tr-186

[BOURBON83]

Hey guys,
I have been looking all winter at boats. Mainly keeping my eye on tr-186's. I have come across a couple I like. The most recent is a 05 with a 150 xr6 on it. I am torn between getting a carb motor or holding out for one with a optimax on it. I have also came across a 18x3 with a 150 optimax on it. I haven't been able to find out much about them. Do they have alot of problems or is there something to look out for on them. i see some guys complaining they are slower. I am a weekend fisher. Anywhere in the mid 50' to lower 60's is fine buy me. I am not looking to scream across the lake. I am wondering though if these are a boat to stay away from. Also how do you guys feel about the xr6 motors. Should i hold out for a optimax. I live near st. louis and would love if i could find someone with a tr 186 or a 18x3 with a 150 on it near buy that could take me out for a test drive in. Everything i am finding for sale is 4-6 hours away for any good price or worth looking at. So it would be nice to have already rode in one of these before i drive to get one.

Thanks
I am itching to get a new boat. I sold my other one in december. It was just a tracker pt-175. I am ready for a glass boat, and some good weather.

[drfish]

I have experience with both boats.  Own an 04 tr186 with xr6 and an 08 18x2 with a 150 opti.  The first thing I can say is that they are two totally different boats.  The 186 drives like a sportscar, incredible holeshot, decent rough water ride and ok top end (59-60mph).  There is good storage room in the boat and things don't get too cramped with a partner.  The x2 feels like a much larger boat because it's considerably deeper.  The storage is incredible and the interior seems slightly larger.  The rough water ride is really impressive.  Holeshot is questionable with full fuel and live wells.   Top end runs between 56-59mph depending on what prop I'm using.  I drop down to a 21" Tempest+ for warm weather and heavy loads.  Both engines have been very good.  The xr6 can be a lithe temperamental to start at times but has been a good one.  The opti naturally starts better and is a little quieter.  The opti really sips the fuel and oil though, about half of what the xr6 uses even though the xr6 isn't that bad.  In general, If your looking for a bigger boat with the best ride go with the x, if you're going to worry about speed get a 175 or the 186.  I have had no issues with ether boat!  Good fit and finish and no stress cracks.  I use them both on Lake of the Ozarks with no problems.

[BOURBON83]

Hey
Thanks for the reply. It is nice to hear from someone who has them both. The only reason I considered the x series is because one poped up in my price range. Other than that those are a litle more xpensive than what I am able to spend right now. So if the x3 doe not turn outo be a scam then i will probably go with that. Otherwise I will probably just stick with the tr-186's. I want to stay under 15--- and have found a couple just not one that jumps out and says I have to have it. If anyone knows of any close to st. louis in really nice shape in this price range let me know.
Thanks

[drfish]

You can't go wrong with a tr186 if the price is right.  You should be able to find a good one with either an Opti or xr6 for under 15K if you keep looking.  The explorer is a fine boat but you'll miss the amenities of the 186.  It will also feel underpowered with the 115.

[BOURBON83]

I have found a tr-186 that I like. It is a 05 single console with a 150 xr6. always garaged. It is supper clean looking for 14000.00. has jackplate, hot foot, 71 lb motorguide. electronics are medium grade one has gps. new custom made cover. I have been considering going to get. I really wish i could find someone local that could give me a ride in one of these. The boat i have found i like is 4 hours away. no big deal to go get just don't want to drive all that way and find out i hate the ride or something.

[drfish]

I'd love to give you a test run but my boat is on a lift at LOZ and I won't be down until late March.  I try to keep track of these boats and that is a fair price.  Don't let the xr6 concern you, it's probably a more proven, dependable motor than the opti.  Learn the proper starting routine and it will treat you well.  My lake boat is an o4 and I've never had any trouble.  The fuel usage is not as good as the opti but better than an efi or the larger outboards.  Triton labeled some of the boats as "elite or le" and these have a few more bells and whistles but they are all good boats.  Holeshot and mid-range are exceptional.   You'll have to learn to deal with a little chine walk but it's not as big a deal as some make of it.  This is about the largest 18 1/2 ft you can find, actually as large as what some competitors call a 19.

Good luck and enjoy!

[BOURBON83]

Thanks guys I appreciate it. You have made me feel alot better or more secure about the xr6. I really love the looks of the boat too. I was just concerned on the motor. But it sounds like I would be safe with this. that makes me feel a little better.

[BOURBON83]

I renamed this tr-186 since that looks like what i will be sticking with.

[Kyle Kennington]

that size boat is a very economical boat and you can't go wrong with an XR6. Probably one of the strongest ever made. On fuel economy and fewer issues down the road...if an optimax becomes available, i would jump all over it. Anyway. great size boat and I know of one local guy that does very well in our tournaments that fishing out of the same boat you are wanting and he swears by it.

[BOURBON83]

Cool
Keep the good points coming. I am feeling better about making a decision. I did find another boat with a efi I think. One year newer. But it is about 2500 more. I just don't know that it is worth the price jump.

[Bassinkorea]

I have recently bought a 2005 TR-185 which I believe is almost identical to the 186 and I really love this boat. My friends have similar sized boats and I feel the deck and storage space are much bigger on the Triton. Awesome boat!

My boat has the Optimax 150.