Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

[ga_boy_1]

I am about to invest in my first ever new boat and could use any info the folks here can offer on the two models I am torn between. I fish a good bit of freshwater and fish the Florida intercoastal about 10x times per year.

My goal is to get a boat that will fair well in both. Freshwater considerations are easy, but the saltwater fishing I do is mostly in the creeks and flats, and I need to boat to float in the occasional 5-7" water if possible. It sucks pulling your boat out on low tide.

The two models I am looking at are the Triton 1870 Bay Sport w/ 90 Optimax and the Xpress HD18CC w/ 90 Yamaha 4-stroke. The Xpress has the price advantage on the final build out of about $2500, but I can afford either.

My perfomance priorities are as follows:

-draft
-ride in moderately rough water (how wet will I be)
-hole-shot

I think both manufacturers are reputable and make good boats, and I believe the dealer of each to be good shops.

I am torn and would love to get any input folks can offer, especially if it is any first hand experience or reports on these models.

Thanks.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

Consider your useage..... then decide.

Fishing is easier IMO in a CC boat since there is less to climb over and trip over. The triton looks like it may have more comfort for 2 (seating wise).

Both boats appear to be matched.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

You hit upon a problem I have always had....shallow draft and smooth, dry ride going back and forth to the fishing spot....The former requires a flat bottom (tunnel included) and the latter a deep V. The lighter the boat the easier on draft but harder on the ride regardless of the hull shape.

In south Texas they have tunnel hulls that are essentially a flat, wide deck, with a control station similar to a CC. The bow is bent up at a high angle and there is a tunnel in the center of the hull. The engine can mount on a movable jack plate or be fixed mounted. Having the tunnel allows for the prop to have a place to operate and the wide beam helps hole shot. Obviously the canted bow keeps you on top of the waves on the trip to and from.

HTH

Mark

 

[ga_boy_1]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

Thanks guys for the responses.

The Xpress has two livewells, which I like, but the Triton console has built in rod holders, which I also like and could add to the Xpress. The owner of the dealership selling the Triton's has used this model for the last 4 years, of course it is the new model each year. He has given me some information on his experience with the boat, which seems to confirm the little information I have found on the web.

The Xpress is a little more of an unknown. There are several for sale out in the used market, but no comments otherwise that I can find. I like the Xpress's hull design because the hull design is two sheets of aluminum with a pad of foam sandwiched between. I also like that the Xpress comes with an aluminum trailer.

I am not too sure about the Optimax vs. Yam 4-stroke debate. The weight is close, and the Opti should spank the Yam on hole shot, but the Yam should be less maintenance.

I also like that the Triton has the forward mounted fuel tank. Even with equal fuel to the Xpress (17 gallons) that is the equalivent of moving an average person to the front portion of the boat at low speeds which should aid draft.

I am leaning toward the Triton because the dealership is a little closer, but then again $2500 could buy a lot of extra goodies. Both will be equipped with Riptide ST 80lb'ers and Hummingbird 787c2i sounders.

Thanks again for the input, anything else anyone has to offer would be great. I see alot of folks asking for recommendations here but not posting followup after they make their decision. I won't do the same. The web needs some good, reliable reports on these boats.

Thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

if it were my option, i like the Xpress. the 3 seats across in the triton look like they will be in the way, even thou they fold down. a good fishing boat is simple, little glitz, and no crap in the way. also highly recommend the wireless trolling motor, with the key fob control. get rig of the foot control, and cables to trip over when your fighting that trophy fish. i have one and love it, i can be anywhere in my center console, and control the boat.

 

[ga_boy_1]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

Diddo on the trolling motor. I saw this unit in action on my brother's boat in South Fl. and loved it. Hopefully for the price it will last 10 years...

I was hoping someone had heard about or seen the Xpress HD18cc in action or something. Guess not. My main concern about it how much draft I will see. I know there are alot of variables that go into it, but it is nice to have some general idea.

Thanks again.

 

[KCook]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

Really a tough choice. If only you could get the Yamaha 4S on the Triton!

Kelly Cook

 

[ga_boy_1]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

Well I decided to by the Triton. I will be picking it up tomorrow and testing it out this weeked. I'll post back on how it does.

I got it configured with an E-tec 90.

 

[KCook]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

Very cool. Since Triton is a Brunswick brand, I would not have expected an Evinrude option.

Kelly

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

Must not be a factory rigged package and the dealer is multi brand....like most around here.

Mark

 

[ga_boy_1]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

That's right, they sell a ton of different boats and motor brands. All the boats on the floor are hull only, and the retro-fit for other motors (cables and what not) for no additional charge.

 

[ga_boy_1]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

** UPDATE AFTER FIRST DAY OUT **

OK, I took the boat out to the lake this weekend and put about 2.5 hours crusing on it. There was a ton of other boats on the lake so it was difficult to get any idea of what it would be like on a cool dim morning, but then again, I did get a good feel for how it handled the waves.

First of all, regarding the E-TEC, let me say WOW!!! This motor is awesome so far. The punch out of the hole was great, and the noise was minimal, and almost non-existent at idle. There is a little vibration at <1000 rpm, but that should quit after the 10-hour programming cycle according to everything I have read on the web. I do hate that the sub-115hp motors only have a 1 speed trim/tilt, but that's a small trade off. I couldn't tell that the engine used much oil at all, or gas for that matter. The guage read nearly the same from when I got there and when I left. I went a total of about 20 miles. However, I put in 15 gallons (in a tank that holds 30) and it only registered 1/4 full, so the guage obviously isn't reliable. I won't get into any serious fuel observations until the intial programming period is over. There was no smoke, and the engine starts every time I twitch the key, including the first time I cranked it in the yard. With most manufactures going 4 stroke, I feel positive that Evinrude will get some good marketshare from this motor, and hopefully eventually overcome the FICHT reputation.

On to the boat itself. It handled as expected. For a fairly flat bottom it road well. There was some porpoising and stiff steering that I have to tune, but they got better with some trim. I am going to check to see if the motor is too low to see if it makes a difference on the porpoising. I may look at the SmartTabs product if the boat is too picky about trim level and balance. The boat shot out of the hole quick, and settled down nicely. It seemed to respond ok to turns, with exception to the stiff steering. The draft with my family of four standing behind the console was 8", and should be less with folks and more fuel up front.

It was very windy some spray did come over the front when overtaking a boat of slightly less speed. The boat didn't seem to wander in the wind when trolling. The Riptide ST 55lb thrust put the boat efficiently and quickly through the water.

Overall I am very impressed, but I have to get the porpoising and steering issues tuned out to enjoy driving.

Oh yeah, top speed with the 90hp E-TEC was 41mph. But at this trim it started to porpoise after hitting some waves. Trimmed down to eliminate this it runs about 39mph.

Hope this helps anyone looking at this model in the future.

Regardin

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

Glad it suits you. Helps when the payments are due.

Have fun.

Mark

 

[KCook]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

"top speed with the 90hp E-TEC was 41mph. But at this trim it started to porpoise after hitting some waves. Trimmed down to eliminate this it runs about 39mph."

Sounds like my old Tracker bass boat. 2 MPH is not much to give up to steady the bow. Seems perfectly normal for a mod-V aluminum design to me. I wouldn't bother with the tabs.

Kelly

 

[csurp]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

I sent you a private message re: this.

chuck

 

[ga_boy_1]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

From a users private message: - Answers in bold:

"Would you mind sharing more information about your rig.

1. Did you ever solve the porpising problem...did the boat come with the so-called "performance wedges"?
-Yes, the dealer solved it. They did solve the porpoising problem with wedges underneath at the rear. The mechanic took it out and immediately realized that no amount of trim or weight distribution could solve the issue. The tables are about 1/2" tall, and are invisible from view unless you are kneeling down behind the boat. The are located on the second full channel (between the chines, or strakes) from the edge. I say full channel because the corner does not have a chine/strake. It has made a huge difference, it is now impossible to get the boat to porpoise. I can get so much more rpm and trim until the motor stops pumping water if I like My top speed hasn't changed, but I seem to get it without wide-ope throttle now. Trimming no longer changes the attitude of the boat much at full speed, so if you need to raise it in the front a little to soak up the waves better, you have to slow a bit.

2. Is is possible to sit comfortably behind the helm and run the boat with your back against the seat or do you have to stand up.
-Good question, and the answer is no. I saw this on the show floor and even called their attention to it. They had a 6'5" behemoth come over and site and said, "hmmm...looks good to me", mind you I am only 5'10. I am going to move the center console back about 5". The only modifications needed are cutting the aluminum tunnel cover (that covers the cables going back) and figuring out how to get the little up front cooler back over it's drain hole in the floor. CurrentlY, I just sit on the front of my seat while driving, but it gets hairy, or I have alot of turns to negotiate I stand up.

3. Is there a livewell in the rear seat?
-Yes, there is, and there is a divider (pain to get out) and two doors to get to it.

4. The interior lining is a mystery to me. I have seen some Triton aluminum boats here with a very rough truck bed lining material that is much like very coarse sand paper. Could you describe the lining of your boat. Is it comfortable in bare feet or when kneeling on the deck in shorts. The lining I have seen hurts when kneeling down with shorts.
-It is basically the Rhino lining, but it is not near as rough. I have pretty tender knees and it hasn't been an issue for me. It isn't carpet by know means, but you'll definitely appreciate it when you go to wash off that redfish slime The white color does stain easy, but cleans up with a scrub brush easy as well. Amazingly, the surface of the boat stays relatively cool compared to others I have been on. I fish in the Gulf and South GA. and I love it so far.

5. How is the paint holding up?
-The paint is pretty good. I fish in the stumps a good bit in freshwater (lake Seminole) and I have screwed me decals up, but fish don't seem to mind to much The white paint itself of course shows some water stain pretty quick, but wipes write off with a rag and soap. My dad is still amazed at how easy it cleans up, he has a aluminum with just the sliver showing and it takes some serious cleaning to get the stain off. No nicks in the paint yet, except one that was my fault. It is moderately tough, about like auto paint.

6. Would you buy a larger motor...I too have been considering the 90 optimax.
- Probably. The 90 has done really well. It is ver stingy, quiet, smooth acceleration, but I dunno. Considering the weight difference is nominal I would probably go with the 115 if I had the means.

7. Would you share how much your boat cost?
-No, i don't mind. I think it is good for folks to know this stuff. My boat, with the E-tec 90 upgrade, galv trailer, 80lb Riptide saltwater (with all the fixins), Hummingbird 787c graph, 5 seats (I ahd the dealer install two addition pedestal bases right and left of the driver pedestal), spare tire, onboard 3 bank charger, and other little stuff, I spent $19,800, but mind you it was a 06 boat, and 07 motor (oh yeah I got the extended warranty on the motor). If you buy it in early winter they usually throw in the extended warrant so that would save you some $$.

8. How is the trailer holding up in salt water? I presume you got the galvanized trailer.
-Perfect so far. It is the easiest boat I have ever had to load. Not a single miss on the first try yet. you may want some uprights for backing down with no trailer (I have a dually), but so far so good. I my opinion the wheels are a little far back on the trailer, making the tongue wieght to heavy to lift by hand, but it pulls well.

"

A few other notes about the boat, it does slip around corners and what not a full speed, to make really tight turns you just have to slow a bit or trim down to get some bite. I would opt for the hydraulic steerring over any other upgrades, I wish I would have done this. The boat is big and flat, and with motor trimmed down the steering still gets stiff. I drove one with the hydro and it was a dream. I would probably opt for this over the motor upgrade anyday (the other guy has a 115 E-tec). This would allow you to trim down and steer with the best of them, or you could just get used to drift racing style driving like me. In the So. Ga freshwater I fish occasionally there are a lot of narrow canals and quick turns, and I do get a bit antzy with this boat in those conditions. Without the ability to trim down and steer with more instant feedback, I have to calculate turns constantly, pretty tiring when you just want to relax and enjoy the early morning fog.

I will tell you that I don't think there is any other boat like this in aluminum. I get looks and compliments everywhere I go. People gaulk at the width and roominess of the boat. The stability while fishing is great, and the draft is amazing for a boat this size, even with a full load. Also, the boat front end entry angle is sharp, far more so than most aluminum boats, and while this leads to a good bit of blow back from busting big waves, it has virtually no hull slap when sitting stll facing the wind. In shallow creeks and flats where I do a lot of fishing this is a valualbe, and ofter overlooked, feature. I also can't say enough about the E-Tec. I think Evinrude is going to stomp other folks with this motor. All the benefits of hte two-stroke and four-strokes combined it one motor is hard to argue against. You can crank it with a rope if needed, and it starts on the first twitch of the starter every single time. It is an amazing motor. My dad is ready to dump his Honda 4 stoke for one.

I wanted to reply in the forum so that anyone else searching for information about this boat could find it in the future. I hope this helps.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

That was considerate of you Georgia Boy as surely someone else will benefit from this, maybe not with the same boat, but the theory could apply to other situations, and you were lucky to have a "full service" dealer to help you.

Mark

 

[pwiseman]

Re: Aluminum boat for inshore shallows

Love seeing people ask all the good questions, and then go out and get a boat they are happy with. Even better that how you addressed issues as they came up.

Looked at triton deep v two years ago and really liked the spray in lining and all aluminum construction (no wood). Probably would have bought it had the dealer been more responsive to answering questions. That was a real deal breaker.