170 DC stability and rod storage

[Philip Smith]

Hi,

I'm looking at selling my current Makocraft v nose punt (Aussie boat) and buying a 170 to fish Tasmania's inland lakes.
There aren't too many Triumphs down here to have a look at. I fly fish and am wondering how stable the 170 is to fly fish out of. Secondly, I'm not sure how I can mount my 9 and 10 foot fly rods horizontally on the 170DC. Is there room between the side of the boat and either the left or right console to slide a fly rod or two in? My idea is that I could then fit rod holders to the front and rear of side(s) of the boat.

Kindest regards

philip

[RoryWainer]

Hi Philip

I am a Triumph Boat owner just up the road from you in Melbourne. I mostly fish in Westernport Bay which can be as flat as a lake or have +2 meter waves.

I have looked at or tested a 170CC, a 190Bay, a 195CC and a 195DC. Haven't tested seen or tested a 170DC but I imagine it would look & perform much like the 170CC. I purchased a 190Bay 12 months ago over the 170CC because of the extra space & stability, and now have a 191F&S on the way.

They are all good boats, and the Roplene makes them very tough and easy to customise, but the different models do suit different water conditions & passenger numbers.

Give me a call on 0418347222 if you want to discuss the +/- of the Triumphs I have looked at, or want some info on sourcing boats/parts.

[Putershark]

I have fished with Brother Jim in his 170 DC and even with my "Battleship" sized butt up on the poling platform, the hull was quite stable. Trust me, having Dave here standing that high up on the center of gravity on a 17 foot hull and it not turtle, is a big deal What was even more funny was watching me get up and down on that poling platform. Picture a old boar hog trying to climb up a small tree, and you get the picture

Plenty of storage for mounting horizontal rod holders long enough to hold Fly rods though. Those rods will fit right down the side of the hull and fit inside the gap between the console and hull on the port side.

Matter of fact, Jim and I are in a hull out and refit yard period with his where we have come up with project plan to improve his 170DC to even be a better shallow draft Flats Hunting Machine. It should have plenty of storage space with all needed items below the rear casting deck (out of the way) for two anglers. This as well as nicely laid out front and rear rod and tackle bag storage areas. He is even working on extending the front casting deck aft to create and even larger casting area forward. When done, I am sure we will post some before and after shots of the project so others can see our ideas that we either cooked up OR borrowed from other boat builders

I will let Jim comment further on his plans and his feelings on the stability and fish-ability of this hull since he has spent a ton more hours on one then I have.

[jebsr50]

Philip: As Dave put it there is "horizontally" plenty of room for a couple of 10' fly rods along the port side. I have a couple of PVC tubes towards the back,and a short larger piece to the front for the butts to sit in. About mid way just behind the port console there are a couple of keepers to secure the rods. I had this set up on the starboard side as well. After re-powering I had to put my controls on the starboard wall rather than the dash mount controls like a Yamaha has. I really didn't need 4 fly rods anyway.

Like Dave was saying as far as stability I have no problems. The 170 is perfect for me because of the very skinny water we fish and the sometimes tight areas we look for them. I hope this is some help to you because that's what this site is all about... Now for you guys who know Dave. I'm not going to comment on his and I quote, Battleship" sized butt, I'm not even gonna sneak a pic the next time he climbs up on the poling platform on this little 170 "sure I'm not" but I will say that it was a real test for the stability of the boat and Dave. The boat and Dave did a great job. If you ever need a buddy to pole your boat he's the guy. Jim

[OspreyVic]

Jim - based on the knowledge that Dave and I have characteristics in common when it comes to the size of the area I use to sit on, you sure do flower up your comments. Nice job.