Dry Storage

[woodNfish]

If I had my druthers, I'druther have dry storage. In the summer, my boat stays in my driveway between use and I don't always cover it. (Hey-I'm lazy! If I wan't lazy I'd have bought a fiberglass boat that I'd have to wipe down and polish all the time. I bought a boat to have fun in, not add to my work load.)

I don't think it is the hatch covers that leak, although they could be better as well, as much as the fact that none of the storage compartments have their own bottoms. The bottom is just the deck of the boat.

This means that if you want dry equipment, you either store it in dry boxes or you unload your boat. On warm, sunny days I open all the hatches and let the interiors dry out.

woodNfish

[MolarBoater]

I used white rubber weatherstripping for my 190 bow hatchs and get no leaks. Used stainless staples and Rule then ajusted the hatch handles. T-top bags are pretty dry as are the ice chest and bait well....for storage out of the water. Also keep a big yellow dry bag for towels, clothes and other than a cell phone, everything electronic is submersible cause it is a center console and getting wet is always an option.
Molar

[woodNfish]

Hi MolarBoater,

Yeah, I have a dry bag and a dry box and they work well, but the inside of those hatches still gets wet especially from dew and rain water just condensing on the interior of the storage compartments. Not having dry storage means I have to unload my rods and tackle after each trip and open all the hatches on my boat to dry it out when I get a sunny day to do it.

It is enough of an issue that I will have to consider it as a major part of my next boat buying decision.

woodNfish

[MolarBoater]

You might want to go lurk over at www.TheHullTruth.com or www.floridasportsman.com or www.boatus.com since this is more of a universal situation not isolated to Triumph but more to center console design. If you want a "dry" boat, you will probably need a larger (and much more costly) "convertable" or "express" type with hard top which would be nice to have especially during storms, sun etc. Some of the more expensive center consoles can come up with more lockable rod storage but they are still subject to mold and mildew. I feel your pain but unless you park your boat under a roof, seems best to open all closed hatches and just let things stay aired out...especially when covered over the winter. Good luck, lets know if you figure it out.

[woodNfish]

Hey Molarboater,

I don't have a center console. I have a 17 bass. I fish with a lot of guys who have aluminum Trackers. They have excellent dry storage in boats that perform well and were close to half the cost of my Triumph. I didn't go with aluminum because I read of problems with hulls leaking at the rivet points and contrary to popular belief, aluminum does corrode (rust), it just does not do it in the same manner as steel.

BTW The Hull Truth is an excellent website.

Good fishing,

woodNfish