Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 vs Triton Boats VT 17 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 or the Triton Boats VT 17 2008?

The Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The Triton Boats VT 17 2008 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 is rated to a maximum of 200 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Triton Boats VT 17 2008 tops out at 75 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 197 Magnum DC 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Triton Boats VT 17 2008 is certified for 4. 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 197 Magnum DC 2007 measures 91" wide, compared to 85" for the Triton Boats VT 17 2008. 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 197 Magnum DC 2007 and Triton Boats VT 17 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 and the Triton Boats VT 17 2008 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 197 Magnum DC 2007 vs Triton Boats VT 17 2008

Triton Boats

Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007

2007

View full specs →

Triton Boats

Triton Boats VT 17 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 vs Triton Boats VT 17 2008: A Close Look at Two Modified-V Boats

Both the Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 and the Triton Boats VT 17 2008 are modified-V designs, both built in aluminium, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 200 hp, the Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 has a 125-hp advantage over the Triton Boats VT 17 2008's 75-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 is rated for 5 passengers, while the Triton Boats VT 17 2008 caps at 4. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 5 passengers and at 19,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Triton Boats VT 17 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 4 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeTriton Boats

Model197 Magnum DC

ModelVT 17

Model Year2007

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam90.5 in.

Beam85 in.

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Meters2.16

Beam - Inches90.5

Beam - Inches85

Length - Feet19

Length - Feet17

Length - Inches4

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail19 ft. 4 in.

Length overall - Detail17 ft. 0 in.

Length overall - Meters5.89

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Inches232

Length overall - Inches204

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail24 in.

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters60.96

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches24

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail930 lbs.

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg421.84

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.930

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail60 in.

Height [transom]not available

Height [transom]20 in.

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull thickness.125 ga.

Hull thickness.100 in.

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max200 hp

Engine max75 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail19 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters71.92

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal19

Operational Info

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people4 / 600 lbs.

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailStandard

Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 vs Triton Boats VT 17 2008 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 or the Triton Boats VT 17 2008?

The Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 is the longer of the two at 19,0 feet overall. The Triton Boats VT 17 2008 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 is rated to a maximum of 200 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Triton Boats VT 17 2008 tops out at 75 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 197 Magnum DC 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Triton Boats VT 17 2008 is certified for 4. 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 197 Magnum DC 2007 measures 91" wide, compared to 85" for the Triton Boats VT 17 2008. 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 197 Magnum DC 2007 and Triton Boats VT 17 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Triton Boats 197 Magnum DC 2007 and the Triton Boats VT 17 2008 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 197 Magnum DC 2007 full specs ← Triton Boats VT 17 2008 full specs