First Triumph 235 arrived yesterday at our local dealer “Johnson Marine” in Ontario California.
I got out of work early and drove down to check it out. They were nice enough to let me step in the boat while they were installing a Raymarine C80 system and VHF Radio. There prepping it up for this year’s 2nd Annual “Triumph Boat Owner” fishing tournament this Sunday. It’s being held at Newport Dunes, Newport Beach. No test rides. I guess they just want to show it off that day.
I was really impressed. I have an option of buying this boat after the tournament. Will most likely get a test ride in the following week. It’s missing a few options that I really wanted, so I may have to wait for another one. Dealer said that may take a month or so as Triumph is only making about two a week.
I got to take a look at features of the boat that I was not expecting since many panels on the deck, live well, and center console were removed. For example, the tackle storage compartment was taken out which is located on the opposite side of the bait well. Took a peek inside cavity. Noticed what I believe is a black insulation blanket around the bait well. The bait well is huge, but the access hole is very small as others have commented in other posts.
There were a few options ( vacuflush and digital gauges ) which I learned are not yet available but are posted as options on the Triumph web site. I believe they will become available soon later in production. I wish Triumph could shed some light on this.
Bow area is a little cramped, but not too bad. I borrowed a fishing pole and stood in the bow to measure the space limitations while casting. The only real way to cast is side ways and not straight back towards the tower. The boat did not have the insert option, so I was not able to stand in that elevated location. I would feel lots safer having the high bow rail option. Need something to hang on to.
For some reason the dealer removed the door on the center console including the aluminum framing exposing the edge. Looks like they cut out the door opening using an electric hacksaw. It was a very poor cut. No precision here; it was all over the place. Guess they figured it would be hidden by the aluminum door frame. Considering were paying big money for this type of boat, they could have done a better job.
Is the vacu-flush worth it. How many of you have had this option before on other boats ? Would you get this option or just the porta-potty? Also wanted to get the bow pulpit, anchor roller, windlass, fresh water shower in addition to comfort and fishing package. I forgot something, the fresh water shower option is the sink faucet and this boat didn't come with it. Doesn't make sense that you get the sink and the faucet is an option. Would be forced to use raw water wash down connection at the base of the bait prep station.
Would of made the raw water wash the faucet with extensible hose and the fresh water connection at the base of the prep station. Even if the extensible hose on the faucet is too short to reach around the whole boat one could opt to unscrew the faucet head and connect an extension. I just had to point out a few things I didn't like. Overall the boat was great.