Trojan Boat Forum

I purchased my '75 36' TriCabin several months ago and have been slowly bringing it back to working condition. The boat has twin 440's, two regular fuel tanks and two auxiliary fuel tanks. It has the Koehler generator and an older CuriseAir. So far, I've managed to get the 440's operational - the starboard engine was overheating due to being clogged by a (or several) shredded Sherwood impellers. I flushed every cooling orifice I could find and ran the engine for several hrs this past weekend with no overheating issues. The port engine had a bad ECU, which I was able to source from my local NAPA store.

I am new to motor yachts - my previous boat was a 34' Columbia Sailboat - so I have a few questions for the group...Fuel Tanks - I was told by the PO (who purchased the boat and dry-docked it in his yard for several years) that the port and starboard tanks can be filled from either side. I don't think this is the case because when I had the boat transported to my marina, I asked the driver to stop by the Truck Stop so I could fill it up prior to launching. He filled port side, using both fill ports but did not fill the starboard side because we thought it would fill both sides. Needless to say. the boat lists to the port side because both of those tanks are full and the starboard tanks are empty. So, here is the question, can I run the boat if I shut-off starboard tanks and open my cross-over so that I am drawing fuel for both engines from the port tank? Since I'm on the lake, I don't anticipate running over 2000 RPMs.

Another question - the shower does not drain. Does it have a pump? I notice three switches to the right of the head - one for the toilet, one for the exhaust fan and I assume the third is for the shower drain. But, nothing happens when I pull it. And, I don't see a pump anywhere in the spaces I can access. I tried to blow-out the line, thinking that maybe it drained to the bilge. However it still doesn't drain, which makes me think it is connected to a pump.

I have other issues a as well, wiring is the next item I need to tackle - I plan to update the electronics as resources permit. Also, my rear deck leaks and I am planning to install a rubber membrane under the existing plasteak. Other items...the generator is partially disassembled and I think I may be better-off just buying a portable generator. Has anyone done this and connected it to the existing wiring? If so, where did you place it on the deck and what is required to run a cable to the electrical panel?

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Chris
Percy Priest Lake
Nashville, TN.

Thanks for the information Aaron – much appreciated. I have twin Chrysler 440s with the V-drives. They seem to run well now but I don’t have enough experience yet to have an informed opinion. I do have the pull switch but haven’t checked the wiring. My floor is carpeted so I guess I’ll need to pull that up to see if I have any access to the pump.

I’m still waiting for the bulkheads to dry-out. I will need to replace the plywood around the windows and the door. The floor seems solid so I hope that I can just glass it or cover it with a rubber membrane – the kind used for basements and roofs.

As for the Kohler – the PO removed the head because he thought he had a bad head gasket. My understanding from him was that it kept cutting-out. From my research, I’ve read that the system has several safety switches built in. I’m not sure what procedures they did to ensure all of these were working. My fear at this point is that the generator part is corroded – but I really haven’t looked at it. I will spend some time out there over the weekend and I will removethe cover to see what kind of condition it is in.

On another note...the binimi and side curtins will need replacing in the next year or two. My assumption is that these need to be custom made. Thoughts?

Thanks again for the advice.

chrissunbeam wrote:.....As for the Kohler.....it kept cutting-out. From my research, I’ve read that the system has several safety switches built in.....

Common issue that will cause the same symtom are bad brushes in the generator section. But check the sensors and the systems they monitor first as they are easily accessible.

Chris did you buy that boat around the Nashville area? I looked at one several years ago that looks like it. Had chips out of the fiberglass in the bow and his wife made a new interior for it, at the time. I think it also had a wood toe rail or rub rail. He used to deliver boats for Searay and lived way out in the country. We have enclosed our whole bridge area and cockpit area for just the same reason, minor leaks in aft cabin.

Yes - it came from Morrison, TN about 15 miles out in the country from I-24 and there are a few chips in the bow. The owner that I bought it from drove a truck, but not delivering boats. He did mention that the PO personally delivered it to him so maybe that's the guy. The interior looks original except for the sides of the v-berth. Probably is the same boat.

We've taken it out several times in the last few weeks on the lake. The only other issue we've had is water in the fuel. Not sure how prevalent it is as the fuel filters were changed by one of the POs. Just in case, I am going to stock-up on spare filters.

Your boat looks just like mine. I'd be interested to see what you did with the aft cabin and cockpit area. I need to replace the bimini next year would like to see what others have done.

For those reading the entire post, I found my shower pump. The access was under the carpet. The pump had YEARS of hair a gook in it and was rusted beyond repair…time for a new one.

Thanks for the posts. The advice is much appreciated.

Hi Jack - one other note...we bought our Columbia at Hartwell Marina in 2001 and I kept it there until 2004. Nice lake, but it was a little far for us to drive from ATL. They have great facilities. I sill go to Athans, GA periodically to visit family and would like to see your boat if you wouldn't mind showing it to me someday.

Chris

Can visit anytime. Might have the boat sold. Man called me twice already, said it looks like one of the cleanest around. We have a 44 trojan Motoryacht at the marina that I am interested in. Just let me know when you will be around. Thats where that boat was in Tenn when I looked at it. He had it for sale for $6500 at the time. I am glad the boat is working out for you. It just looked like it was going to be a project more than I wanted to get in to. He must have sold it to the person you bought it from. We can make the back enclosure for you, when you are ready. I have made patterns for the tri cabin models like ours before they raised the back deck and put the engines in the salon.

chrissunbeam wrote:
For those reading the entire post, I found my shower pump. The access was under the carpet. The pump had YEARS of hair a gook in it and was rusted beyond repair…time for a new one.

Thanks for the posts. The advice is much appreciated.

hi chris, aaron tri cabin guy here.... was the shower sump in the location were i remembered from my childhood? dad installed a length of common window screen along the trough that is in the aft portion of the drain pan to catch hair and other schmutz that washed off. the worst was the suntan oil that my sister and sister in law used. ick...... is your pump the all reliable belt driven jabsco pump? keep me posted as it's always nice to see a tri getting a new life.

and it's always a good rule of thumb to keep spare fuel filters onboard. i carry two for each engine and two for the genset.

Hi Jack,

Definately interested in the patterns. Good luck with the sale and purchase.

Hi Aaron,

Yes - exactly where you said it would be. I had to pull the carpet to access it. The PO installed carpet with pad and tack strips so I wanted to be sure where the pump was located before I started pulling stuff up. Your direction was very helpful. The pump was a Jabesco (sp?). I haven't replaced it yet since we don't use it that often. For now, the shower is just draining into the bilge. I have an old belt driven pump somewhere in my garage. I'll try to find it.

I purchased a box of 6 filters from eBay yesterday. I think I'll need them. A better option would be to clean the tanks, but I had them filled when the boat was delivered.

Thanks again for the advice!