Am I crazy (or, "Hooked on a Trojan")

[dietwrite]

(My husband usually posts, but it's me this time.)
We bought our 30-year-old Trojan 25 Express 3 months ago for a fantastic price due to the lagging economy and high gas prices. Since then, I've completely fallen in love with it, while my husband has been left to deal with all the repairs and un-fun stuff.

Well, who would have dreamed that yet another crazily low priced boat would pop up on the market? The "other boat" (as I'll refer to it) is a Maxum, and only 15 years old. Priced at 1/3 of its value. Newer, shiny, spiffy, clean, yada yada. History checks out and everything. But when we looked at it, I just didn't feel enthused. I mean, it wasn't styled like a Trojan. Sure it was more modern, but it seemed darker and cramped in the cabin, and I missed all the teak effects of our Trojan. The Maxum just looked like a big run-about with a cabin stuck on...but our Trojan looks like a REAL boat.

So am I nuts for talking my husband out of "the other" boat? I just couldn't imagine parting with the Trojan. But it seems more logical to go for a much newer, much cleaner one. Admittedly, the "other boat" does seem much more mechanically sound.

So come on Trojan lovers....what's your opinion? Convince me I'm making the right choice by opting to stick with our Trojan. (Owning both is NOT an option.)

Oh, my hubby is looking over my shoulder and wants me to add:
The Maxum is great because it has a 454 Mercruiser Bravo outdrive, completely dry bildge, 720 hrs on entire boat, only 200 hours on engine, no odors or obvious problems other than wear of 15 years. He admits it's not a "historic direct drive inboard" and that the Trojan does have a neat old-style appeal. He really appreciates the classic look of the Trojan...but thinks it may not be worth the work and frustration. (He said he does heat and air work all week long and joking told me he doesn't have to prove his mechanical skills by working on a boat all weekend!) (He says winterizing and tune ups are okay, but he's not exactly into removing engines with boom trucks. Yes, he is snickering behind me.) )

Please feel free to jump in any time and act as amateur marriage counselors regarding this perplexing situation!

PS-Husband does admit that Trojan boat forum is MUCH better than the Maxum boat forum!

[prowlersfish]

First it sounds like you Husband is a lucky man . The other boat is just another boat . the Trojan is a clasic . With that said what boat fits your needs better ? What boat makes you feel happier ? only you can make the choice .


what boat has the best owners ? I would like to say trojan but I may not be a fair judge.


As to what boat would I chose ? well there a Trojan in my slip need i say more.

[dietwrite]

Haha--I told him he was lucky...I'm only 37 years old...9 years younger than him... and I appeciate an old boat!

[chumwithabottleofrum]

The other boat is not nearly as well built as your Trojan. While it may be newer with fewer hours once the maintenance issues start to rear their ugly head they will be constant. The other issue is where and how you use the boat-if you are on a large lake, or one of the great lakes you will be much happier with the Trojan and how it handles big water. I've owned an ob, io and ib (now with my trojan). I like the ib much better than the io. Also-on the Maxum-make sure that there are not any osmotic blistering of the gelcoat.

[Rich Schwochow]

You two are in very good company with your love of the Trojan brand. You will never find another brand built with the classic lines of our boats If Trojan would have had a better money position, and Carver would not have destroyed all the "F" series molds, you would probably be looking at a new Trojan and not a maxim. That is why you still see 40 year old Trojans on the waterways today. There won't be many Maxims of that age in 40 years, I'm guessing. Good luck on your decision. And remember as I always say, (practice safe boating, always use a Trojan) Rich

[LSP]

Here's what 30 years can look like after a little work. How can this even be compared to a spruced up Bayliner. But do what best fits your needs...just my $.02

http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=116819

[LandVF36]

Dietwrite's hubby... Sorry buddy, be realistic, like all decisions in life, its ultimately her decision. Besides, the only boat I have ever owned that was not also my hobby, cost way to much and still had a warranty

We've started scaling back on our fleet. We're down to 5 now. Every so often I ask my first mate (she lets me be capt'n) and according to her, our Trojan will be the last to go.

[JuiceClark]

Maxim? <blech!> That's like trading one of those 80s vintage Mercedes convertibles for a newer model Chevy Cavalier. Of course, unlike the Benz your Trojan will never wear-out if properly maintained. A classic will always be a classic.

We've (nearly) sold our F-36 a few times now and everytime the buyer gets to haggling we're more than happy to tell him to go jump in the river. When we pull up to a waterside restaurant, the landlubbers tend to notice shiney boats but the ol' salts always like to take a look at our classic Trojan. You just can't put a price on what makes you cool.

Tony

[randyp]

Dietwrite, Dietwrite, Dietwrite......when will you youngsters ever learn.....

There is NO comparison between that Trojan and the Maxum. If the engine is the stock Chrysler 318 it's bullet-proof, even if it's carbuerated instead of fuel-injected. Easier to service. The hull is SOLID fiberglas and will last forever. The decks will need some care over time since the balsa may get soft in spots....but this forum has some great information for those who have "been there, done that".

This summer we took the Blue Heron on 400 plus mile round trip of the Erie Canal, living on board for 5 weeks. We had plenty of room, all the creature comforts of a much larger boat, and had no major problems except for a faulty ignition switch.

These "old" boats were built by the best. The carpentry on the interior is world-class quality, using mahogany and teak. Sure some things need to be upgraded, and of course, there will be some repairs and maintenance along the way, but that's necessary on ANY boat, and also part of the joy of owning a classic. My guess is that the long-term repairs and maintenance of the Trojan will be far less than the Maxum.

The fiinal decision is yours, but if you sell that 25 Express you know there will be a group here at the Forum who will be interested in it! Now that's "brand loyalty"!

[JuiceClark]

[quote="randyp"]
These "old" boats were built by the best. The carpentry on the interior is world-class quality, using mahogany and teak. Sure some things need to be upgraded, and of course, there will be some repairs and maintenance along the way, but that's necessary on ANY boat, and also part of the joy of owning a classic. My guess is that the long-term repairs and maintenance of the Trojan will be far less than the Maxum.

The fiinal decision is yours, but if you sell that 25 Express you know there will be a group here at the Forum who will be interested in it! Now that's "brand loyalty"![/quote]

That's a damned good post. I would just like to add that you CAN get the finest craftsmen to build a solid glass hull today. (I started a company that does just that) But it will cost you over a million bucks for a 46 footer.
http://www.britestaryachts.com

TC

[ltbrett]

You are comparing two old boats. The Maxim is still an old boat. At 15 years, many wear items may be at the end of their service lives. I think you need to dig a little deeper into which boat will hold up better during the period you plan to own it. It may well be the Maxim, but then again, the Trojan hull is bulletproof and the Maxim's in not. Do a detailed analysis of enignes, auxiliary systems, and hulls.

Brett

[Peter]

There is something comforting about teak and mahogany and a bulletproof hull around you. You can't get that traditional feel from plastic, chrome, and cherrywood veneer. Part of the pleasure of owning a classic is the good handling, the quality construction,and in my view the pleasure in maintaining it [I don't get my hands dirty at work, [I wear latex gloves ] I have to play to do that]. In the end, I suppose it all comes down to what you want, every boat is a compromise of some type, but here is a word of advice to your husband. "If Mama ain't happy, nobody happy".

[rick1954]

Wait a minute here, are you saying there are boats made other than a Trojan you got to be kidding

[rossjo]

We (My wife, Dog and I) are bad people to ask this question of.

We have 5 boats ... but each has its own purpose (or we just fell in live with it).

The weather in SC lets us spend a LOT of time boating, and we love to fish.

We have a 1974 F32 with twin Cummins diesels. Its a great boat, and we love to take friends out or do weekend trips. We'll only sell it to move to an F36 or larger (if we could turn it in out turning basin to get it to our dock).

We also have a mid 80s' Chaparral Express fisherman, that I have restored 100% (deck off, replaced every bolt, 6 coats of primer & Awlgrip, new wiring and new 454 Engine and Bravo drive). It is similar to your Maxum, and my wife's favorite boat, since its smaller and more manueverable. We fish it offshore since its also economical (3mpg).

For fishing, and our business, we have a 2000 Sea Pro 180cc Center Console with 200 Yamaha. Its great to run to fishing holes, ski, wakeboard, etc. and runs 67mph, so its FUN!

I bought my wife a 14' McKee skiif (with steering) for Valentines day (romantic, huh?), and we use it most of all now for fishing around the harbor. This is our dog's favorite boat, since she is captain on it.

We just let go of a 17' Montauk that we had all summer (too many boats), have a 17 canoe on the dock and stiill theoretically own a 26' O'Day sailboat (but it has been missing for several years)

I wouldn't recommend owning that many boats, but it CAN happen - and there are different situations where they're nice.

In then end, given the choices, the questions to ask are:
1) Do you trailer or leave the boat in the water? The Bravo needs to come out of the water. leave it in and its toast and can sink the boat when the bellows fail.
2) Do you like classic boats, or do you aspire to the SeaRay crowd?
3) Do you feel the need for speed?
4) Do you entertain by skiing? or cruising and visiting with friends?
5) DO yo want a classic or not?

The answers to the questions will tell you what to do if you can only own one boat!

Good luck ... and keep your Trojan .

[wowzer52]

I also thought newer was better until I got my Trojan. This Trojan is a much better boat than my last Searay. I put so much money into that Searay before I trusted it, it made my bank account hurt. My Trojan is easier and more fun to work on which gives more pride in small accomplishments and there is nothing on the Trojan that can't be fixed. Plus it will always be a desirable classic. My wife really connected with the Trojan when she was able to decorate the way she wanted. On the Searay that could not happen. Like Peter said, If Mama aint happy, aint no one happy.