seeking expertise- considering Trojan

[Boaterguy]

Wannabe Questions
Just sold my boat- in the market- and seriously considering a Trojan (25 or 26).

If you could advise me on what to look for as I search for a new boat.
I would appreciate any advice.

I would obviously get a survey, but would like to know if there are any issues that I should be aware of before I even take that step.

I am hoping to get a boat with a trailer, for moving it to a storage location. What type of vehicle would be necessary for towing a boat in this size range.

Does this forum have a photo gallery, or a listing of the various models that Trojan buil?
Thanks

[mr elevman]

whare are you located

[expresso]

Boterguy

I am in the process of selling my 8.6 meter 1988 trojan. If interested send me an email at rcoluzzi@rjcdesigns.com and we can go over details and I could send you a few pics. Looking for a biger trojan..in the 11 meter range.

Good Luck
Expresso
________
Medical Marijuana Seeds

[chucka]

Here is a link to a bunch or literature:
http://www.trojanboats.net/TB%20Catalogs.htm
The scans aren't the best quality, but they will give you something to look at.

I've owned a '75 F26 for four seasons now. Just about everything mechanical or electrical has been rebuilt or replaced. You can be tempted to get started with an old boat that needs a lot of work because the price is cheap, but it takes a lot of time and money to get them into shape. I would say look for a boat that is in as good a shape as you can afford, and you will probably make out better in the long run.

Common problems include;
forward deck balsa core soft spots. fixable with time and effort or money.
stringers rotted. fixable with a lot of time, effort and even more money
cockpit deck/cabin bulkhead rotted. fixable with reasonable time & effort

On any boat from the late 70's back, take a close look at the fuel tank for corrosion - don't even consider deferring replacement of a porous fuel tank. It is a large bomb waiting to explode.

Look for fresh water cooled engines if you boat on salt water.
Check the compression.

If you go back to this thread,
http://www.trojanboats.net/wforum/viewt ... hlight=vhf
you will find a list of my first two years worth of projects. which will give you an idea of what you can be getting into.

My most recent project was adding a hard top. Photos are here:
http://www.trojanboats.net/wforum/viewt ... ht=hardtop

As for hauling: I live 2 miles from the launch ramp. I keep her in my yard over the winter. I pay a professional hauler $9/ft = $234 in the spring and fall for launching and hauling. I drive an Expedition, but I wouldn't use it to haul the boat. You need a big trailer and a sturdy truck to haul a boat that size with confidence. As a benefit, painting the bottom is much easier when the boat is on blocks and jack-stands than on a trailer. At this rate, I can pay for hauling for 50 years before I spend $25K, which wouldn't come close to buying a truck and trailer to haul my boat.

Let me know if you are in New England, I'm thinking of switching back over to sail. Let me know if you like the photos, I would consider letting her go for a fair price.

Good Luck,
Chuck

[MattSC]

Chuck pretty much hit on everything. I also have a 75 F-26. It's been a great boat for me, but I've pretty much experienced all the same problems as chuck. They weren't anything that couldn't be repaired with time or money. I'd definitely get a survey, you'll need it for insurance anyway. As for towing, I wouldn't even consider it. If you have any specific questions about the boat don't hesitate to ask, I've had mine for 15yrs and pretty much have had my hands on every corner of the boat.
good luck,
Matt

[foofer b]

I heartily recommend looking into a f26 hardtop. I wanted a sizable "cabin" cruiser that I could tow to various dive, cruise and fish locales and my f26 is perfect. As to towing, my v8 chevy 1500 (1/2 ton) pulled it but not well. It only had the 4.6 liter engine and higher gear ratio tho. Weight wise it was kinda like the tail wagging the dog, so I traded up to a Chevy 2500 hd 3/4 ton crew cab with 6 liter engine. It hauls the boat authoritatively, pulls up hills and ramps well and with the 4x4 option it handles sandy, slippery, or steep ramps well also. I just hauled it from Jacksonville to Pensacola FL at 70-75mph and still got 10 mpg- the same as around town hauling my work trailer!! Spent the whole week overnighting at my dad's dock on the bayou. Had a blast diving and fishing in the Gulf.
As one reply mentioned, get as nice a condition one as you can afford. Major repairs can be an exorbitantly costly nightmare. Mine came with all the systems recently replaced or rebuilt. After looking at what you get for 4-5k I decided I wanted a 8-10k example! and found a creampuff for $8500. Will try to attach pics. Roy at royslawnservice1@bellsouth.net

[randyp]

Yep...what all those guys just said. Owned this 77 F-26 HT since 1999 and knew the original owners before purchasing. Great cruiser for a couple and plenty of room for guests for a day trip. We just completed a 5-week 492 mile trip on the NYS canals (Erie, Cayuga Seneca, etc) and never once had a problem being overcrowded. Get a survey before you buy. Everything that needs fixing can be fixed with enough time and money.