20' Tritons

[Smib]

I'm looking to get a 20' foot Triton in the 1998 to 2000 year models.  I was wondering how they handle and how its reliability has been to those of you that own them.  Thanks for your time.    

[Nick_Barr]

Here are some Likes and Dislikes from another Website:

The boat is awesome, what a rocket!  No complaints about the boat. For you guys that do complain here is a little tip.  Do not push the livewell plugs all the way in, you don't have to do this, it makes it much more easy.  And the problem with your trailers on the bow eye, they do not properly set them at the factory, you might have to raise the winch about 2", that will bring your boat a little bit more on the trailer and you will find that it works better that way.  And as far as the hull slap, you can't get around that, the boat is solid and a hell of a runner, it is just telling people to get out of your way because you are moving on!!  I hope this bit of info helps some of you.  Chuck, Marine Tech Service Co.

ChuckM - TX       2002 Triton TR19 w/200 Yamaha VMax                                   7/14/05

Like most things about this boat. Great ride and great fishability.

Dislike: The plug for the livewell conflicts with the stainless steel mesh screens. Poor design.

Takes very strong fingers (which I don't have) to plug and unplug livewells.

Monte - CA   2000 Triton TR19 w/175 Ficht              

I have had my rig for 16 months now and I have no dislikes at all as far as the boat or motor goes.

* it is fast for a full 21' boat (74 gps)

* has awesome holeshot

* huge front deck

* tons of organized storage boxes

* sleek and flashy design

* awesome ride in rough or calm water

* turns like it is on a rail and handles awesome

* hull design and forward pad is great at all speeds

* easy controls to work and trim on wheel

* great livewell system with the works

* fishes great and low to water

* will fish in less than 2' of water without touching bottom

* very stable at all times under all conditions

* fast acceleration from any point

* ALWAYS a dry ride unless it is raining

I have no complaints about this boat at all. The low bow design does not cause a wet ride under any conditions and only makes fishing that much better since it is low to the water.  I have amazed every angle that I have drawn in tournaments by this boat's performance and fishability.

Even Ranger owners are amazed that Triton has such a top class boat that costs less than most other brands of the same size on the market.  And now, Triton is stepping up and joining trails and offering more money to anglers that fish from Tritons.

My only complaints have to do with the trailer that comes with the boats.  It is a tandem with 4 wheel brakes, but the lights are constantly going bad and wiring has to be replaced often.

That is the only complaint I have.  I would have to say in my opinion, Triton boats are the best all around bass boat on the market today.  Good Luck and Good Fishing.

74 Jeremy Adams - AL   2001 Triton TR21 w/225 Merc EFI              

Likes:

The 190FS (Fish & Ski) is a new model that was released in November 2001.  It is a 19 footer that is more like a bass boat than their Ski & Fish models. It has a low profile and a huge front deck.  The 94 inch beam provides a lot of space in the cockpit and deck areas.

The rear storage compartment is very large and easily accommodates your partner's clothing, cooler and tackle.  The 30 gallon livewell is large and features a recirculating pump and a separate pump to pump the water out of the livewell.  There are two storage compartments next to the driver and passenger seats that can be used for storage of maps, ropes and other small items.  Actually it is long enough to put your power pedestal poles in!  There is a cassette or CD stereo radio and speakers.  The center rod locker is long enough to fit seven foot rods.  There are holders for four rods and space to put seven more rods on the floor of the compartment.  The two side storage compartments on the front deck have plenty of room for life jackets, clothing, tackle bags and other items.  

The cooler under the center rear seat holds enough drinks (10), food (four sandwiches) and ice for a day's fishing trip.  The onboard battery charger is very convenient.  All gauges are easy to read.  Plenty of leg room under the consoles.  The driver and passenger seats have forward and backward adjustment.  The passenger seat swivels around to face backward.  

The ride in rough water is very soft, smooth and solid.  Speed with the Mercury 200 Optimax and a 21" Revolution 4 blade prop is approximately 62 mph.  The boat comes out of the hole very quickly and very flat.  You never lose sight of the water in front of the boat even with five people on board.  It appears that the various pumps will be easy to service through the rear battery compartment and the access plate in the splash well.  Fit and finish are very good.

Dislikes:

All the batteries are on the driver's side.  If there is no water in the livewll, the boat lists to the driver's side and if one of the fishermen moves to the edge on the driver's side, the list becomes very exaggerated.  The divider in the livewell comes loose from its position from the water sloshing around in the well.  During their pre-delivery testing, the dealer found a leak through one of the transom tie downs.  This was corrected prior to delivery.  The center wind curtain is made too big (not a big problem).  The hinge feature for the convertible top is mounted right behind the end of the windshield and hits your arm as it rests on the gunwale.  I fixed the problem by replacing it with a flush mounted hinge from Accon Marine.  Water comes over the transom from large cruiser wakes.  Not a big problem, but it is annoying.

May be caused by the weight of the Optimax motor.  No space to put a hot foot throttle.  

Drain hole in the cooler should be finished off rather than just a hole drilled in the fiberglass.

Overall opinion:

This is an excellent boat that provides ample deck space and speed for fishing and a comfortable ride and room for family outings.  The flat take off and quick acceleration should be beneficial for skiing.

190FS Owner    02 Triton 190 FS w/ Mercury 200 Optimax  

I like the fishability, the ride, the interior layout and the new style consoles.

I absolutely hate the trailer.  The paint chips too easily and then rusts.  It squeaks constantly, as was pointed out by others.  The winch bracket and winch assemby needs to be permanently (welded) mounted.  I went fishing with my friend who has a TR20 almost identical to mine.

When we got back to the landing from fishing we found that someone needed his winch and bracket more than we did!  I would recommend to EVERY Triton boat owner than they tack weld their winch mounting bracket in place.  It's too easy to steal by loosening one allen hex head bolt, and from experience I can tell you it happens!  You'll be out just over $200.

Thetac - MN    01 Triton TR20PDC w/01 Yamaha 225 VMax.        

Likes: Love this boat - my 2nd Triton. Roomy lockers, super PALS storage system, oustanding ride in rough water.  2001 hull redesign is a winner (although still chinewalks a bit).

Dislikes: Why can't they put a courtesy light in the front PALS tackle locker?  All the others have them except this one. Was mine a factory mistake or is this intentional?  Would also be nice if they'd get a better trailer manufacturer.  My EZ Loader trailer bow roller wore out after 3 months...leaves big black marks on the white hull.  Trailer squeaks like crazy.  Bow stop isn't welded to the frame..it's held on by a set screw.  A little extra attention to quality design in the trailer department is indicated.

Mark - AL      01 Triton TR21 w/ 225 Merc EFI    

The boat rides like a dream, even on ruff chop like Lake Champlain.

Dislikes: Triton says lifetime on the hull...not True...second owner gets only ten years from date of purchase and the cost is $100. to transfer warranty.  That sure doesn't sound like lifetime to me!

Steve - VT     2000 Triton TR20 PDC w/200 Merc EFI    

Likes:

- Large, long, deep rod boxes, lighted, with rod organizer on port side box and both carpeted where you can't see to the bow.

- Large gear storage compartment that extends under front deck to bow.

- Three large tackle storage boxes, one next to front gear storage, and two port and starboard aft, all with the PALS racks that hold my Plano storage boxes upright.

- Rotary switches, lighted, for all pump and accessory electronics.

- Hydraulic steering with steering mounted stem-style trim switch.

- Ample dash and gauge areas

[Nick_Barr]

Likes:

- Large, long, deep rod boxes, lighted, with rod organizer on port side box and both carpeted where you can't see to the bow.

- Large gear storage compartment that extends under front deck to bow.

- Three large tackle storage boxes, one next to front gear storage, and two port and starboard aft, all with the PALS racks that hold my Plano storage boxes upright.

- Rotary switches, lighted, for all pump and accessory electronics.

- Hydraulic steering with steering mounted stem-style trim switch.

- Ample dash and gauge areas on driver's console, with large flat deck area to mount electronic aids.  Nice bow accessory panel too.

- Large comfortable, thick vinyl seats.

- Separate, large livewells using TH Marine's max-air to introduce air bubbles to recirculate water.  And high capacity pumps on fill, recirculate and pumpout.

- Roomy design of dual console layout so driver and passenger don't feel cramped.

- Battery compartment that permits access to bilge and plumbing for service.  And integral spare prop storage.

- A safe-felling ride in rough water, and adequate "on the pad" speed ride for those that want a compromise between spacious layout and go-fast.  A solid feel when cutting thru chop or hard-cornering to miss a careless jet-skier.

- Disc brakes on the trailer with easy to service bearing grease caps.

- Great lifetime warranty on a hull that has no wood to rot.

- Optional foot throttle for safety and convenience.

- A great dealer whose staff treat me like a valued customer.  A factory back-up network with goals to keep customers satisfied with the value of their boat.

Dislikes:

- Battery compartment could be a touch wider to view the cells of the second trolling motor battery.

- The black bow roller on the front of the trailer puts marks on a white boat.  A clear neoprene roller would be better.  They don't supply a safety chain at the bow to secure trailer to boat for emergency.

- The front trim switch could use a protective shield to prevent accidental action.

- The ice chest could be a touch bigger and drain to outside not bilge.

- Everyone keeps asking if there is a Triton Owners Tournament on the lake cuz of all the Tritons there that day.  They just keep asking questions about the boat and wanting to look in/at it.  An owner talks their fool head off at the ramp answering all the questions and thanking onlookers for the compliments.        - rip

r i p - TX   1999 Triton TR21 PDC w/225 Merc EFI    

[Matt Fly]

I have heard that if hull problem exists, it takes a long time to get them repaired, like needing a new cap.   Is the only place a cap can be put on is the factory?  Any truth in this.  

Triton is supposed to add to the package of electronics a BSX this year.   Heard that one, any truths?

[jbh3]

The TR-20 is a great fishing boat. You might expand your search to the 2001 and up TR-20's as they are rated for 225HP. Mine is a 2002 w/225 Merc. Opti. It fishes and handles great and will run well into the 70's. Be advised that you will have to master high performance boat driving to get the last 5-10 percent of top end. Good luck with your search.

[Smib]

:)Thanks for all the info guys. Merry Christmas!!   SMIB

[SCarter]

I am looking at a boat and want opinions. It is a 2002 Triton TR 20, 20' 0'' , Mercury 225HP EFI Motor, Jackplate, Stainless Prop., Hotfoot, Hydrolic steering, Steering wheel trim control, (2) LCR Graphs, 24 Volt trolling motor, Single axle trailer; Immaculate boat! $21,995.00. Is this a good deal?

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/0/80917630.htm

[Triton_Mike]

I have a 2001 Tr-20 225 EFI,  GREAT BOAT!!  Your not going to have any hull problems that should be the least of your worries...  I am tinkering with selling mine CHEAP!!    There is not much difference between the 2001 and 2002 models.  2003 is when they went to the Xboat design (wider decks)

T Mike

[J._Bricker]

SCarter- Looks like a nice boat, at a reasonable price. (And this is from a Ranger owner) Because all that matters is that you have to feel good driving it, towing it, fishing from it, and PAYING FOR IT. But I would ask about the trolling motor, 76lbs of thrust or better.

[DDbasser]

I own a TR-186 18' 6" Triton with a 150 Johnson on it.

It's a 2000.

I've owned it since June 06 and I love it.

I just got it back from the factory, they put a new cap on it, the original one had some stress cracks in it and the dealer I bought it from Got Triton to warranty it I knew this when I bought the boat, I took it to the dealer on October 6th and I picked it back up on December the 22nd.

It has a brand new cap and looks great, I took it out Saturday I am very pleased with the work they did on it and I love my boat it takes rough water extremely well, has lots of storage, and fishes up to 3 people without being too crowded.

you won't be dissapointed buying a Triton!!!    

[JT Bagwell]

I have been running 20' Tritons for a few years and it is great.

They DO chine walk a lot, but it can be reduced by proper setup and

increased "Seat Time." I have been behind the wheel of mine so much

that I very rarely even notice any chine walk.

In my opinion they are great boats that are fast and fish comfortably.

JT Bagwell