What to look for in buying 1977 F28?

drjohn71a · Post by **drjohn71a** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 6:49 pm

I am looking at a 1977 F28 with 1,000 hours on original drive system/engines. 'Pretty much everything original. Sounds good, but that means no major work has been done to the drive/engines, etc.. How can I evaluate this boat? What pitfalls should I look for? What major work should I expect to need?

Thanks, John

jefflaw35 · Post by **jefflaw35** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:06 pm

has it been stored on water or land all these years? I would deffinatly look under everything you can, boat I just bought was basically destroyed by rain water from poor lack of attention,1974 F-25 looking at a 20k restore. that might not be what your situation is though. these guys will tell you alot more, just hold on for the info ride.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:07 pm

Welcome to the forums
How the boat was taken care of means more then anything . a 1000 hours can be nothing if taken care of .

Perhaps some of the F28 owners will chime in on areas to look at .

And a good survey is always a good idea and you will need it for insurance anyway.

drjohn71a · Post by **drjohn71a** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:12 pm

Thanks for the info so far. It has been stored in fresh water, under cover in Eastern Oklahoma with annual marina maintenance. I have only seen photos so far, but plan to drive the 200 miles down to look at it this weekend if possible.

It is stored right on the line where you can leave them in the water all year 'round, using compartment heaters for low temps.

I am thinkng the drive seals must need work at the minimum.

Did this year/model have the wood stringers that were subject to rot?

John

drjohn71a · Post by **drjohn71a** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:14 pm

It has the twin 318's - gas

jefflaw35 · Post by **jefflaw35** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:17 pm

drjohn71a wrote:Thanks for the info so far. It has been stored in fresh water, under cover in Eastern Oklahoma with annual marina maintenance. I have only seen photos so far, but plan to drive the 200 miles down to look at it this weekend if possible.

It is stored right on the line where you can leave them in the water all year 'round, using compartment heaters for low temps.

I am thinkng the drive seals must need work at the minimum.

Did this year/model have the wood stringers that were subject to rot?

John

fresh water is a good thing, im going to back out now, as i just found 2 rotted stringers, gonna be fun. Prowler Paul is right, a survey is good. good luck, show us some pics if you can

Nancy · Post by **Nancy** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:40 pm

Bummer on the stringers, Jeff, but remember -you're the one who wanted to stay busy.

Anyway, a couple of rotted stringers shouldn't be any challenge for a car guy. A little hardwood, a little fiberglass, you'll be good to go. Besides, it's a great excuse to paint the bilge and make it all purdy.

jefflaw35 · Post by **jefflaw35** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:42 pm

Nancy wrote:Bummer on the stringers, Jeff, but remember -you're the one who wanted to stay busy. Anyway, a couple of rotted stringers shouldn't be any challenge for a car guy. A little hardwood, a little fiberglass, you'll be good to go. Besides, it's a great excuse to paint the bilge and make it all purdy.

ha not to highjack this but i was thinking of replacing more stringers just to get experence. my stringer test is not for the soft hearted and would probly bring alot of ??? but i own her and i feel its ok to use a drill anywhere i want, its working to

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:22 pm

drjohn71a wrote:
I am thinkng the drive seals must need work at the minimum.

Did this year/model have the wood stringers that were subject to rot?

John

Yes it has wood stringers . And it should be checked . I have not heard any issues with stringers on the F28 but it could happen . My boats the same age and the srtings are fine. most boats this age have wood stringers as do many new boats . I belive it makes a better boat .

Drive seals ?the boats a in board I beleve so if your talking about the trans , look for leaks and if thats ok no worry . the shafts have packing that is easy and cheap to replace .

drjohn71a · Post by **drjohn71a** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:38 pm

Thanks, Paul. I just was not sure what a "velvet drive" was.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 9:04 pm

Velvet Drive is a inboard transmission . Its well made ( still made today ) easier and cheaper to repair then most others . Make that all others . Just did a overhaul on one about $200 in parts it had close to 5000 hours on it ( diesel sail boat). I would expect 5 to 10 times that cost on one of my ZF gears just in parts .

yorklyn · Post by **yorklyn** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 1:09 pm

We owned a 1977 f28 a while back. Loved the boat. 12'3' beam in a 28ft boat gives you a ton of room. never had an issue with the stringers on that boat. had some delamination in the upper deck from water getting in from the railing. wasnt real bad but something to look at. I had to replace the head and holding tank in mine as the previous owner had it all screwed up.
Be warned if you are married and buy this boat your wife will never be happy with any boat with a "normal size beam". When we decided to go bigger we were looking at 37ft boats that the wife said were too small!
Ended up getting a 10 meter because of the beam!LOL
F28 was a really fun boat, I miss the huge flybridge.

Good Luck

MadBen · Post by **MadBen** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 2:10 pm

The Chrysler 318's in your boat are pretty bullet proof provided they have not been neglected. That should be a very nice handeling boat with that power package. My negative experience with that vintage Trojan was with the galvanized fuel tanks. Change your filters often. You may find a gritty/sandy like build up in them (the filters) and that "grit" can reek havock on your carbs.

drjohn71a · Post by **drjohn71a** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 2:33 pm

Thanks so much for your info! The guy has yet to get back to me, so the deal is stalled, it seems.

John

lawyerdave71 · Post by **lawyerdave71** » Fri Mar 02, 2012 12:30 am

A good marine survey is needed.

My 1978 F30 has 2500 hours on the engines, but she was well cared for and would easily pass any marine survey.

A good indicator is if you can lick the engines with your tounge, she was well cared for.