Page 1 of 1

Considering Purchase of 1978 F26 Hard Top

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 8:48 pm
by Norseman
Hello Trojan owners. I'm considering the purchase of a 1978 F-26 Hardtop. It's located Ontario Canada used in freshwater lakes.

http://s1061.photobucket.com/albums/t47 ... 48_201.jpg


I'm looking for advice on what to look for and any known issues with this model year. Looks like galvanized fuel tanks, water tank leaks, window leaks and deck core rot may be issues? If there's a thread or website someone can point me to that describes the boat's construction it would be greatly appreciated. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated.

I'm relatively new to boating. I've owned a 1987 24' Sea Ray Sorrento Cuddy cabin for the past 3 years.

Thank you!

Bob

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 10:36 pm
by k9th
Welcome aboard. We have several here that own or have owned that same boat, and I'm sure they will be along shortly to answer your questions.

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 10:41 pm
by jefflaw35
welcome aboard. You are about to be flooded with knowledge!!!

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 10:42 pm
by jefflaw35
wow nice 26!!!

Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 11:05 pm
by prowlersfish
Some F26 owner should chime in , This is about the only site with Trojan info around .

Welcome

F26 leaky windows

Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2012 3:15 am
by 32pacemaker
welcome to the Trojan web , the f 26 is a great boat, good over all handling, and desent speed with modest power. the problems are fixable with modern marine sealers. the side windows leak around where the frame contacts the fiberglass just remove the frames clean and reseal same with the front windows i through the stock front frames away and cut larger plexiglass windows and sealed them to the fiberglass use about .060 to .080 spacer so the silicone can exspand and contract.

Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2012 4:03 am
by aaronbocknek
wow, she's pretty. can't wait to see more pics of her. welcome to the site.
this is the best place for knowledge you could find. fasten your seatbelt, and
enjoy the ride. and like another poster said, all things are fixable. you should be in great shape.
aaron

Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2012 8:41 pm
by MattSC
Welcome Bob!
That's a nice looking boat! The F-26 is a really good boat, it's big for its size. As for the boats construction, the hull is solid fiberglass and the decks are fiberglass cored with balsa. I'm assuming the hardtop is cored with balsa as well, mine isn't a hardtop. Most were either powered with a LM318 chrysler 225hp, or a 233hp Mercruiser. It should cruise between 15-17kts and top out at around 25. The deck core is a common thing, and can be repaired. I had to do the same repair that 32 pacemaker did with the side windows, not hard to do at all. As for the front windows, if you search the forum, there was instructions on how to repair the front windows. If you have any specific concerns or questions don't hesitate to ask, I think we've all been there at one time or another. Best of luck,
Matt

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 9:17 am
by Norseman
Thanks for all of the advice and information. About the balsa deck core issue what's involved here? Is it something I can do myself? Is it easy to inspect prior to purchasing the boat? Pictures would be nice :)

Another question is the orignal fuel tank? Any leak issues?

Thanks

Bob

Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:04 pm
by The Dog House
I have a 1971 F26 with the original fuel tanks. No problems yet. 8)