Non-slip deck surface on the Nitro 898.

[Staci Matheis]

Ever since I saw the new Nitro 898 last August, I've wondered if there might be any disadvantages to the non-slip surface for someone who fished primarily fresh water. In my never-ending search for The Truth, I went to the Triton Owners message board on the Bass Boat Central website and asked the question of owners of TX-series boats.



The answer I got stated the obvious advantages for clean-up, so I specifically asked about physical fatigue to legs and possible damage to equipment from being strapped to a hard surface. That reply was:



"I am 45 years old, in fair physical shape, and weigh 220 pounds. I have thus far experienced no more fatigue when fishing all day in the TX-20 than I did when fishing in my prior TR-21 with carpet. I do wear a good pair of boat shoes that have ample cushioning. As far as equipment being torn up because of the lack of carpet, I have thus far not had a problem and I store plenty of rods on the deck while fishing. However, due to the concern of abrading the finish from expensive rods and reels, the GLoomis and All Star outfits I always carry in the rod lockers when running the big Yamaha at mid to higher speeds. I will run with the less expensive outfits on the deck and have experienced no problem with damage to them. I just can not bring myself to strap the Loomis or Titanium rods to the deck and run the big motor, but neither did I strap the Loomis and All Star Titaniums to the deck of my TR-21 when travelling fast."



Hm-m-m-m..... Those Yammies must be rough running motors..... Surely a Merc wouldn't damage rods and reels..... :^)



me!
http://www.bassboatcentral.com/

 

[Greg Meyer]

There is one serious consideration... Cold weather. If you ever fish in temperatures below freezing you will find that the non-skid fiberglass surface ices up to a dangerous level if you get a lot of spray over the deck. I fished a winter walleye tourney out of one of the all glass decks and it became an ice rink by late morning... Carpet at least has some "abrasive" nature even when coated with patches of ice. One solution...the guy with the all glass deck had snap in carpet made for his boat for winter fishing.

 

[gone bye bye]

I can tell we may have to strap that guy in my boat if we ever fish together, heck I could put him in the rod locker, cause all of my rods will be on the deck. I guess I will never outgrow the feeling that rods, reels, boats, etc. are tools made to help one catch fish. I really could care less if my rods get scratched as long as they get bent! The boat is a nother story as I have to sell that. I like to keep it looking good, but I do run em.



Mini

 

[Staci Matheis]

I'll agree with you on that one, Mini..... Can't keep that stuff all polished and pristine if you're gonna use it the way it was ment to be used. I'm that way with my trucks, too. I don't worry about getting a few scratches down the side if I'm going down some overgrown fire road to get deep back in the woods - I keep mine to about the 200,000 mile mark anyway so there isn't any resale value to speak of regardless! Just so they're right mechanically, I'm not worried!



me!