Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 vs Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 or the Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009?

The Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 tops out at 60 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 measures 78" wide, compared to 9" for the Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Are the Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 and Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 and the Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 are built by Triton Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 vs Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009

Triton Boats

Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005

2005

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Triton Boats

Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 vs Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 vs Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 has a 55-hp advantage over the Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 with its 60-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeTriton Boats

Model170 DS Tiller

Model177 Explorer

Model Year2005

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam78 in

Beam90 in

Beam - Meters1.98

Beam - Meters2.29

Beam - Inches78

Beam - Inches9

Depth - DetailSide Depth: 20 in

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters50.8

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches2

Depth - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail800 lbs

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg362.87

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.8

Weight - lbs.not available

Height [transom]22 in

Height [transom]not available

Length - Feet17

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 7 in

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Meters5.36

Length overall - Inches204

Length overall - Inches211

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches7

Body / Hull

Hull thicknessSide: .1

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine max60 hp

Engine max115 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail37 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters140.06

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal37

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,000 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people5

Maximum peoplenot available

Storagenot available

StorageRear Storage / Baitwell: 67 qt. (16 gal. BW) Front Storage Box: 360 qt

Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 vs Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 or the Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009?

The Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 is the longer of the two at 17,0 feet overall. The Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 tops out at 60 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 measures 78" wide, compared to 9" for the Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Are the Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 and Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 and the Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 are built by Triton Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Triton Boats 170 DS Tiller 2005 full specs ← Triton Boats 177 Explorer 2009 full specs