Help...Triton Owners past/current

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MaddMaggs
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Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by MaddMaggs »

I am looking at a 1999 TR21dx with a 225 Merc on the rear end.

I am looking for positive/negative comments on this ride.

It will be my first ride and I want to make the right call on this. I have seen the boat and it is in good shape, some gel issues near the TM but overall a soild looking boat.

It has got great electroncs a 2 bank 74 lb MK motor, the guy is even gonna let me keep the chip, which has a ton of spots on it....

Price is just under 11k.

Thanks guys (and gals) I appreciate the help.
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sker13
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by sker13 »

Good boat...Sounds like it's priced right....Trolly might be alittle light for that boat. Make sure you get the motor hrs, mant, and history checked out by a cert Merc. dealer. If he changed his impeller every year and has all maint. records then that is a good sign.
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Kevin
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by Kevin »

For $11K, you can't go wrong.
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sTony
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by sTony »

Kevin wrote:For $11K, you can't go wrong.

Actually, it's a ten year old boat so there is plenty that can go wrong. Have it checked out by a mechanic you trust. Know that you will be spending additional dollars down the road on the boat because... well, it's a boat.

Break
Out
Another
Thousand

Best of luck with the purchase and have fun fishing!

sTony
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MaddMaggs
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current-Ranger too....

Post by MaddMaggs »

Thanks all,

I appreciate all the input. Great way of putting it sTony.

I will wait to see if anyone else posts their opnion on this before I commit or reject.

I also am looking at an '99 Ranger 361xl that is just about brand new. Saw the records on this one and the motor is a horse (Mercury 150HP XRI). It is a much nicer boat but I am not buying the boat buy what it looks like. The electronics are well, just depth finders, which i dont mind.

I just want a good boat for a first time owner.

Thanks again for all your input!!!

PS...it's dang cold here...29 last week and 45 with a 10mph wind...Just like the Delta in the winter...Glad I have my quidewear...
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JustinD
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current-Ranger too....

Post by JustinD »

Off the subject but have you ever looked at the throw back Rangers? I happened upon one yesterday at C&C and for 20K with a 115 they are pretty cool. Huge open front deck and cockpit. Granted they are not a 21ft Triton but they are intriging.
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current-Ranger too....

Post by MaddMaggs »

Justin,

Cant say I even heard of them. Can you give me some more details?

Maggs
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current-Ranger too....

Post by JustinD »

I believe they are called the 177TR. Don't be fooled by the 17'7" size they look and feel way bigger. I'm sure if you look on-line at Ranger they have something there. But anyway they look and feel really good and unless your doing some serious tourney fishing I'm sure they'd fit real good for the average angler.
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current-Ranger too....

Post by MaddMaggs »

Thanks Justin,

I will take a look, dont know if $20k is in my price range but I will look. Size of the boat is not a huge thing as the water her in CT/NY is kinda small, nothing like Clear Lake or the Delta, the biggest lake in CT is about the size of Folsom, so I'm told.

I will check them out.
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current-Ranger too....

Post by JustinD »

Kind of what I thought and honestly after I looked at them I was really impressed with what they had to offer and remember I run BassCat so its hard to say that. Its strange how after fishing for a while your needs change from looks and status to total functionability. For instance i will never have a dual console again cause i think they just basically get in the way. Also keep in mind that the 225 uses tons of fuel and what are the possible implications the government might have with a motor that old and the up coming ban or possible ban on certain lakes for motors that pollute the enviro. to a degree. Just food for thought.
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by adman »

I just bought a 98 skeeter to be my dedicated Casitas boat. 17.6 w/Yamaha130. The nboat looked as if it had never been used! The previous owner REALLY took care of his boat. The electronics were as you said just electronics so a put a 997 on it.

I would strongly suggest you consider the smaller Ranger which sounds like it has been better kept than the Triton. Maintaining, fueling, towing all will be easier. Another thing to consider: The larger the boat, the more likely it has been used in tournaments, and tournament fishing is harder on all aspects of a boat.

Good luck with whichever you choose and hope your winter is short and you get out on the water soon.
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by MaddMaggs »

Thanks Guys,

Im thinking the same. I know the whole Ranger v. Triton v. Cat v. (insert your boat here) battle will happen.

Adman, brings up some great things as well as Justin. I am a concerned about the motor on the Triton, I know it is not that fuel efficent and think the boat has been in a tourney or two.

The Ranger is the BEST kept boat I have seen even if it 10 years old. It looks like it's brand new. The gentleman kept it under a tarp in the garage.

I own a mid-sized truck so that is also a PRO for the Ranger.

I will keep you all up to date on my decision. As I have not made up my mind yet...

Might try my hand at ice-fishing this winter...that ought to be a new one....

Again, you guys rock and thanks for the HONESTY even from other brand owners....
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DeltaDan
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by DeltaDan »

I abasoulety love ours ! -- I had looked for along time to find a boat in the $11k range for a Ranger 488vs, 20-21' Triton, or something comparable. (Skeeter/Cobra/ect.) I had to come up from my target price .... But BrothA Jig's gave us a screaming deal on this boat.


It is rock solid stable, blenty of room for the four of us to fish out of, HUGE livewells, tons of storage and the 225 EFI is a Screamer with the 27p Tempest. Last friday and Saturday we passed 14 and 17 boats from the blast off at Konocti before we hit the narrows with Cooch driving.... and WOW ~~ HE CAN DRIVE !! :shock: :shock: :lol:

The 6" JPlate that was on it was/became cracked - and I replaced it with a new 10". Had alot of Chine and I kept lowering the JPlate with no fix and less mph. (from 75.4 gps down to 70.2 gps) Then BrothA Bifferz and I purged the power stearing fluid and there was an airbubble in it and possibly some moisture. No more chine at all now ~ and the JPlate is back up 3/4" for this Friday morning to test.

Like Tony said - Take it to a shop and they can plug your motor in and tell you how many hours are on it - and how many hours it was ran in certain rpm ranges ~ and have them go through a compression test, and the other stuff. If you decide then - have them put in the new extended life impellor while they have it there.

Fuel is not a problem when on pad/trimmed up and crusing at 3300 RPM's. (44 mph gps) At 4k rpm's and above -- it will drink the gas and oil. I can run a good long day on the delta making my normal stops for 12 gallons. (Bethel, Rock, Disco, Mildred, Mandy, back to Franks)


Good Luck !
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by kopper_bass »

DeltaDan,
Quick question - what did the power steering fluid have anything to do with chine and speed loss? I dont see the connection - :shock:

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Pat
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current-Ranger too....

Post by Pat »

225 Merc of that vintage, is it an Optimax? Make sure you get a maintenance print out for it. There were a lot of them with problems to the point that Mercury had to settle a class action law suit. I had a 2000 Optimax and wore out a set of tires running back and forth to the dealer. When it was running right, it was sweet, and they finally sorted it out, but what a nightmare until then.

The Triton is an excellent boat for handling, storage and fishability. Get a long shaft Trolling motor if you will fish any rough water.

As Tony said, pay a mechanic an hours labor to check it over. It's cheap precaution.

Good luck whatever you decide on. And remember what BOAT stands for "Break Out Another Thousand$" :lol:

Pat
Last edited by Pat on Thu Oct 30, 2008 3:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by Scott L »

I have a '99 TR21 PDDC with a FICHT 225. Purchased new in 2000. Love the boat. Rides smooth, nice size deck and plenty of storage.

The boat came with a lifetime warranty to the original owner and transferable in the first 5 years to the second owner for a 10 year warranty. That may not sound great compared to today's warrantys, but thats what started the lifetime warrantys. If the boat has been taken care of it will be the least of your worries.

The motor is the biggest issue. As others have said, take it to a mechanic and have the computer spit out everything.

Next thing is the trailer. make sure it has been taken care of. It is pretty hard to get to the water if the trailer is broken.

My boat has the MK 74 and it has plenty of power for that boat. Does it have as much as a 100+ lb thrust? no! But unless you are fishing for big $ in current and high wind you will be happy. It is also one less new battery you have to replace along with one less bank on your charger.

I can't comment much on the Ranger, but I thought the 361 was an older vintage hull. Meaning it was an older design than say a '99 519. The difference is a newer designed ranger hull from '98 or '99 should ride better than an older design built in '99.

You should take them out on the water, but it might be getting a bit cold for that in your area.

Good luck with your decision.
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by BassinDan »

I own a 1997 TR-21 with a 2002 V-Max 200. Love the boat, the motor is a tiny bit small for most 21's but that year of Tritons are light. Tritons are comfortable in every way, ride, fishabilty is great. Livewells are huge, lots of storage. I bought mine last July and the only reason I bought it (Being 10 yrs old) was that it looked like it had been in a time capsule. And it had the V-max. Pay close attention to what the boat looks like and the motor. If it looks like it's not taken care of then it probably isn't. Other than that. Go for the Triton.
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by wkwong11 »

I found a 488VS about month and a half ago just under 10K. The electronics and TM were junk, but that wasn't that big of a deal. I also spent 2K for carpet and deck extension as I couldn't bare the dark green carpet.

We all say we don't care about what it looks like, but I'm sure you care inside, haha. Even thought 10K isn't anywhere near the new boat range, if you're spending your hard earned money, get something that'd you'd really like both for function and looks.

The best thing is just don't rush or sell yourself on buying a particular boat. I'm rather lucky that a couple of deals fell through when I was looking. Turns out the it helped me finally find that 488 which was a great deal and was also in pretty darn good condition.

I know it's tough when you go that itch to get a boat, but I highly recommend holding out until you see something that really stands out. I don't know how far away you are looking, but I looked at probably a 500mi radius on all websites. Western bass, bbc, craigslist, boattrader, dealer websites, everything I could find. I bookmarked every site and checked them daily.

PS. The Goodyear Marathons that were originally equipped on the trailer all blew out and destroyed my fenders. 2 blew on the previous owner and the last one blew while I was towing it home after buying it. Watch out for those tires.
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MaddMaggs
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by MaddMaggs »

Wow.

Thanks everybody. I have been doing some research on the boats and I just dont feel to comfortable with the Triton. From my research, it has been used in tourneys and the trailer brakes are INOP. That is huge, when I have a mid-sized truck. MY gut just says...'hum, not this one'.

I'm going to look a little harder at the Ranger, and keep cruzin the net...now it the time to buy...new models coming out, guys off-loading from the season, and the COLD (it was 28 this morning).

Keep ya all posted...

Thanks again for all the words of advice.
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by Hipster »

Maggs,

As Pat stated I would stay away from the 99 - 01 Optimax's I had an 01 and because of it I now run Yamaha. The EFI's were bullet proof and the new Pro xs I have heard great things about but not those first series Optimax's.

Be patient and shop wisely the right deal will come along. I am one my fifth boat in ten years but this one now is a keeper :D :D

Good boat shopping to ya!!!

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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by ash »

Mags,

Am I hearing you correctly that you are moving back east? I would wait until after the move used boat prices will be cheaper, more inventory and better TAX rate :wink:
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MaddMaggs
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by MaddMaggs »

Ash,

Im already here. Been here for a few and put off the purchase until the temp dropped. Which it has.

So now Im beginning the process of finding a good starter boat.

Thanks
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by StogieMan »

No matter what you decided to buy, try and afford a non-efi motor. The price of gas will be an issue for you at some point, trust me on this. :lol:

So get a Yamaha (HPDI) Evinrude (Etec) Merucry (Optimax) these are all direct injected and will net you 2x the mileage

I have owned (2) Mercury EFI motors and now an Evinrude Etec, the difference in fuel consumption is staggering!
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by eagle123777 »

on hindsight i would have bought the 21 in 03 vice the tr20 i bought..the tr is a great boat and that mk 74 will handle anything u can throw at including the delta tides...ran it for 4 years till i ordered the 08 last year...take if for a spin...u probably will run into some chine close to 60 but ya will learn to handle that with time on the water.....have fun...jack
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by eagle123777 »

madd, what i said about the boat is true and everyone else had told about the motor, but as u last said, if ur gut doesnt feel right about it...trust it...if somethin went wrong down the road with the motor or trailer u would kick ur self....and there goes the fun...if ya can travel look south of u sure there are lots of tritons out there....jack
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by JustinD »

Everyone's so caught up in speed....Honestly never seen a fish caught at 60 MPH...About all that happens when getting on it to much is the pocketbokk deflates, you blow your motor, or worse an accident. Its fun to go fast but the fishability is what you should honestly be looking at. By that I mean what suits your water and wallet.
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by Scott L »

Great advice about taking your time and looking at a lot of boats. It is not as much about the Mfg as it is the individual boat you are looking at when shopping used. I had been in the market for a used Ranger 488 VS when I ended up with a new Trition 21.

Came close to buying a demo 20ss Stratos, but the morning I went to look at it I came across a thread on a website back east talking about a defective hull that listed to one side. When we took it for a test ride that's what the boat did and the tourney director who was selling it said all boat did it. Stratos ended up recalling the hulls but I avoided a mess.

Then there was a 488 in Redding I took a look at that was almost 3 years old and had seen plenty of tourneys and used as a guide boat. Waited a bit and fell into a previous model year new Triton that was a foot longer and had 25 more hp for $2, 000 more.

It can be very hard to be patient, but it pays off.
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by phill strader »

MAGGS, the Ranger 177 tr mentioned is an awesome boat, i have a couple of buddies that own them, if you are interested in straight opinions from owners, let me know and I will put you in touch with them. Great ride, performance, comfort, and fuel efficient, drop me an e-mail if you are interested in more info or a trip on the water.
good luck,

phil strader
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Re: Help...Triton Owners past/current

Post by CN »

The Motor is the most important thing to look at when purchasing a used boat I think.

Stay away from any type of Carburated Motor now day's becouse the day is comeing where they may be outlawed alltogether.

Also the overall shape of the Boat will give an indication how well it was taken care of which is good so yes you will pay more.Sometime's they may be just selling it to buy a new one so it's probably a good buy.

We all have our preferance but look for a good platform "level" and room to fish out of dont worry about breaking the 200HP Club.

Good luck
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