Triton 205 w/ Jackplate

[Scott D]

I am considering getting a jackplate for my Triton. I would rather go with a manual plate instead of a hyd. due to cost. Does anybody know of any Tritons with manual jackplates? What setback works best on these boats?

[ETT]

Call the factory or the area rep., when I did they basically told me I was waisting my money. Well they put it,"the benefit derieved does not seem cosistant with the expense involved." I got the message.

[roadking@tir.com]

With a high 5 prop the jackplate is useless

[Scott D]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-12-01 AT 10:32PM (CST)[p]Maybe I should just mount the motor in a higher hole? I just figured that if I messed around with the height, then a jackplate would be nice to adjust it better and easier. My motor is mounted in the second hole from the top which means I could raise it 2 holes or about 2-inches.

Besides getting more RPM's by raising it, there is another reason I would like to raise it: The height it is now, I can't tilt the motor all the way down when it is on the trailer without the skeg hitting the ground. I can't get all the water to drain out after pulling it up out of the lake.

What motor height are you guys running with your boats?

[JKA]

Just make sure that you have water pressure at the higher settings.

[jon]

Scott D,
I've ran a 205 for 3 years now.I have a Yamaha VMAX 225 with a Tempest Plus 3 blade and no jackplate. Primary purpose of a jackplate is to get the motor into clean water getting you better performance. When I contacted Triton for prop info and jackplate info they recommended the Tempest and told me the Triton 205, because of its design, runs in clean water already and basically that the cost wouldn't warrant the results I'd get. I would like a jackplate for shallower water and shallow landings but don't feel I really need it. Good luck with the boat.

[205]

Hi Guys, Glad to here a little on the Jackplates. I was told the same, that it didnt need a Jackplate. Im running a 4-blade Renegade 19 on mine. Well, did till Oct when my 225 FICHT lost a cylinder. But got good news today from the dealer finally. He located a new powerhead for mine and said I should finally get mine back in a couple weeks. This OMC thing really sucked. But I guess the dealers are starting to see some light. Back to the Jackplate, the right prop from what I hear is all thats needed for these 205's. I never tried any other prop on mine and I like the way mine comes out of the hole. Top end in the sixties. Fast enough for me. But was wondering how you guys do with yours and the different props. Buddy of mine told me to go to a 3 blade. Opinions? Would like to ask jon how he likes his Yammy 225 with the 3 blade. Thinking of trading mine in when I get it back. V-Max was my first choice of motor when I bought mine. Dealer talked me into the FICHT. I'm really wondering if I should go to the V-Max, dealer says I shouldnt have any problem with my FICHT after he puts the new powerhead on it. But, ????????! Cant stand being landlocked for such a time again. Russell

[Scott D]

I am running a 25 pitch Yamaha Pro Series on my 225 Vmax. I still get a pretty good hole shot. I just picked up a high five to use as a spare and to use when I have more than two people on the boat. I still wonder if my motor is set too low?

[jon]

205,
When I first got the 205 I called down to Triton and their support staff suggested the 3 blade tempest plus. They felt that that prop was the best prop for top end and hole shot. I also contacted a number of speed shops down south that deal strictly with bass boats and speed boats and they suggested the same. I'd prefer a 4 blade sometimes in really rough water for handling but aside from that this prop is the real deal for this boat and motor. I have a lot of friends who run fichts on their bass boats and after they got their upgrades had no problems.Those fichts sure run smooth and quiet-plenty of power also.My 205 with the setup I have runs mid sixtys. Anything more than that and I start to chine walk-maybe a jackplate could help that but honestly 65-67 mph is fast enough on the water. Good luck with the repairs.

[205]

Thanx jon for the info. I bought my 205 after months on the internet trying to figure out the right boat for me. What sold me was the interview with Paul Reiger and the boys of WC. Said the Triton was testing 70+mph with a stock 225 and no jackplate. Earl Bentz must of been driving. :-) Like you, Sixties is fast enough for me. Anyway, Dunn asked him repeatedly what prop they were using. I dont think he ever answered. I am probably going to try this new motor out for a while before I make a trade. They said they ordered the enhancement kit for it and will install it at the same time. Sure hope this one works out. If not, I'll go with a YAMMY! Gonna get a spare prop sooner or later, so I'll try out a few 3 blades and see how the "ole barge" performs. Russell

[Bob Ritt]

Scott: I cant speak for anyone else but after reading most of the reply's it seems like people are going on what SOMEONE else told them or what a Triton rep. said?? I'm not going to say who is right or wrong..but... I bought my 205 new (2000) with a Merc. EFI. 225..on a CMC Jackplate.. I would not want the boat any other way! I can adjust the boat for any driving condition or load.. I've got a 24in. Trophy 4 blade prop. with two plugs removed.. and as per 2 differant GPS. units on the boat.. with 3 people a full tank of gas, one livewell filled and more tackle than anyone ever needs on board.. I've had the boat up to 69mph... (and no chine walk) and I know it would run faster if I wanted it to.. I think a more exper. (fast boat driver) could do much better then me.. Paul from Riverside Marine took my boat down the Wolf River one day for a test drive.. after driving the boat with the Jackplate...he said he would recomend it to anybody that bought a 205.. Hope this help's... I would not be without it! :-)... PS. I've got a 15hp. Merc. 4 strk. on a CMC. tilt & trim on the back also... Tight Lines, Bob Ritt

[Scott D]

Thanks for the info. Bob.

One more question: I noticed that CMC makes a manual plate that is the same setback (5.5") as the hydraulic one. The manual one is about $400 less expensive. I am just wondering how often you adjust the hydraulic plate for water conditions or load? If you leave it mostly in one spot, maybe I could try to get by with the manual one.

[Bob Ritt]

Scott: I have to say that I use mine all the time ! You can just set it and not move it, but if I want top holeshot perf. and top end speed, it's hard to realize both without having the hydroulic plate.. I may take off with the plate all the way down and adjust it up as I'm moving up to speed! The hole shot is fast and by the time the boat has leveled off I'm going about 47mph..in aprox. four -six seconds.. I love this setup..:-)
If you can afford to get the hyd. plate I think you will be very happy... Hope this helps.. Tight Lines.. Bob Ritt..
P.S. If you want more info just send E-Mail..rritt@jvlnet.com

[BigBass]

Great--- Triton Owners 2 questions! 1) I looked at the 205 and the 189 and like them alot. But I hear that TRITON is putting out an Aluminum boat very soon. Does anyone have any info? 2) I feel stuck and don't know that to do. I fish Bass heavy in the spring and Walleyes very heavy in the fall. I need a boat (hybred) that will handle both jobs well~ A shallow draft for getting back in the weeds and a strong profile for crossing some deep rough waters. I like the ProV 1900 and the Triton Line. The biggest struggle with the LUND is 53mph with 200hp behind it and a Aluminum boat ride. (I run Glass now). I struggle with the TRITON because of costs and (personal)layout issues. Any viewpoints that you have about both?? Thanx.

[Scott D]

I primarily fish for bass myself. I got the 205 because of the mulitspecies ability and because it is fast enough if I want to be competitive in a bass tournament. One other boat worth looking into is the Champion Fishunter. I came really close to getting one. They are both real expensive. You may want to consider a used one. There wasn't any used Champions or Tritons in Washington State when I was looking. Good luck on your decisions.

[Goldy]

Triton is coming out with an aluminum boat line. No definate date yet or what will be offered.

[Triton]

The new Alum. Tritons will be in the smaller models like Jon boats etc. Don't wait for them to get a bigger walleye boat anytime soon.