1989 12 meter express

[B1gfun]

Anyone have any helpful sights/links for info on this vessel? Thoughts or concerns when buying one? Anything i should look for or stay away from?
Unfortunately, has the 502's not the detroits. Fortunately the 502's each have fresh rebuilds.

hull id is TRJML023A 989

[todd brinkerhoff]

The 12 Meters are nice big boats. I believe the 89 is the "new design", which had a bunch of seating in the cockpit. It has a cored hull, but well layed up. The 502's will be very thirsty. I believe I've read that they burn 15 to 20% more fuel than the more popular 454. That same Trojan ran the 485 HP Detroit's, which was reported to be the fastest Trojan produced. Are we talking about the Express or Convertible?

[BobCT]

the 502's are oil burners too due to the head design....(even when new).

[B1gfun]

Yes its the express.
I wish it had the diesels!

Thanks for the input on the oil consumption. I will keep a keen eye on the levels knowing this now!
Any other places to find more info on this vessel? I havent found much online.

[prowlersfish]

the 502's are oil burners too due to the head design....(even when new).

I an not aware of head issues . I do work for GM btw . I will check service info . I do remember a bolt issue on the intake . easy fix

[BobCT]

Not "head issues" as in failure but I guess the design difference compared to the 454 causes them to consume oil. A search on 502 oil consumption or burning will provide some detail.

A QT every 4-8 hours seems pretty common. My 454's don't use that all year.

[mikeandanne]

The bore on that 502 is fairly big----- my understanding is the oil issues are attributed to the ring design on the crate engines that were finish honed without the torque plates----- not sure if that applies to the marine ones or not---- Mike