Trojan Boat Forum

NEVER GIVE UP D SHIP

I have been down your road bigralph. I love the challenge of a project. your boat does not sound that bad, or atleast next to my old F-32. Mine had most of the problems you speak of, but added to that was the fact that the balsa core was wet everywhere on the boat. Mine had been completely neglected for decades let alone years. I finally looked at it and said time to go.

I have another project boat, a Silverton 34C. And I am going through the same pains as you.

Everyone else has said it already, so Ill be beating a dead horse here, but just get her ready for the water and enjoy it and tinker on the other stuff.

Thats exactly what my plan is with my 34C

Good luck my friend!!!

Tom

I don't exactly know the ans. But I can tell you this ,,,,You guys will be the first to get the ebay listing !

If someone witnessed a majestic vessell, moving rapildy on an acient river, past a forgotten and neglected pyramid yesterday as Ra communed with Horus - well they saw a major accomplishment: Invictus was on a plane on the mighty Mississippi near the great black pyramid someday soon to be a bass pro shop.

It wasn't a pretty plane. It wasn't an efficient plane. It wasn't the plane I want it to be, but dammit, she was on a plane. Oh and she didn't blow up or sink or heel too badly :\

She needs work, no doubt, but I was happier with her yesterday than I've been in a year. I'll post the work in gas smell link. Bottom line, I felt like she gave me a little yesterday and it was a long time coming.

Glad to hear that

The only answer to your question is, NEVER. Unless you want to be like many who are faced with storage bills on a boat they gave up on. I truly believe that all buyers need a very honest and sincere surveyor willing to perform a through and objective survey. In addition, a Marine Technician should be hired to inspect all mechanicals. This should be a comprehensive inspection and should involve engine compression tests, fluid anaylsis, electrical (A/C and D/C), plumbing, etc,etc. Most importantly, you MUST be there during this procedure. As a result you will get a full understanding of what you are dealing with. Never accept the sellers survey, for obvious reasons. It will cost you money and some time and can be disappointing when you have to say no to the purchase as a result of the process, but I can guarantee there are those reading this wishing they had gone this route! knowledge is the answer. BEFORE venturing into a boat restoration, you need to know what is involved. Talk to people who have been there. I am on my 10th boat restoration, fiberglass and wood, and can tell you I have learned from every one of them. Boats from salt water and/or that have been layed up on the hard for months or years pose the greatest risk of being money pits. Having said all of that, it is not unusual to feel defeated at some point during the process. Seeing another beautiful restoration is a great way to get into a better frame of mind with your own project. Good luck and keep asking questions.