first time boat

[nottarts23]

Hi Everyone,

I have joined your forum since I am considering buying a triumph for my first boat. I was hoping you would share your thoughts with me.

I came across the triumph line of boats at the fort myers boat show in 2006. I really like the idea of roplene technology. I live in the fort myers area and would be using the boat to fish and pleasure boating. River, back bay and a little Gulf if the conditions are right. I also have 3 dogs and they would be joining me quite a bit on my adventures.

I am considering the 19 bay do the size, layout, and draft to get into shallows. I am looking at used boats vs new to try save some money. But I woud love to hear your thoughts on the new vs used subject.

I am also looking at the 115 yamaha 4 stroke engine. from my little boating experience and speaking to dealers, its seems the majority prefer yamaha over the johnson. thoughts?

Any suggestions, thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated....

Thanks,

[ILLOGICAL GGC]

On My 2001 186 ( Later To Become 190 ) The 115 4 Stroke Was Too Heavy And My Side Scuppers Would Not Drain The Deck Water.
I Think This Issue Has Been Resolved With The Rear Scups Current Models Though.

[OspreyVic]

I do agree woth your choice of the 190 bay for shallow waters.

If you are handy and willing to work, then I would probably go with used. While in my opinion every year has seen improvements over the prior years models, if you are willing to work, used will save you a ton of money.

That said, I purchased new. I wanted to start with a clean slate. BUT, if I had to do it over, used might have been the route for me.

There is a wealth of information on this site and there are many, including the Green Grass Clogger (GGC) that have made modifications to keep their boats as good as or better (at least to them) as the newer models.

If the used boat has been supported correctly and the motor properly serviced, your worries should be small.

[BAYCOASTAL]

If you go with used, stay away from 2002 190 Bays. There were several issues with the hull cracking/leaking etc. Triumph will honor the warranty on repairs, but the inherent problems could cause frustration. As mentioned, each year the design got better. If I had to do it all over again and Triumph was the boat I wanted, then I would go with new. As far as the model you are looking at, versatility and stability are synonomous with the 190 Bay.

stay clear of the 2002

[jack7265]

I bought a 2003 190 Bay with a 2004 Yamaha F115 around three months ago. I've had a couple of issues I've had to deal with to get the boat where I want it, but nothing like the issues that BAYCOASTAL mentions. I went from a 2005 150CC to the 190 Bay, and though I was pleased with the 150CC and though it might be the boat for life, the 190 Bay is more in line with a boat that will be my boat for life.

From what I've read on triumphowners.net, it sounds as though some of the problems I had to work around have been resolved. So, I'm putting aside the money, and hopefully in a couple of years, I will sell the 2003 190 Bay that I have, and buy a new 190 Bay that will be my boat for life. With the modifications that I've made to my 190 Bay, I'm well pleased considering the savings by buying a used boat over a new boat. My suggestion is to buy the latest used boat that you can afford, just short of buying a new rig.

The Yamaha F115 four stroke is a great match for the 190 Bay. It gets me on plane aggresively, and puts me at about 36 MPH WOT on average with a full load. But, if I purcharse a new 190 Bay as my boat for life, I will go with a Yamaha 150 four stroke just to give me the edge.

[BAYCOASTAL]

Again--the 2002 model year had alot of issues--after that year, year after year the kinks got worked out. I believe 2002 was the first year of transitiion from Logic Marine to Triumph. I still contend stay away from 2002's. When I took mine in for warranty repair there were 4 ahead of mine for the same issues --all were 2002 models.

[ReelDive]

Use my 2003 in skinny water as well as the Gulf. 115 yammy and 13 x 17 stainless prop. runs well in 2 ft of water and holds it own with 2-4 ft seas.