Should I purchase a Triumph

Hello - I'm considering selling my Ranger 210 Fish&Ski for an 08/09 Triumph 215cc with Yam 150F. I want something that can go into the ocean. My concern is construction quality. I like the fact my Ranger is built very well. I would like to know if Triumph owners are satisfied with their purchase and experience next to zero problems. Please let me know. Thanks.

[tfink]

Kevin,

It's hard for me to comment too much, since I've only had my Triumph 195 DC since Sept of 2007. But I did a lot of research and talked to quite a few people before making my purchase. I'm especially happy with the low maintenance and near indestructibility of the hull. I would have loved to have a 215 (too much money and too heavy for my tow vehicle). I can tell you this though, reading the posts on this site you'll find a lot of true believers in Triumph... me included.

[pamarine]

It might put some of your concerns at ease knowing that Ranger and Triumph are both Genmar boats. If I have learned one thing over the year, it's that Genmar only knows quality. Either choice you make I think you will be happy. It really boils down to the type of boating you will be doing. So, what do you want to use the boat for? maybe there are other models that will fit your needs without restriciting yourself to the 21' range.

[OspreyVic]

Hello Kevin. Glad you found this web site.

First, I have some suggestions. Look in the “Articles” section and read why our family chose a Triumph. It might give you some ideas. Also, start reading the “Forum” section on 210/215 Triumphs. There you can read what others are saying about their boats (both the good and the bad).

Not sure what you mean about “construction quality”. A Triumph is NEVER going to shine like your Ranger, but you would NEVER polish it either. A Triumph needs to be properly supported when out of the water, BUT gives you a smother ride. Like most things in life, there are compromises and choices that we all have to make.

Problems? Boats are problems. They need tow vehicles or expensive places to store them. They need maintenance, motors need maintenance, batteries need maintenance, etc. Then if you become like many Triumph owners, me included, you spend money doing things to make your boat better than when it left the factory. Therefore, boats are a problem, yet some of the best time I have is messing around the boat. Maybe I just have a mental problem.

[glehav]

kevin i dont know about a ranger but a 215 triumph is a lot of boat for the money. look at how well built the t-top is and the hardware. rodholders bowrails things like that than look at another brand of boat in the same price range and you will see what i mean.........as far as all boats they are holes in the water that you throw money into. but with a triumph you will get more out of the hole.

[BarryB]

Hi Kevin,

I've owned my 170CC since February. I have about 40 hours on the boat and so far, I've only had two problems. One is a continuing problem with my tach. The glass on the first tach. fogged up so I removed it and sent back to my dealer for replacement. Three weeks later (of course, the weather was perfect and I didn't want to take the boat out with a hole in the dash), I installed the replacemnt tach. Still the same problem. Quite strange since the MPH guage and fuel guage don't have that problem.

Second problem is some of the stainless steel is not so stainless. I do wash down (with soap) the boat after every run through salt water. For the Bimini top, there are pins that are attached to SS wires (so the pins don't get lost). The SS wires are rusting, as are some screws in various places. I'll replace the screws and wire.

Other maintenance items you may have to do: Snug down the deck screws after a hard ride in choppy seas, as well as all other fastners.

[HighTechRedneck]

When I was shopping for my boat I spent over 100 hours of research before decideing to go with triumph. Triumph make as rock solid boat. The only problems i see with the triumph is they are not as pretty as the fiberglass boats, and not all the lines are strait. For me the lack of shine and rough looks could not out weigh a industructible boat.

The question should not be why should I buy a Triumph? It shoud be why not???

[glehav]

well said hightech

[Fishin' DC's]

If you're looking for a boat that, after purchase, you won't have to spend another nickel on...forget it, there's not one out there regardless of who makes it. Maintenance costs is part of the deal, but provides a peace of mind that your vessel/trailer/tow vehicle are ready and capable of handling what you need. I'm sure the boat will handle more than I'm willing to put up with. Sea/weather conditions (and that little voice in your head) should always dictate if you go out that day, stay in the bay, or leave it on the trailer and go back home. If you're looking for a boat to fish in the bay or run out 30 miles+ (on the right day), I can say that's what I've done with mine. I have an '04 210cc with a Honda 150 4-stroke and absolutely love it. We routinely run 20 miles out for grouper and (knock wood) have never had a problem. Good luck with your decision. Tight lines and fair seas.

[NCangler]

Kevin wanted to post this reply to our members:

Thank you all for the posts. What attracts me to Triumph is the toughness and no maintenance. I want a boat that parts don't fall off, quality craftsmanship, no leaking hulls, smooth ride, and no nagging issues. I understand that a switch or gauge can go bad but I don't want to take regular trips to the boat dealer to fix. My ranger quality is nice but it is not the boat that meets my needs for ocean and rough water. Again, thank you for the comments.