Many mods and the Maiden Voyage...

[Island_Diver]

Well the story goes like this (sorry for being so long but I have a lot to say...

I picked up my new (well new to me) 2002 Triumph with a Yamaha 150 four stroke from the dealer last friday and away I went. I arrived home and the boat trailered like a dream. Then the modifications started....oh my. I think that in one shot I did every single mod that I read about on this site. Here is a small list.

- added a second battery and switch
- added a set of Bennet M120 Hydrolic Sport Tabs
- added a Garmin 198c GPS and sonar (I love this instrument)
- added a Uniden Oceanus VHF radio and antenna
- added a Uniden CB radio and antenna (all the fisherman here use them)
- added a CD player and speakers with the WC-400 weatherproof case
- added a set of spot lights to light up the rear of the boat for diving/rigging
- added a dome light for the cockpit (picked it up at checkers)
- added the transom drain (worked well, drained about two gallons)
- added a T-Top storage bag for the life preservers
- replaced a lot of corroded wires
- replaced the bilge pump

And after that load of work that I was able to complete in a full weekend's worth of work it was time for a water run. Due to some small clean-up and little things like servicing the trailer and replacing the tongue jack I wasn't able to hit the water until tonight (Wednesday). So the day went well at work other than dragging on and on because I wanted to get in the water. So I arrive home and toss everything in the boat and hook up the electronics. Before I headed to get fuel before my neighbor got home (he was going to come with me) I decided to check the fuel gauge. But it was reading empty, eventhough I knew I had a 3/4 tank of fuel. So I went and fueled the boat and decided to mess with it when I got back.

I arrived back at home and grabbed the tool caddy and headed back into the center console. After jiggling the wires around a bit the fuel gauge started working then stopped again. So I decided I would try and see if the engine would turn over. Nope...and when I turned the key all the gauges went blank and then wouldn't turn back on again. So after about 45 minutes I was ready to punch myself or anything around me. My neighbor had showed up at this time and was helping me. I decided to give in and call the dealership where I bought the boat. After trial and error on every set of wires in the boat I found the following.

- The wire harness that drops down out of the center console had been packed by the previous owner with some blue goo that had hardened and then pushed several wires loose. I had to cut the harness loose and then connect the wires together directly. I suggest if you do this to cut them one at a time. And the wiring diagram that someone uploaded on here saved my butt more than once. Many thanks....

- There were also two ground wires that needed to be cleaned, re-attached, and greased.

- An in-line fuse needed to be removed, clean the seats, and replaced.

Finally after scouring the boat for more bad connections everything worked fine. However, at this time the sun started to go down and my neighbor could see the frustration in my eyes that only being out on the water could wash away. So we grabbed sweatshirts and headed to the water. The public marina on this side of the house is only five minutes from my house.

The voyage went like this...the boat launched beautiful...but I could have done without the cross wind. The ride was unbelievable even in the rather bumpy swell. But a touch on the trim tabs smoothed it out beautifully. And the lift they provided to bring the boat on plane was amazing. Then came the docking. I have to admit I was a bit nervous since I had not done this in quite a while. But it came right up to the dock and with a quick turn of the wheel and a jump into reverse for a split second and we were back home. It went right on the trailer and the smile on my face could be seen from miles away.

Moral of the story...I love my boat. It is better than any of you could have written on this site. I would suggest a triumph to anyone. My neighbor is sold as well. Hopefully if all goes well the boat will be baptised in blood this weekend. My neighbor is getting some Penn Senator 14/0's from his brother and we are headed out for some Marlin. I'll let you all know how it goes....wish me luck.

And thanks again to everyone on this site. I wouldn't suggest owning a triumph without being a member of this site. And the offer still stands for any of you to come on out for some big game fishing or diving.

Many Mahalos (thanks),
Mike (very pround triumph owner)

[daveh]

Great story,worth the read.Thanks for shareing. DaveH

[Genelie]

you were right LONG but that is okay, you are happy and that is the most important thing. I also have a 2002, I was wondering why you had so much corrosion??? do you know where the previous owner kept the boat. My wire are all still very clean.

[Genelie]

OH YEAH, one question, I am interested in the dome light...got a picture??

[Cincinnati]

I know the feeling Island Diver. You'll be feeling this way for years to come.

[Island_Diver]

There wasn't a ton of corrosion just enough on one battery terminal to cause the ground to not make a solid contact. The previous owner kept her in a slip for ease of use I guess. But being right on the ocean with tradewinds like ours can wreak havok on anything metal. But I cleaned and greased all of them just to be sure. I'll get a picture of the dome light and the Marine Carpet tackle storage once I get a new USB cord for my camera. By the way I would really suggest that Marine Carpet mod that I wrote about on the mods page...its works great and costs very little. By the way I finally decided on a name for her, "Ana Okala" Which is Hawaiian for sun setting.

[special K]

Great read, I know that feeling I get it every time I go out. Look foward to the pics.

[Genelie]

(island_diver quote) "Ana Okala" Which is Hawaiian for sun setting.

We named our son Caelan ..which was a partially taken from Kaelannie which in Hawain means the sky and ocean. But in the Philippine language, which a lot of Hawaiians came fron means uncertain. Just thought i would share that.

[Barry]

Dear Mike, I had bought my triumph 210cc used also and had the same problem with the wiring. After several hours of trying to find a wiring diagram, I made the repairs and made a wiring diagram. If you need a copy it is on the site or I can e-mail it to you in a PDF file.
Barry