Page 2 of 3

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 6:26 am
by foofer b
Yeah I am about sure oit is a 78, as it looks almpost identical- even the dask and bulkheads. I have not seen one the same a s mine before.

Image
Image

Image
Image
Image

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 7:53 am
by Commissionpoint
foofer b wrote:Yeah I am about sure oit is a 78, as it looks almpost identical- even the dask and bulkheads. I have not seen one the same a s mine before.
Except for the fact that in March of 1978 when that engine was made the '78 model year had been produced and delivered. Since the engine had to be shipped and later installed at a date after its manufacture, it was almost assuredly installed in a model year 1979 boat. Thats my 2 cents anyhow. Hopefully a HID# is provided and the debate will come to a conclusion. Fun discussion though, its nice to see the knowledge base of this group come together.

Cheers.

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 12:16 pm
by prowlersfish
Not uncommon for a engine to sit a year or 2 before being installed .

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 12:54 pm
by Commissionpoint
prowlersfish wrote:Not uncommon for a engine to sit a year or 2 before being installed .
I agree, but I don't think that was the case in Lancaster 30 or 40 yrs ago. They were pretty much using what they were getting in order to keep up with demand in those days. (2700 F-32's in a 20 yr run, etc...) While its sure possible that block sat around the factory for awhile, I would say that would have been more likely in the late 80's than the late 70's. Only a theory, but its supported by production numbers. :wink:

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 1:05 pm
by ready123
thefunks67 wrote:What a let down.
She said there is no plate on the transom nor could she find any aluminum tag on the interior with the hull number.
Doesn't mean it doesn't exist, she just couldn't locate it.
What are the odds that black canvas is concealing a 25 or 26?
I doubt the canvas is covering it... it is not a tag, just numbers and letters formed into the fiberglass about 3/6 inches away from the right hand side of the transom looking from the rear.... it will either be just below the rubrail or just above the waterline near the swim platform edge (which is where I expect it to be). Look just above the thinner black line above the bottom paint, near where there is a profile change in the starboard side of the boat.

Not easy to see unless you look closely as they are the same colour as the fiberglass... look for a slight dimple in the glass, almost like if you were to press your finger into a putty seam and drag it. :wink:

Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2011 2:00 pm
by Lawman
Look inside your interior closet door or around ac/dc panel, should be an aluminum ID tag with 7 numbers on it. First two will give you the length, the fourth number will be the year and the last three will be the build number for that year.

Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 5:42 am
by Allen Sr
Commissionpoint wrote:
prowlersfish wrote:Not uncommon for a engine to sit a year or 2 before being installed .
I agree, but I don't think that was the case in Lancaster 30 or 40 yrs ago. They were pretty much using what they were getting in order to keep up with demand in those days. (2700 F-32's in a 20 yr run, etc...) While its sure possible that block sat around the factory for awhile, I would say that would have been more likely in the late 80's than the late 70's. Only a theory, but its supported by production numbers. :wink:
If you run my crusader 454's serial numbers thru crusader they come up towards the bottom of the 1983 build list and my F36 was built March 1984. So thats one pair that didn't sit around to long.

Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 8:53 am
by Commissionpoint
Allen Sr wrote:
If you run my crusader 454's serial numbers thru crusader they come up towards the bottom of the 1983 build list and my F36 was built March 1984. So thats one pair that didn't sit around to long.
I'm now interested to see what the date stamps on the Mercs in the '78 boat say.

Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:45 pm
by prowlersfish
Any Luck on the numbers ??

Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2011 1:18 pm
by bthomas70
It is a 1978 F-26. The 79 models used a vinyl graphic on the side for the Trojan name and logo where yours has the metal plate. Your boat has some graphics that were added later. Also 79's did not have the full opening windshield, just the vents at the bottom. From what I've noticed, early model 78's and prior only had three bowrail stanchions on each side and this boat has four. You should find the hull ID number in the lower right corner just above the waterline. They are great boats, hope you enjoy it.

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 6:44 pm
by thefunks67
I am bringing this thread back to life as we have pretty much decided to get the boat water ready and put it back in the water.

Had an independent inspection done on the boat and the motor is not seized and just needs some maintenance work done like oil flushed belts, hoses, carb rebuilt along with the starter. The hull has no cracks in it and no hull deformation due to it sitting on the trailer for years. The rudder was sheared off but we have secured a replacement.

All in all I am excited to see the boat in person after all these years and get her back on the water! It should be here next week and as soon as I get the hull numbers for you guys I will post them.

-Funk

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 8:15 pm
by jefflaw35
Congrats, sounds great !!!! I will look forward to seeing some pics and reading your post. my F-25 tag was in the wiring box under the sterring wheel. Transom tag is molded and im sure its there, Mines under my swim deck. Your boat sure looks like a F-26 to me. Looks fun!!

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 8:39 pm
by thefunks67
Thanks. Just hope we don't end up calling it "Money Pit". :lol:

-Funk

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 8:41 pm
by prowlersfish
There all money pits , Sorry just a fact :shock:

Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 8:58 pm
by jefflaw35
prowlersfish wrote:There all money pits , Sorry just a fact :shock:
+1 ummm dont get your hopes up!!!!