Thinking of Buying a 73 Tri-Cabin

Bob Giaier · Post by **Bob Giaier** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 12:57 pm

I am planning to make an offer on a 73 Tri-Cabin. It hasn't been in the water for 12 years. I've been looking it over and do plan to have it surveyed primarily in regard to the hull. I've gone thru all the postings on the Tri Cabin Keel & Hull concerning problems. Is there anything I can look for in regard to the hull stringers etc... After reading postings I will look at the rear bulkhead, but what about the keel?? In a few small spots along the keel there is a black tar looking mat'l ozzing out. Anyone know what that is? Is there a wooden keel on this boat? Is there a way to check for a rotten keel? The boat has no mold smell (I guess after 12 years you'd expect it to be dry), but I'm worried about that hollow sub- bilge I see postings on.

Thank you in advance for your responses. I really appreciate how you guys willingly discuss the good and the bad.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:11 pm

No wood in the keel "black tar looking mat'l ozzing out" strange .is the boat full of rain water ?

Bob Giaier · Post by **Bob Giaier** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 4:09 pm

No Wood, that's great! But then what is the keel made out of (It looks like wood wrapped in fiber glass). There's also no water in the bilge or anywhere I can see.

Actually as you can see I'm a newbee to the forum. I've been reading the postings for weeks after looking at this particular Tri-Cabin. I love the size of the boat's interior and the fact that you can really change it to suit your particular style. That's not possible with newer boats. Years ago I brought a 28ft wooden Owens back from the grave, so I think I can handle this beauty if the structure is relatvely sound. That's why I ask about the Keel, since in some of the postings it's said that it is solid and others say it is hollow. My surveyor that will be looking at it is said to be very good, but is not overly familiar with the Tri-Cabin Trojan, so I thought any additional info would be helpful.

My wife says I'm too careful and to just buy it. I guess I like to cover my bases. So again, I thank you all for the info on this forum and I do look forward to owning the Tri-Cabin as well as any input you guys can provide specifically on the keel.