Considering Purchase of 1978 F26 Hard Top

[Norseman]

Hello Trojan owners. I'm considering the purchase of a 1978 F-26 Hardtop. It's located Ontario Canada used in freshwater lakes.

http://s1061.photobucket.com/albums/t47 ... 48_201.jpg


I'm looking for advice on what to look for and any known issues with this model year. Looks like galvanized fuel tanks, water tank leaks, window leaks and deck core rot may be issues? If there's a thread or website someone can point me to that describes the boat's construction it would be greatly appreciated. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated.

I'm relatively new to boating. I've owned a 1987 24' Sea Ray Sorrento Cuddy cabin for the past 3 years.

Thank you!

Bob

[k9th]

Welcome aboard. We have several here that own or have owned that same boat, and I'm sure they will be along shortly to answer your questions.

[jefflaw35]

welcome aboard. You are about to be flooded with knowledge!!!

[jefflaw35]

wow nice 26!!!

[prowlersfish]

Some F26 owner should chime in , This is about the only site with Trojan info around .

Welcome

[32pacemaker]

welcome to the Trojan web , the f 26 is a great boat, good over all handling, and desent speed with modest power. the problems are fixable with modern marine sealers. the side windows leak around where the frame contacts the fiberglass just remove the frames clean and reseal same with the front windows i through the stock front frames away and cut larger plexiglass windows and sealed them to the fiberglass use about .060 to .080 spacer so the silicone can exspand and contract.

[aaronbocknek]

wow, she's pretty. can't wait to see more pics of her. welcome to the site.
this is the best place for knowledge you could find. fasten your seatbelt, and
enjoy the ride. and like another poster said, all things are fixable. you should be in great shape.
aaron

[MattSC]

Welcome Bob!
That's a nice looking boat! The F-26 is a really good boat, it's big for its size. As for the boats construction, the hull is solid fiberglass and the decks are fiberglass cored with balsa. I'm assuming the hardtop is cored with balsa as well, mine isn't a hardtop. Most were either powered with a LM318 chrysler 225hp, or a 233hp Mercruiser. It should cruise between 15-17kts and top out at around 25. The deck core is a common thing, and can be repaired. I had to do the same repair that 32 pacemaker did with the side windows, not hard to do at all. As for the front windows, if you search the forum, there was instructions on how to repair the front windows. If you have any specific concerns or questions don't hesitate to ask, I think we've all been there at one time or another. Best of luck,
Matt

[Norseman]

Thanks for all of the advice and information. About the balsa deck core issue what's involved here? Is it something I can do myself? Is it easy to inspect prior to purchasing the boat? Pictures would be nice

Another question is the orignal fuel tank? Any leak issues?

Thanks

Bob

[The Dog House]

I have a 1971 F26 with the original fuel tanks. No problems yet.