Advice on buying 1980 F-30 fixer upper?
Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 9:39 pm
Hello my name is Lawrence, I am new to the forum and I am buying my first boat. I'm not entirely new to boating though -- I hail from the land of 10,000 lakes (and many more boats), ! grew up on a farm, I spent 6 years in the Navy, I spent 2 seasons on a 58-ft salmon purse-siener in Alaska (it was like "Deadliest Catch", but with less whining), and generally I can fix anything (given enough time).
I have found a "1980 30 ft Trojan" for sale, cheap, which obviously needs some work. I have researched a lot about this make of boat and I really like it. I am viewing it this weekend for the first time, so I don't know any more about it's condition than the seller disclosed in his advertisement. I plan to hire a pre-purchase inspector/surveyor to help me assess the boat before I buy. From my research, the pictures look to me like it's a 1980 F-30 Flybridge Sedan. I really like the Sedan Trojan, especially I like the 32 foot model which has a dinette on the lower starboard level. From what I have found, the F-30 Sedan does NOT have the starboard dinette. Is it true I must get a F-32 for this starboard dinette?
I love the Trojan F-32 design which seems to have a bigger, more-spacious interior and salon area than even most more-modern boats. Generally I like the look, lines, interior spaciousness, and versatility of the design. I want a cruiser, have family of 4, wish to fish some, and have a weekend/getaway boat, under 32-34 feet max. (I have 36 ft of canal waterfront in Miami).
I know the general price for such a boat that's in excellent condition (from boattrader, yachtworld, craigslist, etc: anywhere from $12k to $20k+). I cannot quite afford that, but I could afford less for a fixer-upper. The question I must answer is "How much to make this one sea-worthy and safe right away?" I will spend years upgrading it of course. This one is not in excellent condition -- at a minimum, it needs the following:
- Engine repair, possible major rebuilds (both: one turns, won't start - the other unknown/possibly seized up)
- Hull paint job
- Possible top-side / full paint job
- Interior / salon re-upholstery / carpeting repair/replace
- New water pumps (not sure which)
- Probably other things, as this boat has obviously not been to sea in a while
I don't have much information yet, so I don't have many specific questions yet. I know this boat will take a lot of work and money to achieve excellent condition. I have plenty of "boat-buying checklists" and like I said I plan to have a surveyor/inspector assist me. I have read (on this site) that "soft deck cores" is something to watch for with the Trojan brand.
So I just wanted to say hi, and if you have any general advice, that would be nice. Like I said, I don't have many specifics just yet. If anyone can point me to any war stories or experience in restoring a Trojan, that would be nice. If I do this, I will need parts! In general I am thinking I can get this boat for about $4k, then spend about the same to initially get it sea-worthy.
About how much should I expect to pay for consultant's "pre-purchase" inspection? I am currently interviewing folks who advertise this service in my area.
Thanks for this informative forum, and to all who participate.
Call me crazy, or call me
LawrenceG
I have found a "1980 30 ft Trojan" for sale, cheap, which obviously needs some work. I have researched a lot about this make of boat and I really like it. I am viewing it this weekend for the first time, so I don't know any more about it's condition than the seller disclosed in his advertisement. I plan to hire a pre-purchase inspector/surveyor to help me assess the boat before I buy. From my research, the pictures look to me like it's a 1980 F-30 Flybridge Sedan. I really like the Sedan Trojan, especially I like the 32 foot model which has a dinette on the lower starboard level. From what I have found, the F-30 Sedan does NOT have the starboard dinette. Is it true I must get a F-32 for this starboard dinette?
I love the Trojan F-32 design which seems to have a bigger, more-spacious interior and salon area than even most more-modern boats. Generally I like the look, lines, interior spaciousness, and versatility of the design. I want a cruiser, have family of 4, wish to fish some, and have a weekend/getaway boat, under 32-34 feet max. (I have 36 ft of canal waterfront in Miami).
I know the general price for such a boat that's in excellent condition (from boattrader, yachtworld, craigslist, etc: anywhere from $12k to $20k+). I cannot quite afford that, but I could afford less for a fixer-upper. The question I must answer is "How much to make this one sea-worthy and safe right away?" I will spend years upgrading it of course. This one is not in excellent condition -- at a minimum, it needs the following:
- Engine repair, possible major rebuilds (both: one turns, won't start - the other unknown/possibly seized up)
- Hull paint job
- Possible top-side / full paint job
- Interior / salon re-upholstery / carpeting repair/replace
- New water pumps (not sure which)
- Probably other things, as this boat has obviously not been to sea in a while
I don't have much information yet, so I don't have many specific questions yet. I know this boat will take a lot of work and money to achieve excellent condition. I have plenty of "boat-buying checklists" and like I said I plan to have a surveyor/inspector assist me. I have read (on this site) that "soft deck cores" is something to watch for with the Trojan brand.
So I just wanted to say hi, and if you have any general advice, that would be nice. Like I said, I don't have many specifics just yet. If anyone can point me to any war stories or experience in restoring a Trojan, that would be nice. If I do this, I will need parts! In general I am thinking I can get this boat for about $4k, then spend about the same to initially get it sea-worthy.
About how much should I expect to pay for consultant's "pre-purchase" inspection? I am currently interviewing folks who advertise this service in my area.
Thanks for this informative forum, and to all who participate.
Call me crazy, or call me
LawrenceG