Escape Boat

The versatility of today's fish-and-ski boat offers a wide array of fishing and boating possibilities. And, as my family and I discovered last summer, the Triton SF-21 Escape is one of the best on the market. Over a 30-day period we tested it again and again, under a wide variety of fishing, skiing and water conditions. In fact, my grandkids wanted to test it some more when we finally had to return the boat.

Pure Triton quality from the tip of its classy bow to the handy ski rope storage on the aft deck, the SF-21 offers it all in a sleek, racy runabout with great fishing capabilities.

Top speed achieved was 57.7 mph on the radar gun at 5,800 rpm. Although that's not considered especially fast for many of today's rocket-style bass boats, it's an extremely good speed for a boat of this size and weight with a 200-horsepower engine mounted on the stern.

More importantly, the boat handled like a dream — even at top speed — with easy, fingertip driving and no steering torque problems or chinewalk. The prop chosen for our test boat by Mike Kahnert, regional sales manager of Triton, played a key role. Kahnert set the engine low on the T-H Jackplate and slipped a large hub, 22-inch-pitch Predator 4-blade on the propshaft, because we wanted to do some skiing. The combination provided a strong, smooth pull and allowed us to pull a couple of novice youngsters out on top in one smooth motion. Choosing a bigger-pitch prop would have given a little more top speed — as would setting the engine higher— probably a gain of another three to four miles per hour.

Although rated for up to 225 horsepower, the SF-21, set up with the Yamaha VMax 200 and the Predator prop, provided a very rapid holeshot. Time to plane was a fast 3.8 seconds, and 0 to 30 mph came in at 7.4 seconds. The 200 Yamaha performed very well through all the rpm ranges, even while pulling two skiers.

The special transom prevented backwash when the big boat was shut down fast; and turns were smooth and easy, typical of a fish-and-ski deep-V hull.

Core Construction

One of the major tests of any boat is the amount of flexing and pounding it produces on choppy water. There was absolutely no flexing with Triton's Zero-Flex Stringer System; and the ride is soft. The Zero-Flex Stringer System is precisely molded to mate with the hull configuration. More than 290 feet of stringer surface is bonded to the hull; that's almost a football field's worth of stringer length molded into the 21-foot hull. The stringers are also cored with polyurethane composite.

The Triton SF-21 is totally wood-free. This translates into a boat that won't absorb water and won't rot. The composite materials are super-strong and are also lighter in weight than most wood-constructed boat interiors. The hull, stringer and deck are all built of hand-laid fiberglass, then brought together and bonded, creating a unibody construction and a single, solid unit.

The unibody construction utilizes transverse bulkheads built into the deck that interlock with the hull's stringer system, virtually welding the two parts into one. Composite-cored fiberglass cross members bridge the two full-length stringers and center stringer, tying the port and starboard sides of the boat together to eliminate deck and hull twisting.

Completing the construction is a full-width, all-composite transom bonded to the stringer system with high-density composite braces.

One of the major Triton characteristics is its wide-track flared hull and deck design. This flared design not only assists in dry rides but also provides more area for larger rear storage boxes and openings. There's also more stability when walking around or fishing from the platforms.

Inside Details

The SF-21 we test drove was beautifully finished and detailed. It featured 20-ounce plush marine carpeting and came with a curved glass windshield and a convertible top that was greatly appreciated during the hot summer days. There's even concealed storage for the top behind the bench seating.

The driver's console includes gauges and switches that are easy to see and use. The beautiful burl wood padded dash has full instrumentation, and a Lowrance X-45 is mounted in the console, as is a built-in AM/FM/cassette player. (The boat we tested had the optional JVC AM/FM/CD player, which the youngsters really enjoyed.) Family-fun lovers will appreciate the kneeboard or ski storage area in the floor and the swim platform with hidden ski rope storage.

There's also a very comfortable, full length, fold-down boarding ladder that is concealed in the opposite aft swim platform. A removable trolling motor mount makes it easy to install or remove the trolling motor, converting the boat from fish to ski in minutes.

We also tested the boat with a factory-installed ski tow bar that helps keep the ski rope up off of the water, making it easier for youngsters and preventing tangles with the motor. The tow bar is quickly and easily removed from the rear deck pedestal and the rear fishing seat positioned into place.

Seating consists of molded, swiveling bucket seats for the passenger and driver, and rear seating is available in two designs. The boat we tested had a full-width bench seat with lift out step-up to the back and fully bolstered sides, a very comfortable arrangement designed primarily for skiing and pleasure boating.

The standard SF interior, however, features a step-cooler in the center with a livewell behind it. Two fold-down fishing chairs and a rod ramp on each side complete that interior. If you are into more serious angling, the standard interior is the best choice.

Regardless of the interior layout, two tournament-style fishing seats with pedestals are standard, and the pedestal floor plates are fully recessed so you don't stub your toes when going barefoot. There's also a fully-insulated 34-quart ice chest in either layout.

Serious Fishability

Now you know the Triton SF-21 is a great family recreation boat, so you ask, how does it fish? In one word: wonderfully. There's plenty of room on the front deck for even two anglers side by side, and the huge locking rod storage under the front deck is easily accessed by lifting the lid from the cockpit area. The rod locker has a power-lift lid piston for easy lifting. Rods are held in holders that make selection easy and keep the rods from tangling.

There's a 24-volt trolling motor and even a trolling motor storage area. One great feature is that all pleasure boating accessories are easily stored on board so it's really easy to switch the SF-21 into a serious angling boat.

For example, the 24-gallon livewell has an automatic aerator timer system with a 750 gph freshwater livewell pump, and a 500 gph automatic electric bilge pump completes the plumbing. Fuel capacity is 42 gallons for long range and long day playing, and there's lots of storage room both fore and aft with plenty of dry storage. Even the batteries are easily accessible in the aft side compartments.

If you're looking to escape into the world of bass or walleye angling, in addition to the pleasures of family boating fun, you owe yourself a test ride in the Triton SF-21 Escape. It'll handle up to seven people or 1,030 pounds, making it perfect for even big families or those who like to fish in comfort regardless of the weather and water conditions.

Triton FS-21 Escape Specifications

Major Options: Bike seat, X-45 Lowrance at bow, Guest 2-Bunk Battery Charger, ski tow bar, T&H Jackplate, JVC AM/FM/CD player, retractable trailer tongue, spare aluminum wheel and tire, highway package.

Manufacturer
Triton Boats
Dept. B&WB
15 Bluegrass Drive
Ashland, TN 37015
(888) 887-4866