Saw First Delivered 235 here in SoCal.

[rcargn]

First Triumph 235 arrived yesterday at our local dealer “Johnson Marine” in Ontario California. I got out of work early and drove down to check it out. They were nice enough to let me step in the boat while they were installing a Raymarine C80 system and VHF Radio. There prepping it up for this year’s 2nd Annual “Triumph Boat Owner” fishing tournament this Sunday. It’s being held at Newport Dunes, Newport Beach. No test rides. I guess they just want to show it off that day.

I was really impressed. I have an option of buying this boat after the tournament. Will most likely get a test ride in the following week. It’s missing a few options that I really wanted, so I may have to wait for another one. Dealer said that may take a month or so as Triumph is only making about two a week.

I got to take a look at features of the boat that I was not expecting since many panels on the deck, live well, and center console were removed. For example, the tackle storage compartment was taken out which is located on the opposite side of the bait well. Took a peek inside cavity. Noticed what I believe is a black insulation blanket around the bait well. The bait well is huge, but the access hole is very small as others have commented in other posts.

There were a few options ( vacuflush and digital gauges ) which I learned are not yet available but are posted as options on the Triumph web site. I believe they will become available soon later in production. I wish Triumph could shed some light on this.

Bow area is a little cramped, but not too bad. I borrowed a fishing pole and stood in the bow to measure the space limitations while casting. The only real way to cast is side ways and not straight back towards the tower. The boat did not have the insert option, so I was not able to stand in that elevated location. I would feel lots safer having the high bow rail option. Need something to hang on to.

For some reason the dealer removed the door on the center console including the aluminum framing exposing the edge. Looks like they cut out the door opening using an electric hacksaw. It was a very poor cut. No precision here; it was all over the place. Guess they figured it would be hidden by the aluminum door frame. Considering were paying big money for this type of boat, they could have done a better job.

Is the vacu-flush worth it. How many of you have had this option before on other boats ? Would you get this option or just the porta-potty? Also wanted to get the bow pulpit, anchor roller, windlass, fresh water shower in addition to comfort and fishing package. I forgot something, the fresh water shower option is the sink faucet and this boat didn't come with it. Doesn't make sense that you get the sink and the faucet is an option. Would be forced to use raw water wash down connection at the base of the bait prep station. Would of made the raw water wash the faucet with extensible hose and the fresh water connection at the base of the prep station. Even if the extensible hose on the faucet is too short to reach around the whole boat one could opt to unscrew the faucet head and connect an extension. I just had to point out a few things I didn't like. Overall the boat was great.

[Bob5292]

Thanks for the review. I am seriously considering a 235 with the Suzuki 300. It looks like many of the issues that I have with my 215, have been solved on the 235. As soon as one of the local dealers gets one in, I will be giving it a through inspection. However at 60K plus, there are a lot of other options out there. I need to figure out what makes this boat worth 30k more than the 215. Resale is also a big issue for me. I can get a custom made plate alloy boat from one of the local builders and not lose much when I go to sell it. I know my 215 lost about 25% of its value in 1 year.

Bob

[tunaboyyy]

There's no doubt it's an awesome center console. But with a price tag like that I'd be looking for a used Grady and be sure to have good resale options.
30k more than the 215? They must be pretty proud of it.

[ect1981]

at that price I would drop some more coin and get a parker 23' pilot house, I love my triumph, but if I'm gonna pay might as well do it in style

[rcargn]

Well, finally made a decision. Going for the 235. Finalized the deal. The boat will most likely be ready in mid September. Fully loaded with the exception of the vacu-flush system. Really excited as I will be moving up from a 190 Bay. Can't wait. Will most likely have the Raymarine C80 system installed. Here I am checking out the 235 at our Southern California Triumph Tournament a few weeks ago.

[tylerderdan]

Just a few observations here. If you are going to get a toilet, make sure you get the vacuflush. There is no bigger pain in the *** than having to dump your crapper at the end of a trip, trust me I know from experience. I really don't think there is going to be any significant resale held with the 235. I know everyone says we are going to keep for however many years, but being realistic that is a considerable amount amount more money for something that will not hold it's value like a few brands. I know I will take some shots here, but why then did I buy my boat. My boat was purchased with a purpose to fish hard and fish several tourneys for the next 2 to 3 years. Yes I will loose money on the boat, but I knew that going in. After that I am moving up to something bigger.
Either way, it is being naive about the possible resale value of the the 235 or just making a choice and already knowing the facts. One way or the other I feel someone should be honest about it.

[Rob 99]

Originally Posted by rcargn

Well, finally made a decision. Going for the 235. Finalized the deal. The boat will most likely be ready in mid September. Fully loaded with the exception of the vacu-flush system. Really excited as I will be moving up from a 190 Bay. Can't wait. Will most likely have the Raymarine C80 system installed. Here I am checking out the 235 at our Southern California Triumph Tournament a few weeks ago.

Congrats, what motor are you opting for? And if you don't mind saying what are you paying $$. Thanks.

[NCangler]

Just a reminder to communicate any boat cost figures in Private Messages and not on the board.

Originally Posted by Rob 99

And if you don't mind saying what are you paying $$. Thanks.

[Rob 99]

Originally Posted by NCangler

Just a reminder to communicate any boat cost figures in Private Messages and not on the board.

OK will do.

[rcargn]

Hi Rob99,

My dealer is big on Yamaha. I have selected the Yamaha 250. I hope this was the right choice. I am no expert by any means. Previous boat was a Triumph 190 with a Yamaha 115. This will be my first boat in this boat class/size. I have watched the boat test video several times ( www.boattest.com ). Tops out at around 40-45 mph at 6000 rpm. Best speed for fuel efficiency was around 32-33 mph giving a total range of 297 miles.

Rudy