Opinions on 1999 Trophy 1703 Center Console

[Augoose]

Hey guys, I've been lurking around for awhile over on the mercruiser side with my bow rider, but now a friend of mine is looking at a Trophy 1703 with 90 hp outboard. He's not on the forum (yet) so I thought I'd post up and ask about people's experiences with this specific boat, similar boats, recommendations, etc. Maybe hear from anyone who has one? If you had to buy one all over again, would you get something else?

The price is right and the condition is good- no issue there. The question is more related to functionality. My friend's got a 23' cuddy cabin now but he's looking at fishing shallow rivers, marshes, and brackish waters in and around Charleston, SC. The boat he's looking at getting (below) is listed as a deep v, but it looks more like a shallow semi v.

Is there a different type of boat to look at for use in shallow water (5' +/-)?
Thinking flatbottom, but that wouldn't go off-shore at all.

If not this boat, any other manufacturers or types of boat to look at?

Thanks all for the feedback!

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: Opinions on 1999 Trophy 1703 Center Console

That looks nice it does look like a semi v not a deep v. Tell your friend he could also look at Carolina skiff. they have flat bottom boat and are very stable and nice looking.

 

[mnewb1]

Re: Opinions on 1999 Trophy 1703 Center Console

I would think for shallow fishing, a flat bottom boat would be much more useful.

 

[Augoose]

Re: Opinions on 1999 Trophy 1703 Center Console

Sound this boat would be more suited for larger areas of open water that are prone to chop?

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: Opinions on 1999 Trophy 1703 Center Console

ya look at Carolina skiff i think your friend will have better luck with a boat like that and there at good prices.

 

[tnduc]

Re: Opinions on 1999 Trophy 1703 Center Console

Is there a different type of boat to look at for use in shallow water (5' +/-)?
Thinking flatbottom, but that wouldn't go off-shore at all.

If not this boat, any other manufacturers or types of boat to look at?

Thanks all for the feedback!

That boat should work just fine for 5' +/-. Normally flat bottoms are great for less than 18". I've got a 17' semi V and have fished down to 1' in the shallow Texas bays. A flat bottom will beat you to death crossing open bays in chop.

 

[spudshaft]

Re: Opinions on 1999 Trophy 1703 Center Console

I live in the area and go similar places to where you buddy plans to boat. Many, many 17-19 ft center console Sea Hunt, Key West, Sea Pro and similar boats. Lots of 17 ft Bost Whaler Montauks too.

 

[spudshaft]

Re: Opinions on 1999 Trophy 1703 Center Console

And that Trophy should be fine. I wouldn't see any problem doing what he intends to do with it.

 

[alanmaor]

Re: Opinions on 1999 Trophy 1703 Center Console

Hi to all,
I'm from Italy and I'm new in this forum.
I'm writing to ask about this boat. I', going to buy this boat with new 70 hp. Which is the hight speed it could reach in your opinion? And the standard speed
Just to know if the opinion is good about this boat. In Italy this is not diffused.
I use it at sea from shallow water to 25 meter deep water at 5/6 miles from coast

Thank you in advance
Alan

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Opinions on 1999 Trophy 1703 Center Console

I have a very similar boat with a 70 and it does just fine.