Trifecta 23RF T 2.75

November 2018 Boat Test Monday

This article originally appeared in our 2017 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more stories like this, click HERE to subscribe.

First Impression

If you can dream it, chances are good Trifecta has a floor plan to match. With so many options available you can have the boat built exactly how you want it, but at first glance we liked the layout as-is with the options as tested.

Breakdown

Every great boat needs a great helm and we love the look of the sporty dash console. It’s all centered on a Murphy touch screen that includes a GPS map, water temperature gauge, as well as control to a lot of other information and functions like the Kicker stereo system. On each side of the screen are multi-function Faria analog gauges with toggle switches below, including a master power switch. We love the designated media holder with a 12-volt outlet and USB/Auxiliary port. There is also a second helm 12-volt, plus a small trim gauge that is located just above the driver’s cupholder that is placed kind of low, yet still visible. Forward of the dash and part of the helm stand is a pump faucet and sink that is hidden nicely in its own compartment and doesn’t take up a lot of room onboard.

For the captain is a tall-back helm chair that slides, swivels, reclines, and manually raises and lowers to help you really dial in the comfort; the good news for the first mate is there is an identical helm chair directly across.

All of the pillow-top furniture is made by Lexington and we especially like the stitching pattern accent that is incorporated into all of the seating. In the bow the moveable armrests convert bench seats into comfy chaise lounges with great storage below. In the stern is a similar layout with two more lounges, both rear-facing and integrated speakers below on the kick panels are part of the six-total speaker system.

Outside the stern is a large swim deck with a stereo remote and a large stainless steel boarding ladder with great handholds at the top. The new style black powder-coated ski/tow bar ties in well with the black exterior rails and is a little taller than previous versions to entice the wakeboarders in your group. If we had to be picky, the supports for the ski/tow bar limit your walk room on the swim deck, but the trade-off is a solid way to take advantage of the horsepower and performance hull by keeping water sport enthusiasts satisfied.

Inspection

Backed by Forest River Marine, you never have to worry about the quality of its boats and this model is no exception. With the 2.75 Performance package you gain a center sport tube, full aluminum underdeck performance skin, lifting strakes on the inside of the 25-inch diameter outer tubes, along with SeaStar hydraulic steering and electric power steering assist.

Up top there is over 20 feet of deck space inside the gates and the rail height is a consistent 28 inches tall for the majority of the perimeter.

Handling

She handles extremely well and with the hydraulic steering is a lot of fun to drive. This ‘toon turns tight, very tight, and easily banks in those sharp turns. At full throttle we nearly reached the 40 mph mark with the Suzuki 200hp four-stroke on the back. This seems to be the right amount of horsepower for this model and we like the power of the Suzuki when combined with this performance hull.

Final Thoughts

Inviting is probably the best word to describe this Trifecta and that has a lot to do with the high-end furniture and the long list of standard features being offered at a solid price point.

Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants 12

Maximum Speed 36.0 mph

Wild Ponies 200 hp

No. of Gates 3

0-20 MPH 6.44 seconds

Ladder Measurement 3’ 7” deep

Why we love this boat…We see a lot of added value on this particular model as tested that includes a surprising amount of standard features that we’re used to seeing as options.

Just being picky…We’d like to see a little more room created for the swim deck layout since the massive ski/tow bar does take up a lot of space.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Deluxe fiberglass console w/ sink, Murphy Graph w/ GPS mapping/water temp./integrated radio, multi-function analog gauges, radius deck w/ integrated deck trim/rub rail/aluminum corner pads, bow reinforcement bumper, exterior “D” rail design, high back helm chairs w/ manually ht. adjusted pedestal and seat slider, Lexington Pillow Top furniture, Woodgrain wheel w/ tilt cable steering, 4 Kicker lighted speakers w/ protective inside covers, LED mahogany oval table w/ ss base, extended stern vinyl platform w/ transom, ss ladder, ss ski/tow, ss cleats/rail braces/cupholders, Surlast 10-foot color-matched Bimini top w/ ss quick release and riser bracket, Surlast color-matched playpen cover w/ “J” clip installation and transducer brackets on port/starboard tubes.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

2.75 Performance Pkg., center sport tube, full aluminum underdeck performance skin, lifting strakes, SeaStar hydraulic steering, brown teak vinyl floor, Sport ski/tow in Black Onyx powder coat, Fast Track Lighting Pkg. (LED underdeck, LED underwater, and LED exterior rail panel lights), “black out” trim pkg., reinforced splash fins, and Saltwater Edition Pkg.