New Owner, '69 Hardtop Express Cruiser, Anybody have info?

[daydrmr999]

Just pick up a 1969 hardtop express cruiser. She's been neglected for the last 12-16 years, sitting in the middle of the desert. Any info that anyone has on this boat would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike Speck

[jakevr]

post a pic

[daydrmr999]

1969 25' trojan hardtop express

http://picasaweb.google.com/daydrmr999/ ... 1068956690

Mike

[62seaskiff]

By the loks of the picture I'd say she's an original Sea Raider. The first fiberglass Trojan hull

[daydrmr999]

Thanks for the reply,

Since I originally posted I have found more info. She is a '69 "hardtop express cruiser". Appears to be an early one with hull ID # 2109-083. She had a 273 inch 195 horsepower chrysler, still has the original motor and velvet drive tranny.

Mike

[gopher]

Will be nice to bring her back up..

At least sitting in the desert, the stringers etc should be nice and dry.
How many hours on the Chrysler?

Enjoy

[randyp]

I agree that the hull and stringers should be in good shape, but from the looks of it you have a heap of work on the topsides. Deck core rot may not be an issue due to either desert storage or the deck is all teak on that year Trojan. Engine and tranny may require rebuild (seals at least) after all those years of non-use, and the desert heat is going to be no friend to rubber seals, gaskets, etc. Take it one project at a time. My suggestion is to start at the bottom and work your way up....bottom, hull, driveshaft, tranny, engine, cockpit, cabin, deck.....and all the goodies along the way that you encounter - electrical, plumbing, etc .....again, most likely compromised by the desert heat. What the hell, it'll keep you occupied and out of trouble!

[willietrojan]

I would gut it and turn it into a center console

[daydrmr999]

Unfortunately, much of the exterior wood was ply and turned to crap, even the teak on the exterior has dried out so much that the larger pieces have split apart. Most of the interior is salvagable. We plan to tear her apart and rebuild using basically the same lines with some minor modifications. She will be rebuilt with epoxy encapsulated marine ply. As for the engine, is has been out of the boat for at least ten years, the only salvagable part is the block and it is the 195 horse 273 so I think we will end up dropping a 305 in her. The original velvet drive looks good from the outside, haven't torn it down yet. Stringers looks good, but the upright supports at the stern with have to be replaced. So far we have torn off the cockpit deck and supporting structure.

Mike

[foofer b]

I would buy a good used fiberglass model. There is enuff work on one in good shape.

[prowlersfish]

Why do boats end up in the middle of the desert ? I have seen this many times .