11 Meter Express... opinions?

rpdwyer · Post by **rpdwyer** » Fri Oct 01, 2010 11:20 pm

Hello.
I'm looking at either a '88 or an '89 11 Meter Express and I am looking to hear from others owning this same model about what they like and dislike about theirs.

I hear a lot of 10 Meter owners indicating they like their ride... but never hear from 11 meter owners. Are 11 meter's scarce? Any well known problems regarding this make and year?

Finally, the boats I've seen have the crusader 454's in them... and I hear a lot of people saying they are underpowered. Well since I don't have the money to repower with diesels, I guess it's a moot point, but wanted to hear what others say about the 454's.

Thanks,
--Rick

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 6:01 am

Well designed and engineered

lots of room in the engine room.

As with the 10 meter, the factory interior "decor" is dated, however the boats hard design and styling features are not.

As in the 10 Meter, 454 Crusaders were the choice in the day.

Marine propulsion options have come a long way in three decades.

I have been told that all Internationals larger than the 10 meter were built with a balsa cored hull. This is a fine design feature and has proven to be a quality build, however poorly installed thru hulls or an encounter with rocks can do tremendous damage, therefore a solid survey is necessary.

While the obvious difference between the 10 and 11 meter is only about 3 - 4 feet (33 to a 37) the total mass and displacement is far greater.

The 11 has a wider beam, allowing for a tremendous amount of usable space, far more than the additional length provides.

The 454 is a solid powerplant. Properly maintained and with good compression, correct props and a clean bottom, the boat will perform as it was designed.

However, overload the boat with too much gear, equipment and passengers, along with a full load of fuel and water, you might see a difference.

Before doing my repower, I considered trading up to an 11 meter. That boat with 370 diesels would be one very sweet ride.

The amenities over the 10 meter are space and convenience. A nice, large SUB ZERO fridge/freezer, lots of galley space, lots of counter space, lots of storage space throughout the boat including a very nice closet, a first class forward berth, great layout for a shared head, easy access to the electrical panel conveniently located above the dinette, lots of cockpit space.

From what I've been told, you can expect performance in the range of .6 nmpg @ crusing speeds.

You really need to talk with 11 meter owners for the full performance data.

Do some research and read the magazine reviews of this vessel. She was quite impressive.

These vessels represent a TREMENDOUS VALUE. This is a WHOLE LOTTA WELL DESIGNED AND BUILT BOAT for the market cost.

I would be looking at a diesel. 671's were the J&T Factory engines when the diesel option was chosen. Bulletproof and easy to maintain.

Here's one in Nawlins listed at 39,900.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1987/Tr ... ted-States

Good Luck,

RWS

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 8:06 am

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your search for the right Trojan.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 8:32 am

RWS wrote:Well designed and engineered ...

RWS

Nice writeup RWS - that surely deserves a nomination for 2010 Trojan Boater of the Year!

todd brinkerhoff · Post by **todd brinkerhoff** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 11:21 am

I'll second that vote!!

Rnd · Post by **Rnd** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 12:14 pm

RPD, Which 11 meter are you looking at? I've been looking at these for a while now{see my joined date} as RWS says these boats are layed out very nice. There seems to be a $ 30,000 premium for diesels you can buy alot of gasoline for that money. I put a deposit on one Thursday of this week it has 454's as well. If you haven't sea trialed one yet you need to. Although not alot of power that hull comes up on plane very quick and with very little bow rise. Good luck in your venture.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 7:51 pm

30,000 premium for diesels worth every dime . there is more to them then just saving fuel .

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 8:22 pm

I agree Paul, there are several things about diesels that outwiegh the additional cost. In a perfect world, that's what I would have in my dream boat. Having said that, IMO the additional expense can only be justified by the kind of boating you do, and whether you're going to stick with the vessel for the long haul since I'm a firm believer in nobody else realizing thier worth if I were to sell in a few years and expect to recover the additional expence. I know things change, but if you believe that your next purchase is your last, then I would go diesel if the pocket book allows.

Rnd · Post by **Rnd** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 10:28 pm

Paul, we get the point...... but, where do you draw the line???? it is always a cost / benifit trade.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 10:47 pm

I realize there is a cost issue, but reasonably priced diesel boats can be found in this economy.

Rnd · Post by **Rnd** » Sun Oct 03, 2010 8:28 am

rossjo, there maybe reasonably priced diesel "boats" in this economy but ther are only four 11 meter express boats that I'm aware of . Two of them are absoultly junk and the other two are $ 30,000 to 40,000 more than "nice" gas boats. Like I said you buy lots of gas for that.... That being said diesels are a very nice option but come at a large premium. 50% of asking price is NOT reasonably priced in my opion. If you are aware of any other 11 meter International express boats that are diesel please let us know, currently looking to buy. thank you.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sun Oct 03, 2010 9:36 am

Where do you draw the line ? is 50% more to much ? No clear answers on that for sure . For me I would not buy a boat much above 30 foot with gas engines . How much more would I pay ? that would depend on the boat and the engine . remember when you sell you will get more for the Diesel boat too . so the extra cost now you get back when you sell . Remember we are talking used now .

Now spending 80k on a re power of a 50k boat you would never get your money back . yet people do it . I would not , but I would pay a more for a diesel boat.

As I said there is a lot more to it then fuel savings .More then the added safety and reliability .

For Me if your going to really use your boat its the only choice , For others their fine with a large gas boat . But you wont find many With diesels that will go back to gas .

Boating is not about cost effectiveness , if it was we would all be in row boats .

Its what Makes you happy not me or anyone else