New Purchase? 1976 F32. Helpppppp!

[Steve750]

Hi guys! Im looking at a 1976 trojan F32 which always been on lake ontario. Im kinda new to boating and looking for some advice, maybe some pros and cons for the model. It has the original chrysler motors in it and 900 hours. I will be getting a survey done on it before i buy. Thanks a lot in advance. Steve

[297Elegante]

Surveyor should find any issues. Chryslers or GM motors? Genset? Check for core rot through all decks and structure.

[Steve750]

It has the chrysler motors. No gen set.

[gettaway]

do a few keyword searched , "new, survey, welcome" and you'll find a ton of information regarding Trojan purchases.

Usual stuff...

Soft decks forward and decks especially around deck penetrations like stanchion bases, anchor holder, windlass', dingy racks , etc.

soft and rotted stringers

stinky false keel

Galvanized fuel tanks - get an inspection mirror and remote camera and check underneath, behind and on top of all tanks especially the seams

Exhaust elbows, hoses (age) and transom discharges for leaks

bilge pumps

holding tank?

batteries (age?)

just a few off the top of my head

[Steve750]

Thanks alot! Got a surveyor coming next week! Is that age trojan generally a good boat though?

[Steve750]

And are they chryslers a good dependable engine?

[gettaway]

they are good boats with a comfortable layout, if the boat has had reasonable care over the years and you are aware that it is 37 yeas old and you don't have new boat expectations with it, you get a good survey, you'll love the boat. the Trojan F series have a great timeless and modern sportfisher style that still looks good today. IMHO , Trojan designers nailed it with the hull lines on these boats (33 & 36)bigger ones too, but I don't think there were many built

[Away On Busine$$]

I have a 76 F32 we purchased 2 years ago. Great boat! There are issues.
PM me with your phone number and we can chat. Located at Lagoon City.

[prowlersfish]

And are they chryslers a good dependable engine?

Yes . But if like any engine they where taken care of . Even the best engine in the world cab be a pile of junk if not take care of .

I would have no issue with having chryslers .

[captainmaniac]

do a few keyword searched , "new, survey, welcome" and you'll find a ton of information regarding Trojan purchases.

Usual stuff...

Soft decks forward and decks especially around deck penetrations like stanchion bases, anchor holder, windlass', dingy racks , etc.

soft and rotted stringers

stinky false keel

Galvanized fuel tanks - get an inspection mirror and remote camera and check underneath, behind and on top of all tanks especially the seams

Exhaust elbows, hoses (age) and transom discharges for leaks

bilge pumps

holding tank?

batteries (age?)

just a few off the top of my head

Don't take these comments the wrong way. The F32 is one of the best used boats out there. You might need to worry about some of these things if it is used in salt water, or if it has been abused or neglected, or morons have perpetually reefed on the railings to push or pull the boat into a slip instead of actually handling the boat properly and using the lines or pushing on superstructure... But as long as previous owners have been reasonable in their maintenance and upkeep the value you will get out of an F32 (handling, sea keeping, reliability, accommodations, etc..) will far outweigh any potential issues. Get a survey, and pay attention to what's important in it before you buy, but don't get spooked.

My '79 is still running just fine with original Chrysler 360's (almost 1700 hours), water tank, original fuel tanks, and original recirculating head (the wife hates that!). The only real things I have had to fix or upgrade in the past 14 years I have owned the boat were new gauges (lightning strike), one distributor, one blower, a VHF and antenna, new Depth Sounder (2000's vintage vs late 70's for reliability), strut bearings, and a rudder indicator that just quit last year.

The F32 is a solid boat (unless it has had the crap beaten out of it).

Mine started on Lake Ontario (Niagara River area), the moved up to Lake Simcoe for a few years, until I brought it back down to the western end of Lake Ontario again.

[gettaway]

Capt maniac... That's exactly what I was trying to say, I loved the f32 !

[prowlersfish]

Most those issues Gettaway spoke of are things to look at on ANY boat thats more then a few years old . The F32 is a fine boat , but like any boat how its take care of can make a big difference .