Anyone know anything about Triumph boats, I’ll be buying a 23-26’ CC T-Top in the next 6 months. I like the durability and low maintenance of the Triumph, how is the ride in the chop in San Diego area?
Thanks
Todd

Hi Todd,

Rob Baldwin (katsuo) has a 19’ Triumph he uses to go to Catalina. I’ll ping him and see if he can give you some input. He brought the boat down to fish in the 3Bs Tournament in June, looked nice.

I noticed on Dan’s board that you mentioned you’d be fishing out of San Diego - are you moving down this way?

Yeah just as soon as my house sells. I fish with Dave Trimble.
Todd

One thing to think about is that the only Triumph dealer in San Diego is Sea Witch Marine, which is in Vista (actually only about 2 miles from my house). If you’re looking at settling down in SD proper, that’s a bit of a haul (40 miles one way from Mission Bay). Also, they are a Yamaha-only dealer, so if you want one-stop service, you might want to stay away from the Triumphs with other motor brands on them.

John

Again thanks…I’m not yet sold on the Triumph…..their positive seems to be their ride and being indestructible…there are some negatives I’m not so sure about…..i’ve got time and will continue doing the research to find a boat that best suits my needs….I figure I’ll be ready for next fishing season….

Thanks for your board and input…. 

Todd

Todd, post your question over at www.thehulltruth.com They have a board dedicated to discussing boat hulls.  One thing I’ve heard about the Triumph hulls is that they flex quite a bit.  Some hate that, some think its positive.  I’m old school heavy glass lay up, so you’d know where I’d fall.

Steve

Steve

Thanks, I’m learning a lot about these hulls, not so sure I’m sold on them….still like Robalo and heavier hulls etc.

Todd

Todd,

I have a 1983 vintage Blackman center console with a Volvo AQAD 31A diesel and DP 290 outdrive.  It’s a very heavy hull for its size and the diesel adds even more in weight.  Most everyone who rides on it describes it as a cadillac ride versus a similar sized center console.  On Wednesday of this week I was coming back from a day of fishing marlin at Catalina and the wind kicked up hard in the evening just oustside Avalon.  We could only make 6 knots, but my guest said that the 23 Maycraft (glass hull) he rode on the Saturday prior in similar conditions would have been pounding hard.  Lightweight boats are great for speed and better mileage in an outboard configuration, but they suffer dearly in rough conditions.  The diesel in my boat makes up for the mileage regardless of weight and conditions.  He said they ran out of fuel in the Maycraft half way across the channel doing the same length trip.  The Maycraft has an 80 gallon tank as does my Blackman.  That specific Maycraft has a 200 hp EFI Suzuki on it.  My boat can do two more of those trips on the same tank.  Yes I can’t rip at 30 to 40 knots when it’s like a lake, but those are the rare days. 

People will pitch the indestructible hull of the Triumph, but how often do you plan to run up on rocks?  The rest of the time you have a lightweight, slap happy, flexible hull.  All boats are a collection of tradeoffs, including mine.  You just need to figure what fits your fishing style.  I bought mine used for $14K with 700 hours on the diesel and now have 2200 hours.  I did not take the depreciation hit and this boat will outlast what my body can take.  It’s not perfect but it gets the job done and does so very economically.  As the engine is mechanically injected, I do all my own work on it.  Very simple upkeep.  The problem is that you would be hard pressed to find another boat configured like it as it would be too expensive relative to size in the current market.  A diesel powered 20 center console in today’s market would cost $50K base price w/o any rigging.  Compare that to a $25K outboard powered 20’ and you can see what sells.

Steve

Steve

Thanks for the insight….it’s amazing how much information I’ve rec’d from this and Blanton’s board. I don’t think I’ll be buying a Triumph, there are those who love them. but the majority seem to be in your camp. I need to see one up up close and get a ride…i don’t like the idea that the finish is not exactly smooth and will collect dirt in the indentations. one guy said he needs to pressure wash his deck about every 6 weeks as it starts to turn grey..I’ve rather hose down after each trip, plus he painted the bottom, so there goes the no maintenance bottom. I’ve always liked the Robalo, my friend has a 23’ Mako which I like although the distance between the gunwales and console is pretty narrow???

Your boat sounds unique, I like the low cost…as most have said one needs to find the boat that satisfies your fishing, and pocket book needs not to mention the maintenance time required.

Thanks
Todd

Todd S - 25 September 2009 01:27 PM

Steve

Thanks, I’m learning a lot about these hulls, not so sure I’m sold on them….still like Robalo and heavier hulls etc.

Todd

Todd,

Wasn’t sure if you were open to considering other hulls, so I didn’t add more info. Did you have any particular price range or feature set you were looking for? New or used?

John

Kinda looking for (used) 23-26’ I like Robalo, Mako, but have not been on any other brand….I’m currently over on Shelter Island…yesterday on my walk i talked with guy who just returned from a day of fishing at the islands, he had 19’ Bay boat (Triumph) he loved it said he just did a 100 miles. He takes his boat home, power washes after each trip, wipes down the T-top and that’s it…..he loved the boat and the low maintenance…...keeping the boat (Triumph) in the water may necessitate painting the bottom, like some have done…..

I have to sell my house in Sacramento, before we move here, we’ll either buy or rent, then start shopping for a boat…..right now I’m doing research. Thanks to your board and Blanton’s I’m learning a lot….it will take some time….until we move I can’t do anything except research.

when are you going to post the results of the Mako tournament, I hear Sasha did quite well….?