Aborn Smith Jr.

Aborn Smith Jr. (1929–unknown), commonly known by his nickname "Denny," was an American naval architect, boatbuilder, and sailboat designer known for his practical, trailerable fiberglass cruisers designed for family sailing and coastal cruising. Born in Connecticut, Smith's designs emphasized affordability, simplicity, and seaworthiness, reflecting his diverse background from tugboat deckhand to automotive repair shop owner and post-retirement yacht builder. He founded Trump Yachts in Stonington, Connecticut, where he designed and produced all models, focusing on mid-sized sloops with moderate displacement and user-friendly layouts. His portfolio includes about four sailboat designs, with over 200 units built, earning a niche reputation for value-driven boats that balanced performance with comfort. Smith's work contributed to the 1970s–1980s fiberglass boom, though his company was short-lived, transitioning to Atlantic Yacht Services in 1984 before ceasing operations.