Boats Review
What Are The Highlights Of The Triton 18 TRX That Make It So Expensive?
Triton 18 TRX Review
Reference price: from $47,995
Type: Bass Boat
Weight: 1690 pounds (approximate)
Seats: 600 lbs.
What we like about it: The appealing and stable fiberglass hull, spacious fore and aft decks, and thoughtful features.
What we didn’t like about it: The price is relatively high, and the seats lack armrests.
Rating (4.8/5)
As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to start planning fishing trips with family and friends. If you’re looking to include new anglers in your summer fishing plans, having an excellent bass boat is a great choice.
Triton bass boats combine 100% composite construction with a deep-V hull, providing users with a legendary soft, dry ride and top-notch performance. Among its 18-foot models, the Triton 18 TRX stands out as one of the most popular. It excels on the water through a combination of traditional boatbuilding techniques and advanced features.
Below, we’ll analyze the driving experience, seating comfort, specifications, and other versions of the Triton 18 TRX.
For more boat options, remember to stay tuned to our homepage. We’ll continue updating our blog with different types of boats, helping you better understand the boat-buying choices that suit you.
Overall Impression
My friend Robin is a big fan of outdoor activities and an avid fly fisherman. To enhance his private fishing experience in his own water body, he custom ordered a brand-new Triton 18 TRX earlier this year. It’s a sleek fiberglass boat, and he showed me the customized layout design. The fiery red hull looks as cool as a race car, and it’s bound to be a striking presence on the water.
Robin knew I was eager to try it out, so when he received the Triton 18 TRX, he invited me for a fishing trip to his private water body over the weekend. I was looking forward to it. His friend Blaze also joined us for the outing. It was Robin’s first time officially driving the Triton 18 TRX, and he admitted he was pretty excited too.
To observe his driving details, I chose to sit in one of the fishing chairs behind him. I have to admit, the high-backed fishing chair on the Triton 18 TRX is very ergonomic. It provided excellent lumbar support and cushioning. Even though it’s a fishing chair, the padding is as thick and plush as the driver’s seat, making it incredibly soft and comfortable.
Driving Details
The Triton 18 TRX features a suspended console design. Despite Robin being the burliest among us, the spacious cockpit didn’t limit his movement. The console looked very sleek and stylish, with the tachometer, speedometer, voltage meter, and fuel gauge neatly embedded in the stainless steel dash, reflecting shiny curves in the sunlight.
Robin explained that the Triton 18 TRX employs the SeaStar® Hydraulic Steering system, providing precise and smooth control. Even in rough waters with choppy waves, the boat is easily maneuverable. With that said, he turned the key.
As he pushed the throttle, the Triton 18 TRX effortlessly glided on the water. The bow sliced through the water with ease. Since I was closest to the stern, I could feel the water spraying behind me, forming a long tail.
Because of the Triton 18 TRX’s impressive speed, Robin mentioned its motor is rated at 200hp. This means it can reach speeds of nearly 60 miles per hour, making it an exhilarating choice.
Seating Experience
As we reached the fishing spot, Robin reached over to place his sunglasses in the storage compartment on his left and then stood up to grab his fishing rod. The design of the Triton 18 TRX is incredibly considerate. On the port side of the bow, there’s not only a spacious rod storage locker with brackets, but also a dedicated fishing rack above it for passengers. What’s even more important is the elastic cords on the rack for securing our fishing rods—Blaze’s and mine found their place there.
Since Robin had most of his tackle boxes already stored on the boat, we didn’t bring our own. Even though my bass boat is spacious, it doesn’t match the Triton 18 TRX’s capability to store ten large tackle boxes like this. If we were to catch fish all day, it would more than suffice.
After getting our baits ready, we each picked our fishing spots. Both Robin and Blaze are fly-fishing enthusiasts, which requires more room, so the bow was naturally the most suitable location. For today, I just wanted to quietly catch some bass, so I moved to the aft deck.
The aft deck is quite spacious too, and coupled with the comfortable fishing chair, I felt confident I would have a productive day. Robin also retrieved cold drinks from the cooler beneath the boarding ladder, making a toast in advance for a fruitful day.
Specifications
The Triton 18 TRX combines a wealth of features, spacious deck, tournament-level performance, and Lowrance® electronics to create a sophisticated fishing machine.
If you’re after even more enhanced features, there’s a range of options available to tailor it to the perfect waterborne equipment. The standard storage compartments and ample, comfortable fishing platform are more than sufficient for your everyday water excursions.
Other Versions
If you have a large family, the larger Triton 19 TRX might better suit your capacity needs. The Triton 19 TRX not only offers more rod storage, tackle storage, and livewell capacity, but it can also accommodate a 225hp motor for even higher speeds.
The Triton 19 TRX features an upgraded console that can easily accommodate any size of helmsman. Even during nighttime, you can operate buttons with illuminated labeling correctly. However, with more advanced features, the dashboard is more intricate, and you might need some time to get acquainted with it.
In summary, both in terms of size and configuration, the Triton 19 TRX is a further step up from the Triton 18 TRX. If you’re seeking a superior watercraft, this is one not to be missed.
What do we like about it
- Stylish and stable fiberglass hull.
- Ample and spacious rod storage compartments.
- The suspended console design provides legroom.
- Comfortable and roomy seats.
- Thrilling speed from the powerful motor.
- Convenient and visible storage compartments.
What we don’t like about it
- Price is not budget-friendly; might be challenging for those with lower budgets.
FAQ
1. What’s the difference between a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke outboard motor?
Two-stroke engines are lighter and more powerful, providing better acceleration and hit response, but they’re often outperformed by four-stroke engines in almost every other aspect. Two-strokes are noisier, run rougher at idle, have poorer fuel efficiency and emissions, and usually lack reliability.
Four-stroke engines are more complex engines but tend to have much lower failure rates. They offer smoother operation, especially at idle, better fuel mileage, and don’t require mixing oil with gasoline. In other words, you can change the oil once a year, just like a car, without frequent reservoir maintenance.
2. How do you launch a bass boat into the water?
First, check that the boat’s drain plug is securely in place before launching and loading all equipment onto the boat. Then, slowly back the trailer down the ramp using the rearview mirror. Once the trailer is partially submerged, position it in the launch area, engage the emergency brake, and exit the vehicle to release the bow safety chain and winch strap.
With these hooks released, return to the vehicle, release the emergency brake, and back further. If you’re alone, secure a line from the boat to the trailer to prevent it from drifting away. Once it’s afloat, undo the line from the trailer, guide it to the dock, secure it in place, and then pull the trailer away from the ramp. This completes the launching process.
3. Why are bass boats expensive?
Bass boats tend to hold their value better than many other watercraft, making them a wiser investment choice for avid anglers. Their high-performance capabilities, professional-grade equipment, premium materials, and added features contribute to their higher cost.
Triton 18 TRX SPECS
STANDARD | METRIC
| LENGTH | 18′ 8” | 5.69 m |
| BEAM | 94” | 2.39 m |
| MAX. RECOMMENDED HP | 200 HP | 200 HP |
| FUEL CAPACITY | 41 gal. | 155.19 L |
| LIVEWELL CAPACITY | 36 gal. | 136.26 L |
| REAR STORAGE BOXES | 168 Qt | 158.99 L |
| BUILT-IN ICE CHEST | 51 Qt | 48.26 L |
| FRONT STORAGE BOX | 300 Qt | 283.91 L |
| total persons capacity | 600 lbs. | 272.16 kg |
| length with swing tongue | 21′ 10” | 6.65 m |
| length without swing tongue | 23′ 6” | 7.16 m |
| APPROXIMATE HULL WEIGHT | 1690 lbs. | 766.57 kg |
Optional
| Mercury® | USD |
| 150 L Pro XS FourStroke | $44,575 |
| 175 L Pro XS FourStroke | $46,675 |
| 200 L Pro XS FourStroke | $47,995 |
Video
Comparison Table
| Boats | Deck Lengths | Maximum Horsepower | Maximum person capacity |
| Ranger Boats RT188 | 18’10” | 115HP | 4 persons |
| Skeeter ZX190 | 18’5″ | 175HP | 4 persons |
| Lowe Stinger 188 | 18’10” | 150HP | 4 persons |
Triton 18 TRX vs Ranger Boats RT188
If you’re on the hunt for a practical and budget-friendly branded boat, the Ranger Boats RT188 is worth your consideration.
Do you have a cozy little family or often find yourself hitting the waters with close friends? With its 18’10” length and capacity for four people, the RT188 will provide you with a spacious and liberating water experience. Although it can only accommodate a maximum of 115hp motor, that’s more than sufficient for the majority of users who use it primarily for fishing.
Just like the Triton 18 TRX, the Ranger Boats RT188 offers ample rod storage compartments and storage areas, but it doesn’t come with the same upscale features as a cooler. If you prioritize having a home-like experience on the water, it might not satisfy you as easily as the latter.
One of the main reasons the Ranger Boats RT188 is more affordable is its aluminum hull. While it might not boast the same sleek stability as the Triton 18 TRX’s fiberglass hull, it’s still a sturdy material. What’s most important is its lower maintenance costs, making it a better fit for consumers seeking value for their money.
Triton 18 TRX vs Skeeter ZX190
The Skeeter ZX190 is better suited for users who are after a fishing-focused experience. Compared to other activities, its limited seating arrangement isn’t the optimal choice for accommodating you, your family, or friends on outings.
Similar to the Triton 18 TRX, the Skeeter ZX190 features a fiberglass hull. This gives the boat an appealing appearance and stability on the water. However, it also means you’ll have to bear higher maintenance costs.
But there’s a reason I say it’s more suitable for fishing. The Skeeter ZX190 only has two comfortable and spacious seats, with the other two being fishing chairs equipped with fixed rods and no backrests. If you can adapt to this kind of fishing environment, the spacious front and rear decks, along with the 26-gallon versatile livewell, will become great companions for you.
Triton 18 TRX vs Lowe Stinger 188
The Lowe Stinger 188 is a high-quality aluminum boat, and while its price isn’t the cheapest compared to other aluminum boats, it comes from one of the most robust and durable boat manufacturers – Lowe. Each boat they produce is built to last.
The Lowe Stinger 188 features rod storage for up to 12 eight-foot fishing rods and a 35-gallon insulated livewell. While its seats might not be as luxurious and comfortable as those on the Triton 18 TRX, the padding on its fishing chairs is substantial. Even after a full day of fishing on the water, the thick backrest won’t leave you feeling sore.
The Lowe Stinger 188 has all the necessary fishing features you need. If you have a sufficient budget, it’s a very worthwhile option to consider.
Summary
Have you found your answer by now? Although the Triton 18 TRX might not be a budget-friendly bass boat for most, its sleek fiberglass hull and sturdy, spacious deck make it a boat that can accompany you for a lifetime. Most importantly, the cooler and suspended fiberglass console are thoughtful features that not many boats come with. If its price doesn’t put you off, it’s worth considering.
If the budget is tight for the mentioned boats, that’s alright too. You can explore similar bass boats on the NeoBoats website that offer similar features to the Triton 18 TRX. They not only deliver excellent performance but also come at a more budget-friendly price. If you want to know more about boats, feel free to visit our homepage. Thanks for your support!
