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Triton was founded by race boat driver Earl Bentz, and though the brand has gone through several hands since Earl’s, it still bears the reputation as a high-performance bass boat. The 21XRT follows that example, even upping the chinning bar, equipped with a Mercury 250 Pro XS that made 30 mph in 7.6 seconds and hit a top speed over 71 mph. At these speeds, the Pro-Trim steering-mounted switches for jackplate and power trim make for a safer, more secure ride. There’s a molded-in platform for a foot throttle under the console, and we recommend it.
The Triton’s charcoal and black metal-flake gel with crisp tape lines and white accents show Triton knows how to make boats that are strong, functional and beautiful. The extra-wide 95-inch beam makes for ultra-roomy fishing decks fore and aft as well as a stable platform at rest or underway. That beefy beam accommodates a big console with side-by-side Lowrance HDS12 displays. There’s a nice space between console and gunwale to lay rods, safe from catching the dock or brush.
An inductive phone charger and digital switching bring the tech. Other cockpit accoutrements include properly positioned, comfy, wide seats; a cooler beneath the foredeck step; and storage between the fast seats.
At the bow, Triton cleverly mounted two more Lowrance HDS12 displays side by side. The Lowrance Ghost 52-inch-shaft trolling motor option talks to the GPS for precision fishing. There’s a 13-rod locker on the port side, and on center, a 10-rod locker with space for Plano 3700 tackle boxes. Dry storage is on the starboard side. On the aft deck we found gelcoated storage boxes and fully aerated, recirculated pumpout livewells are on the centerline aft.
A particularly nice touch: The aft access hatches open outward from the centerline, making it easy to get to the batteries, pumps and fuel system should the need arise. Our tester was equipped with twin Power Pole Blades, which are considered a must-have by most serious anglers. For the investment, this Triton should be considered a serious fishing platform.
High points
- Triton’s cockpit is designed to keep the pilot and passenger secure, focused and safe. Ample legroom, controls that fall to hand, and bolstered bucket seats keep you right where you need to be.
- Stern rigging, batteries and pumps service is easy thanks to big lids that open outward from center, allowing access without teetering on the gunwales.
- Big Merc 250 provides 70-plus-mph speeds with very little seat time, and ample acceleration to the hot spots.
Specs:
LOA: 21’0”
Beam: 7’11”
Draft: TK
Dry Weight: 1,850 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 5/1,650 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 47 gal.
Livewell Capacity: TK
How We Tested
Engine: Mercury 250hp Pro XS FourStroke
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Fury 14” x 23” 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 40 gal.
Crew Weight: 500 lb.
Price: $84,755 (as tested)
Triton Boats
Springfield, Missouri; tritonboats.com
