Newbie looking for some basic advice

This forum is for comments and the exchange of information relating to Trojan Boats and boating. Please do not post used parts or boats For Sale in this area. For general, non-boating topics please use our "General Discussions" section.

Note: Negative or inflammatory postings will not be tolerated.

Moderators: BeaconMarineBob, Moderator, BeaconMarineDon

Post Reply
JeremyinSF
Registered user
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Jul 25, 2017 9:04 pm

Newbie looking for some basic advice

Post by JeremyinSF »

OK, so here's my situation. I've never owned a boat before. Other than an assortment of dive boats, I've never really been ON a boat -- didn't grow up around them -- know not very much about them. I've taken five days of classes on powerboating through Club Nautique, so I know the very very basics re navigation, operations, etc. Also not terribly mechanically inclined. Great start, right?

Anyway, from this auspicious beginning comes this -- I want a boat. I'm in the San Francisco Bay area, starting to get near retirement age, know that my future wherever it is will include a boat, so want to start learning firsthand. I'm taking a look at this beauty this weekend --

https://www.popyachts.com/express-cruis ... d=1&pid=68

A 1961 Trojan Sea Breeze 3400 Express with twin 275 hp 390 Interceptors. It's gorgeous -- well within my price range -- looks to be in great condition for a 56-year-old boat. Couple problems -- I feel immensely underequipped to assess this boat as a gem or a lemon -- also, I lack the knowledge to know what to look for -- if there are failings common to this boat -- etc.

Would anybody like to step up and just let me know a couple of questions I should be asking of the owner -- things to look out for in an inspection -- etc., etc. This is really terra incognita for me and while I've got a little bit of stupid money to throw around (I also own a 1989 BMW 635CSI, so I know about problematic older cars), it's not a bottomless supply and I don't want to sign up for three years of insane expense only to sell it for half what I paid.

All thoughts very much appreciated --

Jeremy
User avatar
AlphaJustin
Registered user
Posts: 78
Joined: Thu Jun 22, 2017 11:26 am
Location: Syracuse, NY

Re: Newbie looking for some basic advice

Post by AlphaJustin »

14k is a lot of money to throw away when you don't know what you are looking at I would just spend the extra money and have a full survey done. When you make your offer you say it's contingent on a satisfactory survey and the seller almost always agrees to let you have it done if they don't they are hiding something. That said, it does look like a very nice boat.
1972 Trojan F-25 with no TRJ number and a 4 barrel
todd brinkerhoff
Moderate User
Posts: 696
Joined: Sun Aug 15, 2010 11:56 am
Location: Finger Lakes, NY

Re: Newbie looking for some basic advice

Post by todd brinkerhoff »

In my humble opinion, your first boat and boat owning experience shouldn't be a 50 year old wooden boat. The learning curve to maintain the boats is so steep, and the costs associated, you'll be frustrated before you get started.

I always tell people to start with a smaller, fiberglass boat in good condition. Or, rent a boat for a season to see if you really enjoy it and have the time.

Many people get into boating with no idea of the money and time it takes to maintain a boat. They will then sell the boat for a loss and tell everyone that owning a boat is a horrible idea.
1991 Trojan International 10.8 Meter Express hull# 003 - 454 Crusaders
1961 Century Raven 22 - Gray Marine 327

Image
http://s1086.photobucket.com/home/Todd_ ... hoff/index
Post Reply