1987 11 Meter

[johnson260]

Looking at a 1987 11 Meter
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1987/Tr ... 57xEPldVqI

So far just a drive by...Hoping to board her Wednesday. The owner keeps saying Bertram Hull was this a solid hull or cored hull. Of course I will pull a survey if I move to purchase but what should I look for before I get that far? I do have a moisture meter in hand also what would be an acceptable reading on the stringers and transom?

Thanks Jeff

[Breezy 1]

I have been looking at the same boat..Thinking about selling my 10 meter, but kinda on the fence on it.

[johnson260]

Me too....It would be a huge step up for me. Currently have a 1995 Rinker 280 Fiesta Vee with twin outdrives. I would like to step up but wonder if there is any market at all for a boat of this vintage and would I be stuck if I decided it was just too big. I keep dreaming of a big boat but it could be a nightmare. How do you like your 10 meter? I am also looking at a 390 Searay but am leaning on the Trojan for a better ride on Lake Erie

[todd brinkerhoff]

Looking at a 1987 11 Meter
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1987/Tr ... 57xEPldVqI

So far just a drive by...Hoping to board her Wednesday. The owner keeps saying Bertram Hull was this a solid hull or cored hull. Of course I will pull a survey if I move to purchase but what should I look for before I get that far? I do have a moisture meter in hand also what would be an acceptable reading on the stringers and transom?

Thanks Jeff

The 11 Meter is a very nice boat. The only thing that is Bertram about this boat is that Bertram and Trojan has the same parent company. The tags will say Bertram-Trojan company. This boat was built by Trojan in Lancaster, PA and created by Trojan with Harry Schoell. The hull on this boat is an outstanding design, called the Delta-Conic, created by Harry Schoell. The hull on the 11 Meter is cored, but is very well done as long as there were no poorly attached aftermarket pieces. The only full fiberglass hulls in the International line are the 10 and 10.8 Meters.

The 11 Meters are very large with a 14 foot beam. I had a friend with an 11 meter, and he loved it, but sold it for a 42' Viking. Great boats. Much better with Diesel power. Great sea boats, and do very well in the Great Lakes and the crazy weather. Make sure you have a good survey. Hulls and stringers will be the make or break this boat. Moisture adds a tremendous amount of weight to this boat.

[todd brinkerhoff]

Me too....It would be a huge step up for me. Currently have a 1995 Rinker 280 Fiesta Vee with twin outdrives. I would like to step up but wonder if there is any market at all for a boat of this vintage and would I be stuck if I decided it was just too big. I keep dreaming of a big boat but it could be a nightmare. How do you like your 10 meter? I am also looking at a 390 Searay but am leaning on the Trojan for a better ride on Lake Erie

As the years pass on, the market for Trojan Internationals is limited. They do pretty well in the Great Lakes, as the Commercial fishing guys like the big, open back decks and their very robust and seaworth hull. Diesels will always have a better selling ability than the gas. Gassers will be next to impossible to sell in this market, especially with gas prices.

In my opinion, you are looking at boats that are on line, quality wise, with Tiara and Bertram. The fit and finish is not great, but easily replaceable. If you want a boat that is similar to the quality of Tiara or Bertram, but don't want to spend the money of those boats, the International series will offer you a deal. On the other hand, if you are trying to sell an International, you will not come close to the market demand of a Tiara or Bertram. Tiara or Bertram's are just better investments if you think you will need to sell.

I know I will never be able to sell my boat for anything close to what I've invested. On the other hand, I will put my boat, quality wise, up against any comparably aged Bertram or Tiara. You need to make a decision on whether this is a long term purchase or if you like buying boats every 5 to 7 years. If you are in it for the long haul, I would steer you toward a Trojan International. If you like to get something every few years, Steer Clear!

Again, just my opinion.

[johnson260]

I think a boat this size will be my last boat....I need to step up in size but how far? I appreciate your input and opinion and welcome any advice. I love boating but the limited Lake Erie season makes me look to investment in a larger of a boat this age rather than big money on a newer boat. I am pushing 50 so I think its time to step up before I am too old......Anyone want to give me an idea if this is a good starting price? there is a 12 m diesel in the area that is beautiful and totally redone that started out at 89 Grand is now down to 69 Grand and has been on the market for at least three years.

[todd brinkerhoff]

12 Meters are my favorite, and with the right power, are quick. The 12 Meter is an extended 11 Meter. Use the market to your advantage. Offer him $45 to $50,000 based on a good survey. For a boat you intend to keep, I personally think it's worth it. But as this seller is experiencing, its tough to sell these boats. The one great thing about Trojans is they have a loyal following and amazing support system.

We would welcome you with open arms. I want a ride if you buy it though, so I can be jealous. Love those 12's.

[todd brinkerhoff]

...and as a comparison, my boat was for sale 3 years also (gas powered, so even tougher to sell). It started at $60k. Went to $40k. I offered $28. He hedged, and agreed. Of course I'm stuck with this boat forever. Just make sure its the right one (kind of like the girl you marry).

[johnson260]

The 12M is with a couple of brokers. I asked real hard where the bottom might be and broker thought 62 would buy it...Just too much for me. I want to be around the 45 mark and hoping that I can get close to that on the 11 Meter

[todd brinkerhoff]

The 12M is with a couple of brokers. I asked real hard where the bottom might be and broker thought 62 would buy it...Just too much for me. I want to be around the 45 mark and hoping that I can get close to that on the 11 Meter

There is no need to hurry, as there are always Trojans for sale. Find the one that fits you. I think $50,000 for a Diesel in good shape is reasonable. There are probably some with better prices. 11 Meters are essentially the same thing, minus 1 meter in length. Same beam. I would definately go with a diesel. There will be a lot of gas powered 11 meters (compared to 12 meters) for sale, but I would seriously steer toward the diesel options. I'm researching conversion of mine to diesel. Its a LOT cheaper to buy it with diesels already installed.

[RWS]

FWIW I went from a 22' Grady White to my 10 meter.

I had been interested in a Grady 27.

Spending a weekend with some friends on their 11 meter convinced me otherwise.

These express cruisers are so very versatile, you can do almost ANYTHING on them.

AND BE COMFORTABLE WHILE DOING SO.

eating, drinking, entertaining, fishing, cruising, hanging out at a swimming spot, near a beach, spending the night out on the hook, cooking, being with friends, family, having a party, fooling around, listening to music or making love.

The eleven express cruiser is easily single handled.

While the mass of the 11 is significantly greater than the 10, the accommodations are not tight at all.

The layout, design, engineering and everything about her makes for an overall great design.

In my opinion, she should never have been offered with gas engines, however in her heyday there were no modern efficient small diesel choices as we have today.

I would make a clean, cash offer, pending the survey.

When I bought my 10 in 2001, she was on the market for over a year and I was the ONLY offer.

Remember this is not real estate, it's a depreciable asset, with high maintenance and carrying costs.

A good, clean low offer might actually do the trick.....

RWS

[johnson260]

Thanks for the input.....We will see how it goes tomorrow. Is there any trouble spots on the eleven meters that are well known and I should look for before making an offer (pending clean survey) also I do have the moisture meter but what are acceptable readings?

[johnson260]

Took a quick look last night.....Rain and lightening cut it short. Gut feeling is that it's a $30,000.00 boat if it surveyed good it could be used as is but there is a lot of smaller things wrong or missing wondering if that seem too cheap to you guys.

[jhalb]

I payed $30 for my 83 10 Meter four years ago. Mine was in turnkey condition and has 454s. I think this boat with diesels would bring quite a bit more depending on condition. It never hurts to through a offer out there to see how motivated the seller is. Good luck

[RWS]

a 27 year old boat that has been on the market........ how long?

A good clean offer pending sea trial and survey including haul out.

You pay for all of the above.

I'd bet you will be his first offer.

And if you were to offer $XX,000. consider this:

What else could you get for that kind of coin.

RWS