189DC TRITON or 1800Prov (DC)

[BigBass]

OK without getting pounced on I am trying to choose by tomorrow (end of rebates for Merc./Lund).

I am looking at he 189DC with a 175 Opti or a 1800 Prov SE (DC) with a 175 Merc. Opti. Both are great boats in my opinion. The part I struggle with is the big bucks for the TRITON and the ride and speed of the LUND. Lund have a great resale, but TRITON's aren't that bad either. I am a multi-species fisherman so it needs to work in both situations. Any constructive thoughts???

NOTE: I do have a dealer that is offering his demo 2000 205DCF with a 200hp Yamaha HPDI for $28,000 with the usual options plus an extra X-85. I like the package except for the Yamaha??? What about it?

Thanks...

[doit]

take the yamaha package u will not be let down mercs are great motors but the yamaha is also one heck of a motor that i feel is better right now.

[BigBass]

Its just a HPDI not a VMAX... I don't know thedifference.

[BigBass]

Also the Yamaha is only 200hp. what kind of performance can I expect??? Underpowered???

[SLIPKNOT]

I would go with the lund. Great multi-species boat and will serve you well. My second choice would be the 205 with yammy, it is an ok buy. In my opinion yammy's are better than mercs, but the 1800 would be a great boat with a 175 opti. Hope this helps!

SLIPKNOT

[BigBass]

What do you like about the LUNDS? Please be specific- there looks to $10,000 difference between the 189DC new and the 1800! Now thats alot if bait!

[doit]

v max is a little more glitter and looks very little as far as performance wise mabey a couple of miles per hour mabey either way you would be happy . the lund is a great boat but that is one heck of a deal on the triton do the yammy

[Kdog]

Whats the difference in price between a new 18Ft Pro-v and the Triton 189?That seems alot 10 grand between the two with the same motor.I would think the Triton would be a little better ride on big water and maybe a little drier.Fishing wise they both will probaly do the same thing equally well.One thing that i like about the glass boats is the big rod locker in the bow that the 1800 Pro-V wont have.Maybe Lund will have the bow rod locker in all the Pro-V's pretty soon,i know they have it on the Limited Edition models.If it were my decision id go with the Triton just because i like the layout better and also because i fish some big water.Have fun with your decision.Good Luck,Kdog

[SLIPKNOT]

I like the pro-v layout because it has 3 useable rod lockers, (2 side and 1 bunk) I just like the lund better than the triton. better interior layout, better resale value, and more of a fishable boat I think. As far as rough water, my brothers 18 ft tuffy renegade can beat a 205 in rough water so the 189 can't be that great. Get the lund, save the money, and just hurry up and get a boat so you can go fishin! LOL

SLIPKNOT

[wally]

get the lund I've had both type fiberglass and aluminum boats the lund is all around the best boat on the water in my own experience

[Ryno]

There is a lot to consider in this purchase, but don't eliminate the 205 because it has a Yamaha motor. Consider the price, consider the quality, consider the ride, consider the speed, consider that the tritons are glass, and the lund is ....not. But don't consider the Yamaha a second best to Merc.
Ryno

[BigBass]

UPDATE: Please keep your thoughts coming! I (Think)decided against the LUND. I am a multispecies fisherman and the LUND's rear deck, or lack of, helped make the decision. I really like the rigging, pole holder abilities, and durability of the LUND. But, I feel the pole storage, rear casting platform, standard options, speed and ride performance, and overall layout... the TRITON is the boat for me! I am considering the 205 but man is it big! What kind of performance can I get out of a 189DC with a 175hp. (Merc or Yami?) Anyone selling a 205 or a 189 "Reasonably"??? Common guys...I respect your opinions! Don't let me down...

[Bob]

Bigbass, what is your e-mail? I might be able to help you Bob

[BigBass]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-26-01 AT 08:27PM (CST)[p]The only thing that worries me on the TRITON in the "Glass Coverage" NONE? No coverage on stress cracks, fading, blistering??? Makes me nervous!

[Stormsearch]

I think you cannot make a wrong decision from any selection of the boats mentioned. If you are person who enjoys clean looking boats, fiberglass requires more maintenance than aluminum's. I also disagree with the $10K price difference. I was quoted only $2800 difference between the identical rigs (both 175 EFI's) last year but the 189DC had more options.

I test drove both boats (150 EFI's on both) on choppy water, maybe 2's. The glass was a smoother ride, but not enough to make a decision unless constantly running in rough water. If that was the case, then the 205 would definitely come to play or a 1900 Pro-V. If you get the 189, plan on getting a hydrofoil, I couldn't get the nose down no matter how the motor was trimmed. With the longer nose on the 205, I wouldn't think you would have the same problem.

I do agree with you that the rear casting deck option for the Triton is a big deal when fishing with partners for bass. The 1800 has one, but small.

I liked the rod storage on the 1800 better as well as the remaining layout and storage of the boat. Probably more personal preference, just seems to suit my needs better. Again, don't think you are making a wrong decision - hopefully you had a chance to test drive both boats. I test drove 8 boats last year and the Lund and Triton are awesome. Good luck.

[phil]

i have looked hard at both boats and prefer the lund 1800 pro-v se over the triton 189. better interior layout, more room on the gunnels to mount rod holders, better resale, etc. sounds like someone is taking advantage of you on the 189. $10,000 difference seems like quit a bit, i would work them a little harder for a better no. watch the demo boat if that is the route you go. check and see what warranities are included, how was the boat used (pro boat?), how were the motors broke in. just some things to think about.

[BigBass]

Well on pricing... you tell me!

2001 ProV 1800 SE (DC)
2001 Merc. 175 Opti
2001 Shorelander with brakes and swing.
SS Prop
Cover
Spare tire
$23,827

2001 Triton 189DCF
2001 Merc. 175 Opti
Triton Trailer with brakes and swing
SS Prop
Spare tire
Standard options with x-85 upgrade from x-48
$33,400

Where do you see that the pricing is way out of line?

[SLIPKNOT]

Go with the LUND! Save the money. I know for a fact that tritons had problems (don't know if they still do) with the glass cracking really bad. I think the rear casting deck on the lund is fine. Was at spring valley last weekend and watched a tuffy 1760 and a ranger 690 beat the triton 205 in the waves on the river. 205's are terrible in rough water to say the least. I would personally go with the lund even if the prices were the same. Hope this helps!

SLIPKNOT

[SkeeterBoy]

Big Bass; I could be wrong but the $33,000 sounds way out of line for a 189. I've looked at a lot of rigs this winter so the numbers kind of blur together, but that sounds at least five and maybe as much as $7,000 too high. Give Nisswa Marine a call, also try River View Marine in Elk River Mn. (It might be River Side, I can't remember for sure) They both handle Triton and Yamaha. It doesn't make sense that a 205 with 200 HPDI would be $5,000 less than a 189 with 175 HPDI, even if it is a 2000 demo rig. If I were going to spend $33,000 on a boat today it would be 619 Ranger or a Tuffy 1990 with Yamaha power.Good luck...SkeeterBoy

[jon]

BigBass,
It's Riverview Marine in Elk River, Mn. Contact Troy Dolney-he's a pro bass fisherman but knows his walleye boats and he's selling for them right now. I bought my 205 from them 2 years ago. Retailed for over $37,000 and got it just over cost. I know for a fact that they have several 189's in stock and they just sold a loaded 205 at the boat show for what you're quoting a 189 for. Good luck with your decision.Riverviews number is 1-800-441-5121 or 763-441-1799.

[BigBass]

I talked with "WES" the owner >>(I think) at the Mpls show. His pricing was with-in $800 of the one I got from Erickson Marine in Hastings.

The price is the biggest issue!

As far as the theory of resale of a LUND. I don't really agree. I can buy a 1999 LUND 1800 ProV with a 2000 150Opti and a 2000 9.9 strk(with Panther mount). Decked out with Pinpoint motor, Wide PinPoint in the bow and reg. display at councel(don't remember exact model #'s) with Rayeon radio with 6' whip. Cover, swing tongue, brakes on a shorelander for $19,800 the rig must have cost close to $28,000 new! Am I not adding something up right? Is that good resale?

[D189]

Big Bass,
I bought a 189DC with a 175EFI last year for the same purpose as you: multi species. I do more bass fishing than anything else.(My apologies to the purists) I'm not trying to steer you towards the Triton because while I'm not as familiar with the Lund, I'm sure it's a fine boat. I'll just say that I've been very satisfied with the 189. I'm not trying to stir the pot or anything but I honestly don't understand these guys that say they can't get the nose down. I run a four blade 24p stainless trophy and trim it in, take off and it lays right down. I don't know how the 2001 pricing is but if the Lund is comparably equipped, as much as I like my Triton,I'd be hard pressed to spend and extra 10k over the Lund. My vote goes to the 205 demo boat.
Either way, in a couple of weeks, you're going to be a happy man.
Good luck.
D189 P.S. Triton has a lifetime hull warranty. Why are you so worried about that?

[Mike]

I have a 1999 PRO-V SE with a 150 Optimax, Shoreland'r trailer, paid $19,495 new without any additional equipment.

I fish mostly bass, but also fish walleyes, muskies and anything else that swims and I LOVE my PRO-V and my buddies that own high end bass boats agree that it's a nice boat to fish from (especially on big water when it gets rough)

Mike

[jon]

BigBass,
Les is the name of the owner at Riverview. Talked with Troy last night about your situation. He said, with the options you have listed, that he could get you in that boat for $30K at the high end. As far as comparing prices look at comparable boats. Lund makes a nice Aluminum boat but its not glass and once you drive glass you'll notice the difference in ride and handling. Have you thought at all about coming off that Opti and going just EFI- it could save you about 3K. Just a suggestion - good luck.

[BigBass]

It's not the hull I am worried about. At the Boat Shows I talked with many TRITON dealers and "Pro Staff" fisherman. Many said that the top side of there TRITON (by the councel)has alot of stress-cracks or spyder crackes. "but it doesn't effect it's performance." is all they said to me in responce. TRITON clearly states that they DO NOT COVER fading, blistering, cracks or "failure" of the fiberglass finish. Well for this price tag I am very disappointed in the industries "Best Warranty".

This S#%ks... I feel like a kid in a candy store and told I can only have one kind!

I do like the LUNDS but unless you jump to a 1900 V Limited your pole storage isn't very user friendly. I fish BASS 60% of the time and Walleye 25% and Pike/Muskie 10% and Panfish 5%.

I am so frustrated! The LUND's rear casting plateform is so small and the speed (55-52mph with a 175hp) is not very impressive, and not much "dry" strorage. The TRITON carries a big price tag, warranty is questionable, and it isn't as friendly for mounting tiller electronics, rod holders, radio reciever wips.

Idealy I could buy 2 boats: ProV 1775 Tiller and a TR19 Bass Boat

I did look at the Ranger 620VS. Very nice boat! Price tag still up there... but does have a great amount of attention to detail. Slower than most fiberglass boats.

Great past, and any more opinions, greatly appreaciated!!! I knew I came to the right place...

What is the best price you have seen for a PROV 1800 package?

[BigBass]

jon, You make a good point. Fiberglass and Aluminum are totally different. I think that is why I am having the struggle. I want both good parts of each type in one boat!

I would deffinetly consider the EFI. But from reading this, on other forums, it seems to be agreed that if you go Black, go OPTI, or you will regret it! I am hearing $2300 upgrade to the Opti. Great suggestion...

Jon, I looked and I have the brochure for Riverview in Elk River, they show they still have 2000 non-currents available that could be an option -- maybe with a EFI!

If I could get the price down and a little more comfortable with the fiberglass warranty issue, I would opt. for the 189DCF.

*Good amount of dry storage
*Good handling
*Good speed performance
*Good rod storage
*Great rear casting deck
*Good amount of standard options
*Good looks
*Nice livewells

I just looked at something... how do you sit while tiller fishing in the 189? The seat pole holder looks to be to far from the tiller to fish comfortably?

I KNOW I AM PICKY, BUT IT WILL BE USED ALOT AND AFTER ALL THIS I WANT TO MAKE SURE I CONSIDER EVERYTHING... THATS WHY I AM ASKING YOUR HELP!

Brian

[Glen]

The price of a NEW 175 Optimax is around $13,000 I know because I have one comming on my Lund boat. If you can get a ProV with a 175 for $23,000 you better take it.

[walliguy]

I own a 189 D/C and love it. Excellent rod storage, speed is about 58mph with 175 efi merc. Glass will gice you a smoother drier ride than aluminum and will definately be faster. Triton also has a lifetime hull warrantee. Buy tthe Triton and you will not be dissapointed.
Walliguy
PS I have a freind who is a guide that has a 2000 205 For Sale. It is completely loaded and in excellent Condition. He is asking less for his with everything than your demo price. This rig also has the full Original warrantee. E-mail me and I will get you hooked up with him.

[D189]

Big Bass,
I agree that the Lund is probably better suited to electronics and such for tiller fishing, but if you only fish for walleye 25% of the time and bass/pike/panfish the other 75%, you need that large rear casting deck (doubles as a bikini deck). Trust me on this one. Why put a tiller on a rocket ship? How much time do you actually have to be on the big motor going to and from your actual fishing spot? Most of the time I'm bass/pike/panfishing on inland lakes and I'm on the electric trolling motor. The opti sips gas better but at what cost? I did the math and it would take years for me to burn enough gas to make up the cost of the opti. If you make long runs on large lakes the opti might make sense for you, but if your situation is like mine, save the money and order an EFI. 64MPH on the water is totally unnecessary and totally exhilarating!
D189

[geo]

I bought a Triton 205 last year and absolutely love it. The Lunds are a great boat also. When I took my boat in to get winterized, I also had a gel crack from a poorly drilled hole for the locater mount from the previous owner. This was a prostaff boat. They fixed it under the warranty. Being a demo 205 that you are looking at, it should also come with the original lifetime warranty. My pick would be the 205. geo

[T Dog]

Bigbass, if you fish any rough water at all, I would seriously give a Ranger a second look. The Ranger may be "slower than most glass boats" on calm water, but put it on 2-3 foot waves and it'll probably beat most any other boat on the water. The 620 will push 60 mph easily with the right setup and the 619 will be in the upper 50's. The Ranger 620 may be more expensive, but you compared a 20 ft Ranger and only 19 ft Triton and Lund. The Ranger also has much casting room in the back, and it's available with a removeable deck extension. The 619 or 620 would be very solid boats coming from the best-known name in the boating industry.

Just my thoughts on the subject, but whatever boat you choose will be a good one.

[rficht]

BigBass

I have a 2000 with very little use that I may have to sell. Not because I don't like the boat it's been great. My 189 has one of the best color schemes I've seen. Also has rear casting deck and plenty of electronics. Email me and I will be more specific on the options

[BigBass]

Well first off~ This is what its all about! I don't think any of you will relize how much this is helping me... Thanxs!~

D189~ What package are you running that you are getting those excellent numbers? 64mph }> I am hear ranges from 56mph - 65mph (GPS)on the 189DC with a 175hp. ???

I do agree~ When I fish Walleye's, I usually jig in a slow method and position the boat with the bow-mount.
Like to keep my options open.

The Wife is telling me to "get whatever I want" but she agrees with the 205~ just for the "Sun Deck!" She is so selfish...

RANGER- I looked at the 620VS and liked it very much. The price really is comparable to the TRITONS. The layout is almost exactly the same. The big difference was how the motor was mounted. It sounds like a great deal for the main motor but kinda stinks for the kicker. Like a Vantage...No way to mount it!

TRITONS do sound good...

[Tom P]

I would take a look at that Yamaha deal if I were you. Yamaha is a lot better motor in my opinion. I will put a ton of money on it ,that you will see your dealer ALOT LESS and your wallet will be ALOT fuller if you buy that Yamaha. I know a rigger that works at the biggest dealer around here ,he has been doing it for 15 years. They carry MERC.,OMC., HONDA, Yamaha. The motor that he sees the least comebacks for warranty are the Yamahas and the Hondas (and he WAS a Merc. nut untill what he saw changed his mind.

[Craig]

Not to be a smart ##### butt please buy the Triton because there are to many pro-v's on the water.I have a pro-v great boat.But it isn't nothing special anymore.It's like if the new silverado was the best truck and everybody has one it would be a boring world.And once you bought a Lund you're not going to want any other brand.Sorry for being so selfish but I like when people bash Lund.Glass rules keep buying them.

[Scott D]

Take the 205 with the Yamaha. You won't be disappointed...your wife will love it too. My wife and I love our 205 with 225 Yamaha Vmax. Let everyone know what you decide. (My wife likes to lie down on the deck and sleep sometimes. She keeps a pillow on the boat.

[BigBass]

Well I hit the water today in a LUND ProV 1900 (a friends) and it was a very nice ride. He has it decked to the hilt and it performed well on the Mississippi. (21 Eys in an afternoon!) Now he has an LE and I like the rear command center for the electronics... but the LE would be poor fishing for 3 people.

I really like how well it drove.

Now I have started to look at some used rigs locally and am very impressed on what you get for the Dollar. Seems to be alot of LUNDS but very few TRITONS locally. Seems like LUND owners buy a new boat every year or every other year?

THIS S%@ks! I want to buy a boat and feel stupid that I can't make a dam choice!

[Kdog]

Bigbass,
You got alot of good replys on here.Theres another thread with someone in the same position as you trying to decide between a Lund and a Skeeter.There was an article in Bass and Walleye Boats magazine a few years back that basically said pick the boat and motor combo that will suit your needs something like 80% of the time.The only way id even consider glass is if i fished BIG water alot.And im talking the likes of Erie etc.I think the resale value,durability,and fishability of the Pro-V's is just too much to ignore.If you do fish big water fairly often the IFS full windshield on the Pro-V's is a nice option and the old lady will love it.Anyway these are just my opinions and it is like a a##hole..........everyone has one.Just trying to help out.Good luck with whatever you decide and please let us know what you decide on,lol.Tight Lines,Kdog

[BigBass]

Thats true... I really don't fish any real big lakes. Mostly Leech, Kab.., Mississippi, Lacs, Gull, and Chetek Chain. big waves are not a real concern. Nice ride, storage, performance, and fishability are key! I think either one would work...what I have noticed is that I can buy a 1 year old LUND rig decked to the hilt for less than I can buy a new one stock! Not many 189 Tritons for sale...

I talked to a guy with a nice 1800V SC that I really like. But, it has a 150 Opti not a 175hp. (I promissed myself that whatever I buy....Max the hp. right off the start. Could I get the 150 Opti to perform like a 175hp for under $1000??? If I could I would probibly go with that rig!

Any thoughts on that>>> again thank you guys/girls for all your help!

BigBass.....

[Brian/MN]

If you're still interested in my 1800SC with 150 Opti, you'd better move fast! This nice weather has the buyers coming out of the woodwork. All the good deals are going to be snapped up by this weekend, IMO.


Brian