Matching a flat Triumph Boats 1700 Skiff 2009 against a deep vee Triumph Boats 186 Sportsman TL 2013 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Triumph Boats 1700 Skiff 2009 at 17,0 ft versus Triumph Boats 186 Sportsman TL 2013 at 18,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Triumph Boats 186 Sportsman TL 2013 tips the scales at 237 lbs — 223 lbs less than the Triumph Boats 1700 Skiff 2009 at 14 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 90 hp for the Triumph Boats 1700 Skiff 2009 and 90 hp for the Triumph Boats 186 Sportsman TL 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

Both boats are rated for 8 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.