Rugged Offshore Fishboat Ready to Compete



By Capt. Bob Smith

I really enjoyed returning to North Carolina and to test Triumph again. Much has changed with improvements all around the deck and hull of this new model. The 215CC series is a tournament-ready boat that can take the beatings of tournament fishing, and the rigors of the ocean. These boats are easy to clean, simple to maintain and very quiet riding.

Bow Features

Up on the foredeck, the 215CC is protected by high railings making it safer for small ones on board, or when going forward in less than perfect conditions. A sturdy bow pulpit can handle your ground tackle and bow seating can be easily converted to a great casting deck.

A great deal of storage is under the seating up front. In the floor is a large storage area with a porta-potty inside. The design here needs a little more thought, as it can be difficult to get to because the ice chest seat gets in the way. The ice chest is however locked into place, with a clever system and becomes a great bow forward facing seat.

Fishing Features

Lockers in the floor on both sides can hold a bunch of fish, or can be converted into rod storage with removable organizers. Gunwales have good anti-skid surfaces along with rod holders in them. And under the gunwales on each side, you can store two rods. An additional four more rods can be put in holders in the front of the helm station.

Adding a T-top really helps on those blazing sunny days and adds extra storage. Under the top are zippered storage spaces for jackets and throwables. Around the top are more rod holders and lights.

Control Console

The helm station is big enough for two people to be at the helm underway and is protected by a nice windshield. A tilt wheel stainless steel wheel with speed knob was on our boat. The hydraulic steering also made it easy to drive. Fog-free Faria gauges monitor engine performance and rocker switches with night lights are to the right. There are two cup holders and a small tray to the far right with a grab bar below. A large area above the gauges has a locking electronics box for flat panel gear like the optional Raymarine C70 Chartplotter. The VHF and stereo were also installed on our test boat. On the top of the helm was a Danforth Compass and two more small trays.

Battery and Switch Panel

Below the wheel is the battery switch panel and a dry storage box. When you want to work on the electronics or add more, two latches on the front of the helm allow the helm to tip rearward for access and some tool storage. Batteries are also inside this area. Our boat had two fishing chairs with armrests and a baitwell below the seats.

Stern Seating

At the stern are corner seats with handrails for safety and cup holders for convenience. Added storage and mechanical access is located under the seats, as well as a hatch in the floor between the seats.

Specs

Both the 215CC and Chaos models measure in at 20’6” length overall. Beam width is 8’6”, but seems like even more. With the engine up, draft requirements are only 14” and weight is about 2,300lbs dry. Maximum rated horsepower is 200-hp with a fuel capacity of 70 gallons. With the T-top, the 215’s height is 10 feet, 10 inches overall.

Handling and Performance

I tested the 215 on the Intracoastal waters around Morehead City, NC. With a 150-horsepower Yamaha four-stroke on the back, she was fast out of the hole in mere 2.9 seconds, and quickly up to 30 miles-per-hour in only 7.6 seconds. We found the best cruise to be at 3500 rpm traveling 22.6 miles-per-hour for a fuel burn rate of 5.3 gallons-per-hour and a range of 268 miles. When we opened her up we found her top speed at 6000 rpm running 43.1 miles-per-hour with a burn rate of 15.7 gallons-per-hour, and a range of 173 miles on the 70 gallon fuel tank.

Obviously, both the Triumph 215CC and Chaos have the guts and the stamina to go out to the fish offshore, stay out all day, and get back without any problem.

If you like to fish hard and play hard, but are afraid of what it will do to the boat, then you need to check out Triumph, because all your worries will dissipate. When it comes time to fish with the big boys, the 215CC and the 215 Chaos offer you an ideal fishing platform with tournament-ready features.

• Top speed for the Triumph 215 CC (2008-) is 43.1 MPH (69.4 KPH), burning 15.7 gallons per hour (GPH) or 59.42 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Triumph 215 CC (2008-) is 26.9 MPH (43.3 KPH), and the boat gets 4.01 miles per gallon (MPG) or 1.71 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 253 miles (407.16 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 150-hp Yamaha 4-stroke.

Triumph 215 CC (2008-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
CD Stereo
Head: Portable
Power Steering
Trailer
Trim Tabs
Washdown: Raw Water
Exterior Features
Hardtop
Ice Chest
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Platform
Canvas
Bimini Top

= Standard = Optional