1977 F36 Tri-cabin

bimini jimini · Post by **bimini jimini** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 10:03 pm

Hello to all~

I am in the process of obtaining a used 1977 Trojan this winter/spring and have found one that I am interested in... the dealing starts after New Years...

A survey was done last year showing the watercraft to be in very good condition for its age... The dealer is emailing me the report. My question is what common problems does this Tri-cabin usually have that show up most of the time with other Trojan Tri-cabins? What to look for besides the engines and drive train... below water lines leaks that are common? Electrical problems that are common? Fiberglass problems in common areas?

Anything would be helpful to me... I have admired Trojan for many years and have many years of boating under my belt along with a USPS course I took many years ago....

thanks for your reply and have a Happy New Year!
jimini

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 9:37 am

welcome to trojan boats ,
look for soft corring on the decks . take some one with you that knows
boats . then if you like it you will need to get your own survey , and find your own SAMS or nams surveyor to do it . the thsurveyey send you may be fine but you want one done by someone that works for you not the seller. any contract should be pending survery and sea trial . may I ask where you and the boat are located ? if you you have a link to a online ad I would be happy to give you my 2 cents worth.

bimini jimini · Post by **bimini jimini** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 10:39 pm

Thanks Powlerfish~

I am located in North Central Illinois, the boat is located in Michigan ... it will remain there if I purchase it... its a one owner; same marina since new; always stored inside on the off season. I expect the boat to be in very good condition for its age. never has seen salt water. And I do understand about surveys and who is paying who for what... depending on the age of the survery and what was found to be wrong or needing attention I will make a judgement call as to whether I hired a second survery... I have been around boats for forty plus years and have experience in fiberglass and repair as I owned a body and fender shop for many years. Soft wood underlayment is a given if found it has to be repaired but I was looking for things or items that most people do not know to look for... a common occurance with this model boat as a warning sign that others have experience mainly to the F-36 model...

thanks,
bimini jimini

Danny Bailey · Post by **Danny Bailey** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 8:31 pm

Welcome aboard Jimini. The first thing I found and corrected on my F-36, although minor, was the rotted thru-hulls installed by Trojan. If I had not replaced them when I did, I'm sure one of them would have broken off and sunk the boat by now. Another good thing to check is the longitudinal stringers. They are partially glassed fir, open at scupper holes, and will rot completely out leaving only a fibergalss shell. All my wiring is of the 'non-tinned' type and I am replacing it as failures arise. Don't know if tri-cabins have the sealed keel or not, but if they do you'll want to open it up and purge it when you buy the boat. Good luck.