Triumphs in Key West

[Brian Fox]

I am moving to Key West next month and plan on taking a new boat with me. I really like what I have seen in the Triumphs. I will use it primarily as a fishing boat, but my wife will want to lay out on it, and family and friends will want to go snorkeling and scuba diving and hang out in it. I am thinking about either the 17 or 19 foot models and would appreciate any advice someone from the Key West area would have. I also plan on leaving it in the water at a marina year round and was wondering if anyone who has done this has had any issues with warping or anything like that and if any precautions should be taken due to the year round sunshine. Thanks in advance for your replies.

[OspreyVic]

Brian, good luck on your move.

Please try using the "Search" feature on this web site. Using it I think you will find the answers to most of your questions. Try a search on the words "diving", "scuba", "paint" and "warp" for starters.

Fist, unless wife and other friends are very small, laying out in a 17 ft boat will be a challenge.

Put all your scuba gear on board and see how much space you have. Read what other owners have to say about their boats that they use for diving.

I have no idea where you think warping might be an issue with the boat in the water. Storing the boat out of the water incorrectly is the only way I know where warping might - yes might, become an issue. There is a place that rents 1998 or 1999 Logic's near us and they keep them on racks designed for glass boats. No problem's with them.

As to the sun, please remember that a Triumph is the same color all the way thru the hull. No fading, no gel coat, no polishing. Cushions on ANY boat will be destroyed by the sun, but not the hull of a Triumph.

Again, good luck on your boat search and your move to the sunshine state.

[JimW]

As for size, buy the biggest TRIUMPH boat you can afford!!! LOL

Good luck on your move and boat,
Jim

[rscott]

I personaly would not go any smaller than a 195. I have a familly of 4 and when the kids each bring a friend, and their belongings, it starts to get a little crowded. I think a 210 might be more the boat for you.

[BobW]

Having lived, fished, scuba dived & generally played in the ocean off south Florida & the Keys for about 15 years, I found a 21 footer to be an ideal size. A 17 will be comfortable for two people with a good fishing routine. A 19 will have room for two more. But 4 or more with dive gear will crowd most boats under 20. Go for the 21 or even a 23. You'll appreciate the elbow room. The guests will love the sunning space. Enjoy!!

Hope this helps. Your mileage may vary.
BobW

[cagrove]

I have to agree with the others that have stated to go bigger than a 17 footer. Although I own a 170CC and feel it is a great boat, it is not designed as a pleasure boat. I even have a front bow cushion for my boat but I never use it. You will most definitely need a larger boat for scuba diving, etc with all the extra gear you will need to carry. My advice would be to go to your nearest Triumph dealer and hop on board a few different boats to get a feel of what you will need.

Good luck with your search.

[BarryB]

Hi Brian,

Well, I went with 17 footer because the boat had to fit in my garage. If I had the opportunity, I would have purchased a 19 footer.


I dive, fish and sleep overnight in the boat (in protected water during the winter, summer is brutal down here). The boat will accommodate two divers and one driver. I haven't put tank racks on the boat yet (the beam is too small) so I lay them down at the bow on tank cushions.

For fishing, to be confortable, three people is the max, so you don't end up tripping over each other. You know the scenario, everyone yells "fish on" at the same time!

[boostjunkie1]

Go with the 190 Bay and you will never look back..... Great Boat!

[beradon]

Definitely go with a 19 footer. Key West is the fishing capital of the world and with a 19' you'll you'll be able to go way offshore in search of the big ones. With a 115HP you'll have a top speed of about 40MPH. If thats not fast enough a 150 should do about 50MPH and still give you good MPG. I'm on the Gulf in SW FL and the water is rarely smooth enough to go over 30MPH in comfort so a 115, 4 stroke works for me. Good Luck !

[Jim Jenkins]

My suggestion...

The 191 Fish & Ski and the 195 CC share the same hull. Choose either for a deep sea keeping boat that is small enough to handle with ease and has storage and room for your needs.

The CC obviously has more open deck space while the 191 has seats and lounging area. The options offered on both can get pretty plush comfort wise. I would definitely be looking at a bimini top to escape the tropical sun.

My boat is a 195 CC w/ T-Top. Up to now I have tried to be objective.....