Trojan Boat Forum

I put an offer to purchase an 1975 F25 last weekend, getting a survey (it had a 6 year old survey that looked good but I wanted a fresh perspective) and going to do a water test tomorrow.

She seems well cared for, interior is in great shape, new fridge, new holding tank, recent rebuild (waiting for reciepts on what was done), canvas looks great, new carpeting, hull looks great for it's age.

Any last minute advice before I jump in to the Trojan pool....

Sounds like a winner! Check over the survey carefully, and if it's not on there, as the surveyor to check the conditions of the stringers and deck. Both are prone to water intrusion and rot over time, as you may have seen from previous, and continuous posts on the forum. Neither are deal-killers but they will require attention soon. Check the interior wood trim on either side of the cabin windows for water marks running down them - another leakage area. Again, can be fixed. Condition of the engine and transmission is of obvious importance - are there records of maintenance available? Electrical wiring and condition - check out for household wiring, electrical tape instead of waterproof connections, etc. Bilge condition? The ever-present "invisible bilge" under the bilge floor collects water and can stink. This can be accessed by opening up the area with a saw. Bilge pump condition and location? Should be one in the main cabin bilge and another emergency set up either in the hanging locker (closet). Go into this with your eyes open. If you like the boat and want the boat, and there are no insane condition issues (like totally rotted stringers, funky engine and/or transmission, etc) then take the plunge, check out the forum on a regular basis and say goodbye to what used to be your leisure time....only kidding. The time spent on a boat or fixing a boat go to your credit when you get to the Pearly Gates!

is it ready to run? Price?

Did you consider the FREE F26 in Amityville, NY ? All it needs is a small block ...

Otherwise, go do it !

Randy pretty much hit all the things you need to look for. I'd also check the foredeck for softness, not a deal breaker but something else you should look for too. Let us know how you make out

just curious, what does a professional survey cost,

I paid around $300 when I decided to do the repower job back in 2002. It was very detailed, even recorded makes and models of all my appliances, checked the stringers, deck and hull for moisture/rot. Only issue that he recommended I take care of was to install gfi outlets for my shore power. It was a whole package, including photos. Insurance Co. loved it!

Update- I met the surveyor and he did a very thorough job of sounding the hull, measuring moisture levels and inspecting all the systems. I was impressed.

The stringers were rock solid, the bilges spotless, all systems upgraded or maintained to very high standards. The canvas was in excellent shape.... good news all around.

Then we got to the deck and things took a turn south....

Moisture in the foredeck, the side decks and the cabin roof.

I have retracted my offer to purchase at this point and am weighing my options....

It cost to have the survey done- but it was worth it in educational value and in the possibility of making a purchase without knowing the hidden details.

Free advice anyone....

Boaterguy wrote:Update- Then we got to the deck and things took a turn south....
Moisture in the foredeck, the side decks and the cabin roof.
I have retracted my offer to purchase at this point and am weighing my options....

Hopefully those options are to move on to another Trojan. That amount of deck work can be quite expensive.

Boaterguy wrote:Update- I met the surveyor and he did a very thorough job of sounding the hull, measuring moisture levels and inspecting all the systems. I was impressed.

The stringers were rock solid, the bilges spotless, all systems upgraded or maintained to very high standards. The canvas was in excellent shape.... good news all around.

Then we got to the deck and things took a turn south....

Moisture in the foredeck, the side decks and the cabin roof.

I have retracted my offer to purchase at this point and am weighing my options....

It cost to have the survey done- but it was worth it in educational value and in the possibility of making a purchase without knowing the hidden details.

Free advice anyone....

Iam selling my F-32 if your interested its on Craigslist

PLEASE CHANGE YOUR NAME ! ALSO BOATS FOR SALE GO ELSEWHERE