I have the opportunity to upgrade my 72 f-26 to a 77 clean machine w 350ci 270 hp v8's. Is there anything I should know before getting rid of my perfect running f-26 and starting a new
Wallet draining project?
Are these well handling sea vessels ? What is the top speed and cruising speed?
What am I getting into??
Wolf
1977 clean machine upgrade?
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1977 clean machine upgrade?
1971 F-26 w/ 350 Crusader and Paragon PV-31 V-drive.
1968 MFG Westfield w/ Evinrude 50
1968 MFG Westfield w/ Evinrude 50
- prowlersfish
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- Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 6:56 pm
- Location: Lower Chesapeake Bay ,Va
Re: 1977 clean machine upgrade?
I am a big fan of the clean machine . Lots of fishing room Good size cabin . Great view from the flybrige that only a few steps down to the action . I believe mine had a 20 knot cruse @ 3000 don;t remember the top end . Like any Trojan f boat its not a deep V But still it pretty good in the seas kind like what you have but bigger .
Bad points ?you'll bun close to twice the fuel you do now twice the engine problems/maintenance
Things to look out for ? as with and boat this age stringers , bulk heads and decks for soft spots .
IMO the best all around boat Trojan ever made . I miss mine
Bad points ?you'll bun close to twice the fuel you do now twice the engine problems/maintenance
Things to look out for ? as with and boat this age stringers , bulk heads and decks for soft spots .
IMO the best all around boat Trojan ever made . I miss mine

Boating is good for the soul
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat

Re: 1977 clean machine upgrade?
The doctor selling it wants 2500 for it I think it's a
Steal but no more trailering no more cheap (gas) excursions. Etc.
Steal but no more trailering no more cheap (gas) excursions. Etc.
1971 F-26 w/ 350 Crusader and Paragon PV-31 V-drive.
1968 MFG Westfield w/ Evinrude 50
1968 MFG Westfield w/ Evinrude 50
- prowlersfish
- 2025 Gold Support
- Posts: 12723
- Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 6:56 pm
- Location: Lower Chesapeake Bay ,Va
Re: 1977 clean machine upgrade?
That could be a great deal depending on the condtion and work needed . Also factor in slip / haul out costs , Insurance costs ( maybe a must for a slip ). And cost of a survey that would be need for insurance .
Boating is good for the soul
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat

Re: 1977 clean machine upgrade?
Like Prowlersfish said, check the stringers, rear cockpit areas and bow areas around the anchor for soft spots they can be expensive and time consuming projects. If you can do it I say go for it. You can't believe the room in the rear cockpit area. I've had six people sitting comfortably, also a good size cabin. As far as performance, I've gotten around 32 mph WOT and cruise 3200 rpm @22 mph.
1973 F30 Clean Machine
' Goomar '
(Italian for 'my mistress')
"It's only an island if you look at it from the water" -- Chief Brody
' Goomar '
(Italian for 'my mistress')
"It's only an island if you look at it from the water" -- Chief Brody