
custom triton 860 fly (cognac) review
Houseboat · 28 ft (9 m) · Jarnac
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- custom
- Model
- triton 860 fly (cognac)
- Length
- 28 ft (9 m)
- Guests
- 5
- Cabins
- 1
Verdict
A compact flybridge houseboat with a simple, practical layout and strong family-friendly capacity for short river cruises. It is more about easy living and shallow-water access than speed or crisp handling, and its age means condition and maintenance matter a lot.
Pros
- +Sleeps up to 5 in one cabin plus convertible saloon berth
- +Shallow-draft river-houseboat layout suited to canals and inland waters
- +Dual steering positions add flexibility in fair weather and at low speed
- +Simple interior plan is practical for short family trips
Cons
- −Limited performance and not intended for fast cruising
- −Small footprint can feel tight for longer stays
- −Age-related upkeep and refit quality may vary widely
- −Handling is relaxed rather than precise, especially in wind
The Triton 860 Fly is a straightforward 8.6 m-class houseboat designed for inland cruising, with a flybridge-style upper helm and a compact, family-oriented layout. Public listings commonly show one forward cabin, a convertible saloon, one bathroom, and accommodation for up to five guests, which makes the arrangement efficient but not spacious.
On the water, it is built for easy canal and river operation rather than lively speed. The shallow draft and modest engine output typical of this model favor slow, steady cruising and mooring in inland waterways, while the boxy houseboat profile and flybridge can make it more sensitive to wind and require measured handling.
Comfort is adequate for a small family or two couples on short breaks. The single cabin and convertible saloon keep the layout simple, and the dual steering positions are convenient, but interior volume is limited compared with newer or larger houseboats. As a used 1995 model, overall value depends heavily on condition, refit history, and maintenance, since older charter houseboats can vary significantly from one example to another.
