What a way to start the New Years. My wife just told me today that we should think about getting a smaller boat with a 115hp on it, that way we didn’t have to drive an 1 1/2 hrs to get to Hartwell. We live by a lake that is 20 minutes away and only allows a 115hp, I have a 150hp. Man, what to do right??? So now the question is do I stay with a Triton which I love or go with a different boat??? 

If I had a reputable lake with good population of bass 20 minutes away......that's the lake I'd be pounding. 

 

Been there done that.

Actually went from a HydroSport to a Skeeter and all the way back to a Jonny boat Bass with 40# troll motor after I retired. 

 

I casted much more accurately from the big standing platform of the Bass boats but get on the water 3X more now to the closer lakes that are trolling only.

 

Lastly, would the Triton not plane on the 115 ?

I thought about putting a smaller engine but I wouldn’t mine a newer boat 

Triton 179 TRX should work for you.

I have a 2005 Triton TR-175 w/115 Optimax, very similar boat and a functional bass boat for 2 anglers. Top speed is around 55 mph loaded with everything and 2 passengers.

Tom

What about keeping the big boat and getting a small jon boat for closer or smaller bodies of water?

 

 

If the lake you are referring to is Bowen, I would carefully consider the options. I think the fishing is much better at Hartwell and if you are interested in staying local to that area, I prefer the fishing at Blaylock which limits fishing boats to 30hp. Is the idea to trade in or to get a second boat?  If I was wanting one boat I would get an aluminum with a 30. This would allow you to fish all 3 lakes and   that would reduce gas money as well. 

I went from a 19-foot glass boat to a 17-1/2 foot aluminum. I’m enjoying the tin boat. You don’t even know it’s behind the truck. It uses little gas. I’d downsize and not look back if it got me on the water more.