Triton DV176 Magnum Review

[Doc_wi]

Finally got the 150 Optimax properly broke in and got a chance to stretch out a bit in my new boat from Triton. As most of you know I am on Triton's Pro Staff and have been working with thier new aluminum plant as it fits my "needs" better then the big glass boats I was running. After working out of the big Jon boats ( I had two 20 ft center consoles), I have been very excited about getting my hands around the wheel of the new all welded deep V. I was not disappointed. On a typical 1.5 - 2ft chop on Lake Poygan the boat comfortably ran at about 4000 rpms and covered the water in the mid 40 mph range. The rock solid hull didn't pound once and the seats were very comfortable. They have some sort of shock absorber system in them and are quite nice in size and structure. The boat quartered waves without too much splash and the full winshield is something I like as I get older. After trolling the afternoon away my new friend Rod and I decided to head for the cane beds as the sun started to set. In to the waves we pushed the motor a bit harder and the boat responded. We were rockin, doing 45 - 50 mph on top of a good solid east wind chop. After fishing the cane beds we came in on a small chop and was able to run at 55+ mph at 5000 rpm's. Prop was a 23 Tempest.

After we throttled down coming in to Winneconne my new friend Rod was grinning ear to ear. He looked at me and said "MAN, that was awesome!! WHAT A RIDE! I looked back while we were flying accross the lake and there was all this white spray coming off the back of the boat.........and the motor sounded like it wanted to EAT SOMETHING!" "Consider this boat SOLD the minuite you're done with it".

If anyone in this forum is considering a boat in this size the new Triton DV176 Magnum is worth considering. Rod said he's been looking all spring and this one knocked his socks off. I too have spent a lot of time in boats of this size in the last couple of years, fishing out of friends boats in big water situations due to my running a big Jon boat. I have fished out of a similar sized Starcraft, Lund, Alumacraft and Crestliner recently and found the new Triton to be a top contender. If you are visiting the Wolf River Country area and would like a test ride please contact me. Now I can't wait to ride in an 18 footer and I have just been informed that the new all welded 20 footer is about ready to start making the rounds. Good to see Triton working is this direction also.

[MMH]

If that isn't free advertising, I don't know what is! 'sppose it goes mid forties in five footers too..Yikes.

[cfwalleye]

I disagree. People have been waiting for reviews of this boat and the information is valuable to anyone considering new technology. Obviously, prostaff members are going to point out the "goods" a little more than they point out the "bads" but the information is valid nonetheless.

Thanks for the review Joel.

[Doc_wi]

Thank you. As far as the bads, sometimes that's a matter of opinion. Here's my take on the boat.

Rod locker - 9 rods up to 8'- center location - A+
Front Live well/ bait well - Nice size - I'd sttill be OK with a raised bait well (like on the Tundra) even if was smaller but this one WILL hold a limit of keeper size walleye - A
Front deck - nice size - forget the tackle tray holder in the floor and make it a cooler, also make sure the dual pro isn't mounted in the only good size storage box - B+
Bow console - Nice Battery meter and small tackle tray holder, (comes out for great access for mounting trolling motor), but where's the 12v outlet? - total grade A-
Drivers compartment A+ - GREAT seat, plenty of leg room.
Drivers Concole - B ( only room for one sonar unit and I don't think an X19 would fit)
Fishing compartment - Plenty of room for 3 guys fishing - with 4 seats in place it's a nice, comfortable family go for a ride boat too. nice hand holds for riders - A
Rear live welll is good size. - A


The wide gunnels are nice but I am not fond of the open side compartments in the back of the boat.(I see that's been changed on the DV18) If I were keeping this boat I would be having custom snap down covers made for these areas. Great place to put boards and an extra life vest etc, just don't like them in view. The "netted" areas like this on each side in the front were great for keeping stuff out of the way on the front deck. Nice trailer, retractable tongue but I'd like to see the ratchet tie downs be standard equipment. The flush mount cleats are nice but the front ones are not forward enough for me. Front battery compartment is nice (located under rod locker),but access is a bit of a squeeze and I'm putting velcro on the lid (and adjoining vertical surface) to keep it open when I'm working on a battery. Rear battery compartment was a bit of a squeeze too with the oil tank in there for the Opti.
Need to find the fuse box too, hope I don't have to be double jointed to get to it.

So there's some of the goods and not so goods in one man's opinion. There are anglers for whom a 17'7" boat is exactly what they are looking for. This one should fit just about anyone's needs.
Thank you for the opportunity to post this review.

[Jim W]

Thanks for the detailed review. I'm looking to purchase a deep V 17.5' aluminum next year, and I have been thinking about the Triton. I live in Ontario, Canada, and not much info on them up here.

Thanks again for the info.

JimW
Ontario, Canada

[Doc_wi]

Jim I appreciate your reply. Wish we were closer to each other, we could go fishing.