Triton was founded by race-boat driver Earl Bentz, and though the brand has gone through several hands since Bentz’s, it still bears the reputation as a high-performance bass boat. The 21XrT follows that example and even ups the 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 the jack plate 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 21XrT’s charcoal and black metal-flake gelcoat with crisp tape lines and white accents shows that Triton knows how to build 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 whether at rest or underway. That beefy beam accommodates a big console with side-by-side Lowrance HDS Live 12 displays. There’s a nice space between the 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 HDS 12 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, an, a 10-rod locker with space for Plano 3700 tackle boxes on center. Dry storage is on the starboard side. On the aft deck, we found gelcoated storage boxes, and fully aerated, recirculated pump-out 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, considered a must-have by most serious anglers. For the investment, this Triton should be considered a serious fishing platform.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 250 hp 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.
High Points
- Ample legroom, ergonomic controls and bolstered seats reduce driver fatigue.
- Big hatches open outward for optimal bilge access.
- Big Merc 250 provides easy handling to 70-plus mph.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $84,755 (as tested) |
| LOA: | 21’0″ |
| Beam: | 7’11” |
| Draft: | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 1,850 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 5/1,650 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 47 gal. |
| Livewell Capacity: | 44.5 gal. |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Triton Boats – Springfield, Missouri; tritonboats.com
