A Bass Tracker to a Triton TR21....I need Help!

[BassinMichigan]

I bought my first boat, a Bass Tracker with a 40 hp, two years ago.  This past summer I began fishing tournaments and my partner and I actually made some money and were points champions in our NBAA division.  I would've just stuck with that boat, but I just can't stand getting blown around by the slightest breeze.  Also, I can't stand not being able to go out on Lake St. Clair or Lake Erie in search of hog smallies.  So I'm closing on a Triton TR21 with a 225 merc tomorrow.  I've taken it for a test drive, and that thing can really get up and go, especially compared to what I'm used to.  I'm just wondering if anyone has some helpful tips that will ensure that I'm getting the most out of my rig.  Whether it be when to adjust the trim, how to better handle the boat when making turns, and basically anything that could save me from doing something stupid.  I can fish, just haven't ever had the opportunity to ride in a boat like this until now.  Thanks in advance.

[cart7t]

My advice is to get yourself into a boat with an experienced boat driver and learn.

I can't teach someone how to drive a car over the internet anymore than I could teach you to drive a high performance bassboat capable of speeds in excess of 70mph.

And I definitely wouldn't be taking that boat out onto a large body of water like Erie or St Clair unless you know what you're doing. Those lakes will eat a boat that size unless you've had some training and experience in rough water boat handling.

[Land Surveyor13]

Is it a 21X or a 21X2? The X2 is easier to drive than the X but even if it is a X it isn't that hard to drive. I have a 2006 20X. The boat came with a manual jack plate and after 3 months of owning it I broke down a purchased a hydraulic jack plate. The reason being is it allows me more control of the boat. I can trim the motor all the way own and lower the jack plate and get a faster hole shot. Also I found out that maximum speed is achieved with the motor trimmed out at full throttle and the jack plate up at 4 inches. I hope I have not lost you but what I have found is I can run the boat faster without having as much chine walk. I also find the boat easier to control between 70 and up then between 65-70 mph. Search you tube for Triton Chine Walk and you should find some videos. Boils down to constant pressure to the left and slight corrections to hold it steady and straight. Nothing like going down the lake as fast as or faster than you drive down the interstate. I will say after owning the boat for 2 years I am not impressed with how it is holding up. Nothing major just a few minor annoying things breaking or need to be replaced. All in all a good fast boat.

Jerrod

[Jig Man]

My advice is to get yourself into a boat with an experienced boat driver and learn.

I can't teach someone how to drive a car over the internet anymore than I could teach you to drive a high performance bassboat capable of speeds in excess of 70mph.

And I definitely wouldn't be taking that boat out onto a large body of water like Erie or St Clair unless you know what you're doing. Those lakes will eat a boat that size unless you've had some training and experience in rough water boat handling.

X2

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

Man, if I were fishing the Great Lakes I would enroll in the

U.S. Coast Guard Captain Licensing Course:

http://www.occsailing.com/coast_guard_classes/us_coast_guard_captains_licensing_course

Bass boats are really not designed with "big water" in mind.

I think you would be miles ahead with a center console, deep

hull design. Here's an example, minus the canopy:

http://www.rangerboats.com/flash/gallery.cfm?mid=5511&series=saltwater

8-)

[BassinMichigan]

Welcome aboard!

Man, if I were fishing the Great Lakes I would enroll in the

U.S. Coast Guard Captain Licensing Course:

Bass boats are really not designed with "big water" in mind.

I think you would be miles ahead with a center console, deep

hull design. Here's an example, minus the canopy:

8-)

That course is a great idea. I didn't even know they offered such a thing. I can't really do without a bass boat though, since I fish several smaller inland lakes and due to the fact that I just bought the boat this week. When I took it for a test drive, I had one extremely experienced boater that gave me some tips for take off and handling. The only problem is that I learned in two minutes, took off until I reached 60 mph, made a gradual turn at a slower speed, and then just hammered the throttle again. It seemed simple, but I know it's much more complex by doing research and by speaking to other people in different forums. Thanks for all the help so far. I'm so happy I finally noticed that this site has a forum after just reading the articles for the last three years.

[Tin]

You are in deep but work on the small bodies of water first. Experienced drivers can be a big help, but there is a huge difference in watching and doing on your own in 6 footers, everytime out is different. Tritons are great boats in the rough stuff I have been in dozens of them in nasty conditions, they are like battleships.

First thing I would do to get "the most out of it" is take out the on-board chargers though and just go through the pain and suffering of carrying two around with you. The big stuff beats up on boats and have seen and heard of too many days where guys' batteries are not charged all the way because of a charger isn't working.