The main lake I plan too fish the most has a motor restriction limit of 115hp. I know right it sucks. My wife told me to get the I wanted. I have picked the following 3 boats all fiberglass, Ranger Z175, Triton 179 Trx and the nitro Z117. Which one should I get??? I am not  oppose to aluminum boats at all. Just haven’t looked at them yet. Thanks for your input 

I'd opt for the Ranger or Triton...

 

You should check out the Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass. My brother just got an Alaskan 1800...darn good boat.

Triton 179 Trx

If you want speed go with the Triton, if you want fishability go with the Ranger.  My best advice is to go sit in each one.  One of them will “fit” you better than the other.  Better yet if you can get a ride in both.  

I'm sure you're aware that all three brands are owned by Johnny Morris.  This is just my opinion but  I'm not sure he's committed to the Triton brand.  It doesn't matter if you like the boat but it could affect the resale value of the boat in the future.

I own a 5 year old z175 with the mercury pro xs 115 . It is a nice boat. 

I looked at all 3 when I was boat shopping.

The nitro was cheaper, but missing a lot of features. Once you added everything to equal the ranger, cost was similar, but resale sucked.

The triton was decent, but there were no dealers close, plus when I compared resale, it was also significantly below ranger.

 

At the time ranger was the only boat that had the command thrust lower unit. Which allows you to run the bigger props.

 

 

One thing to add is the white river marine group owns all 3 brands. From personal experience, getting any warranty work done is about as fun as having teeth pulled without painkiller.

 

My boat, with a 23 pitch tempest prop, has a quick hole shot and a top end of 48-50 mph, depending on air temperature.

I run an older Ranger 175VS, 2006,  w/115 'rude. Two anglers and gear, I hit 42 on gps., upper 40's alone. Bought it when I lived on Champlain. Handles the big water well, just don't be in a hurry. Rock solid, just one small stress crack on console. Looked at many other boats at that length, Ranger was the nicest. Fits in my garage with swing away tongue, older house without much space. I'd do it again.

Out of the three boats mentioned, I'g go aluminum and take the savings difference and upgrade the trolling motor & electronics.  Express makes good boats.   I have a LOWE WF 180 which is going on 20 years now, everything works.   The Previously mentioned LUND is a great boat.  You live in South Carolina - I'm not real familiar with regional east coast brands.  The real question when you get a boat is where are you going to keep it and will it fit.  Another serious question - how far away is the dealer?

Horsepower limit? Just put different stickers on the cowling . I don’t think you can truly test horsepower without a pretty complex machine. Also on a car you can get different readings at the head and the rear wheels so I imagine on a boat it would be different at the powerhead and the lower unit

Looks like the wife likes the Nitro. Not 100% on it but not going to complain either. I was looking at the Ranger Z178 too, that’s still a possibility. 

1 hour ago, Justbass11 said:

Looks like the wife likes the Nitro. Not 100% on it but not going to complain either. I was looking at the Ranger Z178 too, that’s still a possibility. 

Good luck on your quest.