Attention Triton 198X Owners
I purchased a New holdover 2005 198X in the spring of 2007 and have had a porpoising problems from day one. Three different props and a hydraulic jack plate later the problem was lessened but still there. The problem seemed to be the most pronounced when there was a load in the boat (3 fishermen, full live well, full gas tank and gear), additionally any attempt to trim up unless the boat was nearing top end started the nose bouncing. The dealer soon ran out of ideas and on the third call to the factory they finally admitted that "wedging" the boats hull could cure the problem. They offered to do it for free but Tennessee isn't a convenient service location for a Minnesotan fisherman. I started calling local fiberglass boat repair places, I was referred to Shipwreck Marine in Princeton, MN. I explained to them I had a porpoising fiberglass fishing boat and he said "Oh, you must have a Triton, we can fix you up". A "wedge" is like a upside down spoiler on the back of a car, it is added on both sides of the boat to the first chine and on the farthest trailing edge of the hull. It is only about 3/8" tall. This ramp forces the nose of the boat up. I couldn't believe the difference this made, the boat will only porpoise now when I over trim the motor, even at slower speeds. It was a amazing improvement.
The guys at Shipwreck Marine did a great job. Even better they have done this so often they have developed a relationship with Triton and got Triton to pick up the $600 fee to have the work done.
I believe trim tabs would do the same thing but I didn't want another adjustment to fiddle with.
Hopefully this long story will benefit some other frustrated Triton owner out there.
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04-08-2010, 04:11 PM
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