10 meter Int 1986 questions

Lumpy · Post by **Lumpy** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 3:26 pm

Hello all,
I just joined and have a few questions: I'm in the process of buying a 1986 10meter Int. Twin 350 Crusaders - 700hrs, Onan 6.5 - 880hrs. It's been sitting for 3yrs. I'm sure I will have a lot of questions but here are some initial ones:
Holding tank: Light says it's full, should I treat it with something since it's been sitting for so long before pumping out??
It's on the desk so is it safe to connect a hose to the AC unit (which will force water through it) to test if it works?
On the dash panel it has the Start toggles(2) but it also has "Emergency Start" toggle (1), can someone explain that?

Thanks
Lumpy

BobCT · Post by **BobCT** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 3:34 pm

I'll take the easy one first. The emergency "Start" button bridges both batteries together in case one of your engine start batteries goes dead. It's momentary. That's important because the start batteries are ALSO serve as the house batteries for each side of the boat. If you look at the main panel you'll see how the loads are split up. There are no battery switches from the factory.

I've tried to run the A/C on the hard but never was able to get the pump primed so that it would work. I'm sure it's been done before but not by me

Holding tank - I would just get it pumped out to start and then begin a flushing treament which will probably take a few cycles. I would plan on changing all the sanitation hoses if they're original.

Where is the boat located? Someone here might be familiar with it and if you're really lucky already had it surveyed. Definately get that done, LOTS you can miss if you're not familiar with this model.

Bob

P.S. - there are potentially three different 10m models. Does this one have a flybridge? If not, how many portholes on each side? That narrow down which one you're looking at.

Lumpy · Post by **Lumpy** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 3:46 pm

Ok, but what engine does it start, the starboard since it's on that side of the panel, and if so what about the other engine??
It's the Express, 3 port holes on ea. side, not the mid cabin.
Located in MD, on the Bush river.

Thx
Lumpy

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 8:12 pm

Emerg Start switch can be for either engine; simply joins both batteries (or two battery banks) together.

Yes you can hook up a water hose to the AC unit to bench test.

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 9:34 pm

congrats on your 10 meter.

You have the EXPRESS CRUISER version.

Remember this when posting questions here as there are dramatic differences between this model and the mid cabin based models.

You have a 40 gallon holding tank. It is built into the center line of the hull, from the fwd engine room bulkhead to the rear of the battery box.

You have a well designed, hull with numerous very significant engineering features.

Best thing is to get very familiar with all of your systems.

You have a well built boat, but the components have some "age" on them. Stay on top of everything and begin your "do" list, with priorities based on safety and reliability.

This website is a tremendous resource, don't hesitate to use us.

RWS

pk · Post by pk » Thu Jun 09, 2011 5:27 am

Congrats and Welcome amongst "the Trojaneers"! Nice boat, I have the same myself.

Allen Sr · Post by **Allen Sr** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 5:42 am

Is this the one at Otter creek marina? I could possibly take a ride up Sat and look at it with you. Have you bought it yet or thinking about it?

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 6:49 am

Welcome to the Forum .

Lumpy · Post by **Lumpy** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 8:35 am

We've made a verbal deal with the stipulation that the engines work. I'd like to get everyone's opinion on this. The marina took title of this boat due to no payments. They have the title free and clear now. They listed the boat and have dropped the price to 11K. I negotiated a deal for under 10K including summer/winter storage. The boat is all but trashed when you look at it. Trash everywhere in and out. All the fiberglass is moldy and just plain dirty. the two helm seats are weathered but no rips in them. the L lounge a little worse and the upholstery that goes around the outside of the helm/cockpit it torn and in bad condition. Both engines were winterized along with the gen. Antifreeze is through out. Oil looks good. The Marina owner says it was running well when it was put up 3-4 yrs ago. So far I haven't found any systems that don't work but haven't tested all. On the electrical side Nav lights, panel, blowers, bulge, working. Shore power works. Now I've been boating my whole life and love to work on boats. I imagine we have a lot in common in the fact that we like to get our hands dirty and fix up our boats to the best of our ability. With that said when I found this boat I saw a gem! In hours I can transform this boat cosmetically to look great. I'm comfortable taking on electrical and mechanical issues. This project is right up my ally. Need some advice/opinion on this: The marina owner (Very nice guy who as been very open with info on this boat) is selling as is (of course). Should I get a surveyor and pay 800-850 when it won't give me any leverage on the purchase price but understanding it will give me a list of issues (but that's what I've been doing, testing systems). Not sure if we can do a sea trial since it doesn't have up to date numbers. Since everything is resting on the engines should I bring a mechanic, I'm very handy but the wife.. need I say more. No matter what, I want to put her in the water to run the engines/gen/AC and under load if possible. If they fail and I decide not to buy I have to pay to haul it out and winterize. Just want to know your thoughts on this.

Allen,
thanks for the offer as I planned on going down to her on Sat. Finding out today when she can be put into the water but still can test engines/gen and maybe AC. I'll follow up with you today/tomorrow. thanks again for the offer.

Sorry for the long post.
Thanks
Lumpy

pk · Post by pk » Thu Jun 09, 2011 9:23 am

We love long posts....

BobCT · Post by **BobCT** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 9:57 am

We sound similar in that no project is too scary. BUT, I think you could get a boat for slightly more that's in the water and can be run. Don't under estimate the cost of upholstery and canvas.

When I bought my mid cabin almost two years ago all of the exterior vinyl and full camper canvas was about 6 years old. That was a huge selling point and easily $15k if I had to do it all myself.

I'm just picking out one thing from your post. If the A/C is no good, maybe a bad trans, etc., it wouldn't take much to double your purchase price.

Yes, insist on a sea trial and see if you can negotiate the price to commission it. It's in their best interest. If it's been sitting for that long and you don't buy it, wouldn't they be better off saying it was just in the water?

Maybe have them do it at no cost. In turn, you get a full survey done and agree to give them the report whether you buy it or not.

Before I found my boat, I looked at something very similar (both the story and condition of the boat). I had it surveyed (thank god) and the surveyor stopped after an hour. He said it wasn't even worth putting in the water. I was ready to get started with a tool in each hand but knowing what I know now, I got a much better boat.

I can't imagine where I would have been if I didn't get it surveyed.

Bob

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 10:15 am

do a survey

do a compression test

Regardless of price, you need to know what you have and what it needs.

Engines might run good and have a couple of broken rings.

You are assuming far too much by NOT getting the survey.

I'd hate to find out too late that the hull was de-laminated, or a seacock was leaking and sunk the boat, not to mention throwing a rod 5 hours from home.

Survey & compression test

Whil ethey're doing teh copmpression test, throw in a set of new NGK spark plugs.

RWS

Lumpy · Post by **Lumpy** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 10:15 am

BobCT,
Thanks for the info and advice. I'm thinking that if the engines fire off this weekend that I'll call the surveyor. Thanks again.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 12:05 pm

"We've made a verbal deal with the stipulation that the engines work."

Hear them run and go from there /

smiller192 · Post by **smiller192** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 8:20 pm

I bought an 11 meter in miami september 09 for an amazing price, been sitting for 4 or 5 years, pulled motors and generator, complete rebuild, replaced all vinyl and canvas. it is my third trojan and I love it. The 11 meter is a great boat. My point is there are a lot of boats out there and they are very cheap. If you are going to buy a 25 year old boat, I think you should plan on replacing/rebuilding everything, there is no piece of mind otherwise. I did not get a survey, I assumed everthing should be repaired/replaced.