170 Bass Feedback

[CubFanPete]

I am still looking for my next boat and am debating between 170 Bass and some Aluminum models. I am curious about dry storage after reading posts by woodNfish are you still having problems. One reason I want a bass boat is I don't want to take my gear in and out all the time. Will rod locker hold 4 rods? Will the live well hold a redfish?
Any info I receive will be greatly appreciated and Pics if available. There is not alot of info or pics on this model available. So please help.

[Davekfl]

I have a 2004 170 Bass and so far its a good boat for bass and shallow water
inland salt water fishing around the Sarasota/Bradenton, Fl. area. As far as dry storage... its real simple... there is none. I put everything I carry in the boat in plastic containers that are waterproof. The rod box will easily hold 4 rods any length since the rear of the rod box is open to the storage area on the port side of the boat behind the rod box. You just have to be careful that your rod tips wont get damaged by what you put in that rear storage area. As far as the livewell it will hold a redfish or trout but it does not have a recirc. so you may decide to add that. There is also a front baitwell that is much smaller but it will also hold fish.... again no recirc.
With the red tide almost the whole of last year I didnt get to do as much flats fishing as I wanted to but this year will be different.
You can direct any questions about my 170 Bass diectly to me if you wish.
I have also taken the whole rear deck apart due to a poorly installed rear pedestal seat so I am familiar with the layout of that area of the 170 Bass.
I agonized over buying a bass boat since I wanted to do saltwater flats fishing also and the saltwater would just disintegrate a carpeted bass boat.
The Triumph 170 Bass gives me access to both fishing worlds and the good part is that you can basically use the same gear. Where else can you catch trout on Frogs! I am not real sure why they discontinued this model. I guess most bass fisherman just end up buying a carpeted bass boat. I had to look real hard to find this model. All dealers on the gulf coast of Florida did not even carry one.
Davekfl ( Sarasota/Bradenton Florida)

[Putershark]

I sure wish I had some (lockable?) rod storage on my 190 like that model does. Now I would think you can can still find (maybe used) an 170 Bass on the Internet for sale starting on this site. When your ready to buy, Pete let me know and I will help you pull a few "Power Searches" and ask my contacts if they know of one you can get your hands on. The G3 line of boats is also very nice for your other "Metal" choice and you might want to look at them also... I agree with Dave though, carpet and saltwater do not mix very well and even Ranger leaves it off of one of their (so called) inshore models when in fact it is just a Bass Boat.

Now I love all the storage that Bass Boats have for they truly are a floating tackle box / shop. But I would like to see one made like a Flats Boat (low Center Console) and just extend the forward casting deck rearward (like a Bass hull) so one could have the best of both worlds! Just Reshape (break out the welder and some metal stock) the 190 Bay mold a little, and such could be done and be once heck of a all around Flats and Bass rig (Hint-Hint Triumph)

[CubFanPete]

I just got a reply from a dealer with a 170 Bass for sale. He sent me a ton of pictures and it looks real good. But I'm going to wait alittle while and see what local dealers bring to the boat shows. Plus wait and see what other responses I get to this post. I'm not in a hurry and going to take my time. I just started some brackish fishing last year if I get an aluminum boats I'll stick to fresh.

[CubFanPete]

When people say there is no dry storage how bad is it? Is it bad enough that you have to take your rods out every time or can you leave your fishing equipment in? I would be buying a cover for it. Next would it help to put a bead of RTV or weather stripping around the edges of compartments.

[woodNfish]

The problem is designed-in and there is no way around it unless you install sealed floors in all the storage boxes and change the hatch covers to something with more of an overhanging lip. I have a dry-box in one storage comparment and a dry-bag in another. Putting a cover on your boat won't solve the problem. On warm dry days you just have to open every hach cover and let the boat dry out. If you leave your rods in the rod box with the cover closed, they will be wet and they will stay wet.

That said, I love my boat - it is klutz-proof, well mostly.

My rod locker will hold 6 to 8 rods with their reels. The live well is fairly large, but it won't hold a 30" fish. If I catch a big striper he goes on the deck while I bleed him. I'll throw him in the ice chest when I get back to my truck and wash the blood off at home.

I have some pics on this website: http://woodnfish.myphotoalbum.com

[woodNfish]

Forget the lockable storage, Putershark. The rod box lock is just a simple lock installed in a round hole - twist it with enought force and the whole **** thing just spins, so anyone can open it. If the lock had a keyed hole, that would work. Otherwise I suggest you find a stainless steel lock hasp and use a padlock.

[CubFanPete]

Is the battery compartment dry enough for an onboard charger.

[Davekfl]

I mounted my onboard charger in the port side rear compartment against the gunnel side.
It charges both batteries... my trolling motor battery in the console and my starting battery which is in the starboard rear compartment. Both of these compartments are dry enough for the onboard charger.
Dave K ( Sarasota, Florida )

[CubFanPete]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Picked up my 2004 170 Bass With F75 Yamaha Saturday. With 12 volt plug and onboard charger installed.