Buying advice sought

[jomerc]

I lied I do not own a Triumph; YET.
I am fairly new to boating.
But I am ready to get rid of my dingy and move up.
Being new and not filthy rich my choices are limited.
I like the fact that the 170 will take the knocks while I learn.
I like that I do not need to get rid of the Subaru to tow it.
I love that it will fit in the garage.
More floor space will hopefully get the wife and kids onboard.
(then again maybe it should my thing)
I figure at least 50% of time I will be on my own.
So is the centre console the better choice
Or
Is the dual console a better floor plan and layout.
I will not be going in to the ocean for the foreseeable future.
Well not until I am more experienced.
I live in Fremantle Western Australia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremant...tern_Australia
I will be in the Swan river which gets very choppy and blown out.
Each afternoon the Freo Doctor a strong westerly comes off the ocean.
I was thinking a centre console would be drier and better balanced when on my own.
Any advice or thoughts?
The dealer in WA is a fair drive away.
Will only test drive on deposit and only has a DC in stock.
Cheers
Joseph

[NCangler]

Hi jomerc and welcome to the site. I think if I were going to be those waters I'd want the center console over the dual. I would think you'd be more comfortable standing behind the center console manuevering choppy water.

[elroy]

Hi jomerc, I agree with NCangler. I fish the rivers and coastal waters off of Maine where it can get choppy realy quick. I have a 170cc with a 75hp etech and standing is the only way to go. Also try a footcush pad it makes for a comfortable ride, you will notice a big difference. It is a very dry boat in choppy water. good luck!

[OspreyVic]

Jomerc, welcome to the web site. Some of your reasons for looking at Triumph are just like mine. I wanted a boat that would take the abuse as I got older and a boat that would take the punishment as my teenage son learned boating. We also wanted a boat that fit into the garage.

I would go with the center console. It has a better layout for fishing and you and the family will probably stay drier in choppy waters.

Good luck with your search for a new boat.

[Genelie]

welcome to the site. I am sure what ever decision you make you will be happy with it....I wish I had a garage to fit my boat in My sits under a canopy designed for a motor home.

[fridaysoff]

Joseph,
I have the 170CC. It is a great boat in a choppy sea. I fish alone 50-60% of the time. I feel safe and stay dry in my 170CC. I have a good deal of experience on the water and safety is a priority when on the water and plays a role in deciding which boat to buy and what equipment is on it. I have a 60hp four stroke Yamaha on mine. If I carried several people with a heavy load and fished in a strong river or inlet I would get the 75hp engine. The 60hp is fine for my needs. I've pulled my son on tubes and wakeboarding and I've fish up to 15-20 miles offshore with my 170CC.(I went with other boats on a very calm day) I'm sure you'll enjoy your Triumph. I've had nothing but pleasure with mine. Good Luck down under!!!!
John D.

[MartyM]

Hi Jomerc,
I've owned a 170 cc for 3 years and overall I think it's a great boat, but I'd say that it is a better fishing boat than it is a family cruiser.
My observations are:
-handles chop, wakes and waves well for a 17 foot boat.
-dry ride
-seating options are really only practical for two people. The stern seats next to the motor are loud when running the engine, and if you get two people sitting in them the boat becomes too heavy in the rear.
-easy to handle by yourself

It's a good boat, but now that I have a family I'm looking to sell mine since I think it's just too small and not the right layout for family boating. If you can swing it, I'd recommend going with a larger boat...maybe even the 195 cc.

[jomerc]

I would like to thank you all for the time and care you have shown in answering my email.
I will be calling the dealer here to order a 170CC but he has already told me that it will take 3 months to get it in.
Ahh the ups and downs of being down under.
Once again thank you all.
Joseph