Convince me not to buy an 18 TRX

[jpd_hack]

Hi all, I’m looking to upgrade to a newer 18-19 ft boat. I need something that fits in my 21’ side stall garage so I need a boat on a single axle trailer. I fish the great lakes as well as small natural lakes so I’m looking for a good rough water ride relative to the size while maintaining the ability to fish shallow when needed. I’m also looking for a bigger deck so I can fish two up front. The most important thing on my list is durability as I plan to keep this boat 10+ years.

Based on my research, the 18 TRX checks all of these boxes better than anything else. I’m currently in a 91 Bass Cat Pantera II which has been a great boat and has me considering a newer Pantera Classic, but I’m not in love with the layout and the price tag is considerably higher. The other boat on my list is the Phoenix 818, but the 175 hp limit isn’t ideal and the front deck looks shorter compared to the other two.

Do any 18 TRX owners regret their purchase? Any negatives to this boat compared to other options on the market?

[1Holeshot]

I consider the 18 TRX to be the best bang for the buck of all the 18 footers.

Also one of the choices rated for 200 h.p.

[fly by night]

Go for it and I think you will be glad you did!

[Grizzly]

If you want to compare apples to apples look at a Caymas CX18ss.

Can't go wrong with either boat.

I went with the Caymas but it really just came down to price.

Spent a lot of time looking at the Triton.

[bassfisher444]

Be sure to get the 200hp if you do that, Caymas CX18 with a 175 SHO, Basscat Sabre with a 175 SHO, Phoenix 818 pro with a 175 SHO, Skeeter ZX150, or Faclon F185 with a 175 SHO are all good options worth looking at as well.

[SCOTT39]

When I was looking in 2022. Skeeter was the cheapest option and it was boiling down to Skeeter or Triton. I went with the Triton because of the custom color options. The only complaint I have is the boat is tippy and it’s a 20. So if you have a chance to get on the water when comparing, thats the first thing I would look at.

[1Holeshot]

When I was looking in 2022. Skeeter was the cheapest option and it was boiling down to Skeeter or Triton. I went with the Triton because of the custom color options. The only complaint I have is the boat is tippy and it’s a 20. So if you have a chance to get on the water when comparing, thats the first thing I would look at.

Not sure of your weight but I weigh 215 and have not found my 18 TRX to be tippy at all.

With a 94 " beam ( or 95" on a 20' ) and the wide deck extending forward the tippy part is news to me.

[got2fish]

I don’t see the 18trx as tippy at all.

[SCOTT39]

Not sure of your weight but I weigh 215 and have not found my 18 TRX to be tippy at all.

With a 94 " beam ( or 95" on a 20' ) and the wide deck extending forward the tippy part is news to me.

Well, mine is and when I put lithiums in It made 10 times worse. I came from a TR 20 which was not Tippy at all.

[bassfisher444]

Freedom outdoors in St Mary's OH has a good deal on a leftover 2023 Skeeter ZX150 right now. If I was looking for a new 18 footer I would jump on that. Screenshot_20240304_152726_Facebook.jpg

[jpd_hack]

If you want to compare apples to apples look at a Caymas CX18ss.

Can't go wrong with either boat.

I went with the Caymas but it really just came down to price.

Spent a lot of time looking at the Triton.

Assuming you looked at the 18 TRX in person, did it feel any bigger than the Caymas? Have you had it in rough water? One of the main reasons I’m convinced on the Triton is that it appears to have the steepest deadrise of any 18’ bass boat I’ve seen and I’ve heard many say it rides like a larger boat.

[RSteed]

I love my 18 TRX with the 200. Big boat in a small package Also have a single axle trailer because of garage.
One note. I’m not into speed and the 200 Hp on this boat is way too fast in my opinion. You can’t open it up without it chime walking. I run 55- 60(rarely) and I feel comfortable but that’s about it.

[bassfisher444]

I love my 18 TRX with the 200. Big boat in a small package Also have a single axle trailer because of garage.
One note. I’m not into speed and the 200 Hp on this boat is way too fast in my opinion. You can’t open it up without it chime walking. I run 55- 60(rarely) and I feel comfortable but that’s about it.

It shouldn't do that if set up correctly.

[RSteed]

It shouldn't do that if set up correctly.

I wish I knew how to set it up correctly.

[bassfisher444]

I wish I knew how to set it up correctly.

Motor height and prop?

[RSteed]

Motor height and prop?

I will have to check. How do you check motor height?

[bassfisher444]

I will have to check. How do you check motor height?

https://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=1108523

[RSteed]

So the center of the prop should be level with the pad?

[bassfisher444]

So the center of the prop should be level with the pad?

When you mesure it yes, put a level on the bottom of the boat and adjust it with the jack then level your motor with the trim.

[mactlman]

Centerline of prop should be 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches below the lowest point of the hull. go to YouTube and look up prop, to pad measurement