Probably my favorite boat of the 10 or so I've had.
Probably my favorite boat of the 10 or so I've had.
Agreed 100%. I owned a 2004 TR196 for ten years. Loved that hull. It's a damn shame Triton quit making boat. I test drove a bunch of boats. Even bought a Skeeter, but still missed that TR196. My current BassCat PII is about the same overall ride and speed, just a couple inches shorter. Too bad Triton doesnt read these threads, there are a bunch folks that loved that model... BRING IT BACK!!!!Originally Posted by eriedude
Brad Krone
How much different is the hull of the 19trx to the tr196? I thought they were similar but I've never driven/ridden in a 196 before.
'13 Triton 19SE 225 Pro XS
'09 Chevy Silverado Z71
The 19TRX and the 196 are two completely different hull. The 196 needed a lot more input to drive than the 19TRX. The 19TRX is a much wider boat than the 196 and has a lot more room. The fuel tank in the 196 was under the seats, the fuel tank is in the center of the boat on the 19TRX. This makes the boat handle better. The 196 was a great boat in it's time, but the 19TRX is much superior in ride, storage, fishability, and rated for a 225.
I'm three trips into my new to me '05 TR196 and, so far, it's a pretty awesome ride for the money. And yes, I do have to "drive" it. I'll have to stay away from a new model if it's that much better ride or I'll be disappointed in mine.
2005 Triton TR-196
1990 ProCraft ProCaster 180
2008 was the last year (according to the catalogs).
Lightning 6
2007 TR-196DC
I actually had/have more fun having to concentrate and "drive" the TR196. It was like a sports car. Shorter and narrower then its bigger brothers (21 footers) but it was way more throttle responsive and extremely nimble, plus it still went 72mph. If I wanted a sort of slower and boring ride I would of stayed with my Skeeter. I am not knocking Skeeters, but they in no way chine walk...ever... but they also do not give the edge of you seat feel when hauling across the lake. That is why I only kept the Skeeter for 2 years. I find my BassCat PII reminds me of the TR196.
Last edited by BassCatBrad; 09-20-2019 at 08:57 PM.
Brad Krone
I have an 08. I've had a few of these and they are fun and fish great. Have thought about selling it to upgrade to something newer.
I like everything about my 196 except that it is getting long in the tooth. I am constantly getting compliments at the ramp and have stopped telling people that it is 13 years old.
I have some concerns about what could go wrong and what it would cost to fix so I started looking for a replacement. I don’t see anything that I would want instead of the 196. Over the last couple of years I have upgraded the electronics and made some other changes. It is a great boat.
2006 Triton TR196 w/ 200 Optimax \ 2021 AlumaRyder 1860 w/ 200 Rotax
I'm guessing (hoping) with an all-fiberglass hull, the electrical system is of most concern. The short time I've had my '05 I've added electronics and it appears to be a pretty straightforward design. I could be totally wrong though. Only owned a really old ProCraft before this Triton.
2005 Triton TR-196
1990 ProCraft ProCaster 180
Other things that could be significant are the trailer rusting out from the inside and the motor.
2006 Triton TR196 w/ 200 Optimax \ 2021 AlumaRyder 1860 w/ 200 Rotax
INDEED! Forgot about the (@#$&$ Marine Master trailer.....
2005 Triton TR-196
1990 ProCraft ProCaster 180
I bought a new boat in 2008 and had my choice of a new 196 w/200 or the new tr19x w/ a 225. Bought the 196 and never was sorry. So think 2008 was the last 196.
Funny, I worry more about the trailer than the Optimax even though there are bigger dollars involved with the motor.
2006 Triton TR196 w/ 200 Optimax \ 2021 AlumaRyder 1860 w/ 200 Rotax
have 03 tr196 with 03 200 OPTI.I have beat this boat bad but with regular maintenance, still rides and runs great. Friend has same but an 02 with 03 EFI 200 and still runs great. Thought about a new boat,think I'll stick with this one
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