The construction of large sport-fishing yachts has changed pretty dramatically over the past few years – changed in large part due to available technology, changing life-styles and environmental imperatives. Yachts now need to be stronger, lighter and more fuel-efficient without sacrificing any comfort, luxury or “virtual” Old-World craftsmanship. I say virtual because although that French, paneled hanging locker door may look traditional, chances are it is simply veneer covering a space-age composite that weighs ounces rather than pounds.
So it is at Trident Shipworks. Those in the know acknowledge Trident as a leader in advanced composite construction. Trident’s latest commission, an 82-foot sport-fisherman, takes advantage of these composites throughout.
In its construction process, Trident makes great use of “pre-preg” methods, a means of pre-impregnating polyester resins into the various laminates, such as knitted biaxial E-glass and Kevlar/E-glass hybrids. Trident then vacuum-bags the structures for strict weight control and superior bonding and to eliminate air voids.
Internally, all bulkheads and stringers (longitudinal girders on boats this large) are composite sandwich construction, covered with beautiful veneers or Awlgrip coatings.
Thanks to the bonding and grounding straps laminated into the hull and running from every fitting aboard to the numerous Dynaplates on the bottom, Trident assures stray electricity or lightning will pose little threat. And again, true to the oceangoing capabilities of Trident yachts, hooked up to the twin MTU/DDEC 16V 2000s (turning out 1,800 hp each) are emergency bilge pumps using the engines themselves as the driving force – a feature rarely found on yachts anymore, but one which no ship would leave port without.
Gone are the days when an 18-knot cruise was acceptable. The Trident 82 cruises at 29 knots and tops out at 35. The 14-degree deadrise combines with a sharp entry and a flat running angle to carve through head seas rather than pound over them. The hull also provides fuel efficiency, boasting a 900-nautical-mile range at cruise from the 3,500-gallon fuel capacity. Apparently, the bow thruster hole does little to impede the running speed, but on an 82-footer, you can bet it makes docking in a crosswind much easier.
True to conventional design, the Trident 82 boasts a three-deck configuration: enclosed flybridge, main deck with galley and salon, and belowdecks, with four double cabins forward of the engine room and crew’s quarters aft of the engine room.
Access to the flybridge is via a circular staircase from the salon. Complete with day head, the flybridge can easily accommodate eight guests, and the skipper won’t worry about them getting in the way as he fights a fish from the cockpit overhang controls.
The main salon features a huge circular table to port with seating for at least eight, and up to 10 more guests could be entertained in this huge space without the slightest strain. The gourmet-class galley along the forward bulkhead provides every appliance and amenity, including custom refrigeration.
Appropriately, the master stateroom can be found amidships with a king-size berth, full head with shower, large hanging locker and vanity. A second guest double with queen berth is to port, a third with a centerline queen berth sits forward, and an over/under double to starboard rounds out the sleeping quarters. Both the crew’s quarters and engine room can be entered only from the cockpit, so the owner’s privacy will never be compromised.
Tradition still has its place at Trident, evidenced by teak cockpit deck and caprail. And unique touches like the saltwater wash-down fittings that clean the anchor chain before stowing it back in the chain locker increase the Trident’s step-aboard-and-go feel. The cockpit houses every possible convenience and fishing amenity, including outriggers, tower, Murray fighting chair and rod holders. You’ll find most fishing equipment standard rather than optional.
“No one has ever come to Trident for their first yacht,” says Trident Shipworks’ marketing director Jim Mattingly. “Trident’s clients are experienced yachtsmen who have come to Trident for a yacht that meets their specific requirements, be it speed, exotic veneers, certified Maltese Cross construction or just the knowledge that it will be delivered on time and on budget without compromise.”
– Dean Travis Clarke
Trident Shipworks
5251 W. Tyson Ave.
Tampa, FL 33611
813-839-5151 or
954-524-4202
