1978 30' Trojan Express

JimK · Post by **JimK** » Thu Aug 25, 2011 9:19 am

I am new to the forum and would appreciate feedback on a boat that I am considering. The boat is a 1978 Trojan 30' Express.

For it's age, the boat is in nice shape (newer engines, new Marine AC unit, new 110V fridge, hull painted April 2011, new upholstery and canvas).

Areas of concern:

- Some spidering on deck edges and forward flat deck surfaces. Is this a
reason to walk away from considering this boat?
- Port engine does not appear to have a neutral position. When you move
the shifter to neutral the transmission remains or goes to forward. I
am new to direct drives. This boat has the "Velvet Drive" transmission.
Is this a commonly encountered issue?
- Exhaust fumes in cockpit area. I found a small leak in the port side
muffler. It needs addressed but seemed too small to create the fumes
that I could smell. I could only smell the fumes while we were backed
into the dock. The exhaust ports are above the waterline. I could not
smell the fumes while we were away from the dock. Could it have been
from being backed against the dock?
- Upper forward deck area is soft. I suspect the majority of it needs to
be replaced.

The boat is priced at $10,500 which is close to NADA pricing for the boat. I do not have experience with these issues and would appreciate feedback form the forum of the feasibility of repairing these items from a cost perspective on a boat of this type and vintage. My concern is that I will wind up investing to a point that I will never be able to recover my costs if I sold the boat in the future. I am considering a survey but am having a little trouble justifying the cost given the price of the boat.

Thanks,
Jim

Lawman · Post by **Lawman** » Thu Aug 25, 2011 10:39 am

Jim, your areas of concern are not large except the soft deck. Very large job to replace/repair, depending how soft. The price seems a little steep. When you say "newer engines" how new. It sounds like he's trying to recoupe the $$ from them, if they are new. Also check the stringers they prone to rot because they are made from wood. A survey would be a good place to start.

JimK · Post by **JimK** » Thu Aug 25, 2011 10:57 am

Lawman,
Port side engine is about a year old with 100 hours. Stern side is about five years old with 400 hours.

You mentioned the price sounds high. In your experience is $7-8K more in line with what this boat should bring?

Thanks,
Jim

Lawman · Post by **Lawman** » Thu Aug 25, 2011 1:34 pm

I don't know if I would pay more than 6k for something that might need a deck ripped up and replaced, if it's just soft and you can live with it, keep it dry and just run it, it might be worth it. The shifter might be something as easy as replacing the cable, it might be just binding up. Most of us here are in it for the "long haul" so if you spend big money on it after purchase than I doubt you're gonna make anything on it down the road. Are the motors fresh water cooled, if so thats definately better than salt water running through your engines. You might want to hire a professional to survey the boat and make sure you're not buying a money pit. This is just my personal opinion.

JimK · Post by **JimK** » Thu Aug 25, 2011 7:17 pm

I am in it for the long haul but I'm not sure that this will be my long term boat. I am very interested in getting a late seventies 36' Tri-Cabin. I looked into getting one now but was not sure that I could handle jumping to a boat that size. I see the 30 ' Express as an intermediate step to learning how to handle a larger twin engine boat. I'd appreciate your thoughts on my strategy.

Regarding the cooling, the engines in the Express that I am looking at are raw water cooled. This is a life long fresh water river boat so salt water to worry about.

Thanks,
Jim

Lawman · Post by **Lawman** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 8:48 am

I would definately not go right to a 36'. A 30 is a great one man boat to learn on, unless you're an experienced boater a 36' would take two men to dock. If you're willing to put the money in it, and keep it for a while than go for it. These boats are work horses, thats why there're still around. I still would have a professional check her out first.

jddens · Post by **jddens** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 10:36 am

The F30 is a nice boat.....unless you are an expert yourself, I would spend the money for a survey, it could save you from major headaches.......it's very easy to put $1000's into a boat this size............good luck......John

Rnd · Post by **Rnd** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 10:55 am

IMHO, If your goal is a 36ft boat go for it now. Don't waste your time and money on a boat you really don't want. My very first boat was a 32ft express with twins. ( never operated a boat before that) I used that for 3 years and bought an 11 meter (37.5ft.) The 11 meter is acually easier to dock and handle than the 32 was. Life is too short for two footitis. Either way do a survey. I also think that asking price is out of line for a 33 year old PROJECT.
Good luck in your endevor.

JimK · Post by **JimK** » Sat Aug 27, 2011 10:04 am

Thank you all for the helpful replies. I will let you all know what I decide to do moving forward. Hopefully I will be posting pics of my boat soon.

Thanks again,
Jim

ready123 · Post by **ready123** » Sat Aug 27, 2011 10:31 am

JimK wrote:I am in it for the long haul but I'm not sure that this will be my long term boat. I am very interested in getting a late seventies 36' Tri-Cabin. I looked into getting one now but was not sure that I could handle jumping to a boat that size. I see the 30 ' Express as an intermediate step to learning how to handle a larger twin engine boat.

There is no need to have intermediate steps in a boat. In fact larger boats are easier to handle as they are more responsive and react to external forces less than a smaller boat.

I think what you need to think about is what kind of boating you want to do.... as the style of boating on a Tri-cabin is quite different to the Express!
How do you see yourself spending time on the boat?
How many people will you have aboard most of the time?
Will separate areas for people to congregate in be an advantage?

If it were me I would go straight to the 36' boat......
My 43' boat handles much better than the 32' one.... of course it is also slower but that opens up a whole new dimension of comfort and space

jhalb · Post by **jhalb** » Sat Aug 27, 2011 10:43 am

I agree with the above. I get around a lot easier with my 10 meter than I did with my 27 foot regal. I think you will be ahead in time and money getting what you want now.

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Sat Aug 27, 2011 11:27 am

get the one you want...I went from a 21'OB cuddy to a 36' loa 42' twin IB and the bigger one handles much better..different but better..