall seeing a mast. It is Likely all metals have been stripped. If you are close, take a closer look. Good luck in your search. I ended mine in October.

 

[shemandr]

Omph! "Danger Will Rodgers"

 

[Tater]

Omph! "Danger Will Rodgers" (Robinson)

Agreed! Also, if someone is looking at 40-year-old boats it should be assumed that there are budget considerations and free labor. I purchased my 170 with that in mind. I have spent about $250 in project money on my boat and trailer. The labor on that would easily bust $1000.