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Trojan Technical / Trivia Information


Trojan F-32 Models
F-32 Express Cruiser (Model 320)
She came with or without a hard top but most often with both the hard top and fly-bridge. It did not have a patio door or a salon. The engine room was about 30 feet aft of what is on the F-32 model 321 this allowed for a larger cabin.

F-32 Sedan (Model 321)
She was the most popular of all the F-32 models. She came with a patio door and salon. The fly-bridge was originally an option but later became standard.

F-32 Sport Fisherman (Model 322)
This Trojan had a larger open deck but was saddled with a smaller cabin and fly-bridge. Engine room was located in the same location as the model 321. The last 322 was made in 1976. In 1989 Trojan came out with a new Model 322 which was the same as the Sedan (Model 321) but had a mummy-style bed similar to what you would see on a Trojan International 10 meter.

Marine Drive Variations
Stern Drive (Inboard/Outboard, Out-drive)
The engine is mounted inside the boat. The transmission/drive unit is outside, attached to the transom. The engine and drive unit are joined by a torque coupler and universal joint. Angling the drive steers the boat.

Inboard
The engine and transmission/drive unit are inside the boat. A drive shaft is connected at the rear of the transmission and is run out of the hull through a sealing unit. The propeller is connected directly to the drive shaft at the in-water end. A separate rudder steers the boat.

V-Drive
Basically a modified inboard installation. The engine is mounted with the front (pulley end) facing stern (rear). The transmission faces the bow (front) and by the use of a universal joint on the end of the transmission, the drive shaft is directed stern-wards under the engine and through the hull. The propeller/rudder arrangement is the same as in a standard inboard installation.

Jet Drive
The engine is mounted inside the boat and attached to a high speed pump that increases the water speed and ejects it to the stern. Movement of the ejection nozzle controls the direction of the boat.

1976 Trojan Motor Yacht Profiles

1976 trojan motor yacht specs

Cored Hulls?
We are often asked -- Did any Trojan Boats have balsa cored hulls?? Only the 11, 12, 13 and 14 meter Trojan International boats had cored hulls. On the 10.8M there were places under the engine room and the fuel tanks where small sections were balsa cored to add strength.

Did you know that there was a 15 meter Trojan International? Yes, but only one was ever built. There was also a 42-foot Chesapeake work boat built from the hull of the 42 flush deck motor yacht. Again only one was ever built.

From wood to fiberglass ...
Did you know that between 1958 and 1974 (end of the wooden Trojans) about 65,000 wooden boats were made by Trojan. Unfortunately, Trojan was slow to recognize the shift from wood to fiberglass construction. Jim McQueen, president of Trojan, never liked fiberglass. He thought it was a fad and it has been told that he often said "if God meant boats to be build of fiberglass He would have made fiberglass trees." By the end of the 1960's, Trojan had not yet built a fiberglass boat. When Trojan began to build fiberglass boats, it turned to a local fiberglass bath tub company to turn out the early fiberglass hulls. As with all thing Trojan - they excelled at fiberglass too.Even today the Trojan fiberglass boats are considered to have some of the best fiberglass hulls ever made.

Trojan / Bertram / and so on ...
Did you know that in 1968 Trojan became part of Whittaker (a company which purchased several boat companies). Bertram boats were one of the companies and marinas under the umbrella of Whittaker. The reason for the merger was to gain the capital necessary to begin the retooling to make fiberglass Trojan boats. In late 1980, Whittaker sold off the other companies and Trojan and Bertram were packaged and sold as one company becoming Bertram-Trojan (BTI). During the next 10 years, BTI changed ownership from several different investment groups till 1992. In 1992, the Trojan part of BTI was sold to Carver for around $800,000. Carver only took the 10.8, 11, 12 and 13 fiberglass meter boat molds. They never made any 11, 12 or 13 meter boats and these fiberglass molds were later destroyed. Carver did make boats from the Trojan fiberglass mold for the 10.8M (360 model). Carver did modify the 360 10.8 fiberglass mold so it was never the exact same boat as the Trojan 10.8. The Carver 360 model was made until 2005.

The Delta Conic hull ...
For the decades prior to 1983; there was very little change in the construction of boats by US boat builders. The safety of merely imitating that which had been "proven and successful" had become an addictive habit for all boat manufacturers. So, while virtually every facet of society and technology advanced at an increasing pace, powered boats continued to be built using the same basic construction techniques and principles.

Then, in 1983, Trojan Yachts made a bold and extraordinary move! The 10M Trojan International with its Delta Conic hull and European style was introduced. This progressive and innovative style was a major change and it quickly became the template and benchmark for US boat builders for the next 30 years. As one major newspaper stated in 1983 "Eyeball this elegant boat and you will have an idea of what boats will look like in the future."

Fresh Water Tank Contamination ...
Have you been noticing what appear to be black flakes from your fresh water system?? This is a common problem and is usually mildew or algae that has managed to gain a foothold in your within your fresh water tank. This can be remedied by draining your tank then adding a cup or so of bleach and filling the tank to the top. Allow this mixture to sit for a few hours -- then drain the tank. Repeat this procedure several times to ensure all the contaminants have been killed and flushed out.

The dock-side city water treated to keep lengthy periods of time. If you're using the boat on the weekends and letting her sit idle for the better part of a week -- it's best to flush the system weekly and add a few table spoons of bleach to the water system to keep the fresh water system clean and pure.

The F-36 over planning problem ...
In the early days of F-36 production, Trojan had a problem with over-planning. Under certain circumstances, the bow would rise and she would lean significantly to starboard when planning. This was unnerving to many new F-36 captains when they were piloting from the Fly-bridge.

This happened more often with the 255 MerCruiser than with the Chrysler 280 and 330. Trojan remedied this issue by requiring the F-36 to be sold with a Generator or two reserve fuel tanks (or both) to act as counterweights. Also, Trojan did not toe in the rudders and they were set to dead ahead. This made the F-36’s the only Trojan’s that DID NOT HAVE toe-in rudders.

F-36 rudders toe-in



Note: It is important to keep the aft fuel tanks and/or the generator if you have an F-36. If you’re not using your aft fuel tanks – they can be disconnected from the fuel system and emptied of fuel and the refilled with water.

Trojan Anti Siphon Valve and fuel pick up ...
Trojan started adding anti-siphon valves starting around 1976. If you suspect fuel delivery problems; you should check and inspect your anti-siphon valve. First, remove and try to clean the valve if possible – if not possible it’s best to replace it to insure it operates properly.

The pickup tube in the galvanized tank went through several changes. Before 1978, it was a rubber hose cut at an angle extending to 1” off the bottom of the tank. Around 1978, there was a rubber hose and a copper end with holes drilled in it extending to 1” off the bottom of tank.

There is a brass fitting that goes into the tank on the end of the fitting is the rubber hose. If you take the fitting out of the tank -- take the whole fitting assembly out as one piece. Or, put a pipe plug in the brass fitting before you put a wrench on it. Be careful when working with the brass fitting – if you crack this brass fitting, you’ll have problems as the brass fitting in no longer available.

Trojan anti-siphon valve
Trojan anti-siphon inline configuration

Important: Do not use Teflon tape when replacing the fitting as this may cause over tightening. Instead, us an anaerobic sealant. DO NOT overtighten the fittings. Finally, Trojan changed to a one-piece, welded aluminum pickup on all aluminum tanks.


Trojan Hull numbering and TRJ Numbering
The TRJ (Coast Guard certification number) is found on the starboard side of the transom just above the swim deck if she has a one. This would be true of all fiberglass Trojan hulls 1970 - 1992. TRJ stands for TROJAN and is the number that is most often found on your registration.

The Hull number (sometimes called the Working Hull Number) is found on an aluminum tag near the AC/DC panel; inside the AC/DC panel or below the AC/DC panel. On some smaller Trojans (under 30') it can be located on the back of the head door or a closet door. On the F-30 Clean Machine it is on the inside of the closet door starboard side forward.

This Trojan tag has the engine ID number(s); inspector number and the Hull number which is three numbers followed by four. This number acts as the finger print for your Trojan and is the easiest to decode.

The first three numbers are the model of your Trojan:
321 ==> F-32 Sedan
251 ==> F-25
210 ==> 25' Sea Raider
309 ==> 30' Sea Raider
301 ==> F-30
440 ==> F-36 TriCabin
460 ==> F-36 Sedan
500 ==> 42 MY
(see below for further F-Series model numbers)

The fourth number (or first number of the second set) is the year. The final three numbers denote it's production number. For example, Hull number 321-7045 would be an F-32 built in 1977 and it was the 45th (045) F-32 built since production started in 1970.

The problem with with the working hull number is that on large production boats like the F-32 sometimes the production numbering started over. So, if you do not know if your Trojan was was built in the 70's or 80's then you'd need the TRJ number as well to know if the '7' was 1977 or 1987. If you have a wooden Trojan 1945 - 1969 then she would only have a Trojan tag as described above stamped inside of the transom or on the engine stringers inside of the engine hatch. If you need help with a TRJ or Hull number:

Call (609-713-4602) or email us at bob at beaconmarinesupply dot com


Trojan F Boat Model Numbers
F24 SPORT CRUISER MODEL 241, 242
F25 EXPRESS MODEL 251, 252, 253
F25 SEA RAIDER 210
F26 MODEL 261, 262
F28 TWIN SCREW MODEL 280
F28 SINGLE SCREW MODEL 281
F29 SPORTMAN MODEL 290
F30 EXPRESS MODEL 302, 303
F30 SPORTS CRUISER SINGLE SCREW MODEL 305, 307
F30 EXPRESS TWIN SCREW MODEL 304, 306
F30 FLYBRIDGE SEDAN MODEL 308
F30 SEA RAIDER MODEL 309, 310
F32 EXPRESS MODEL 320
F32 MODEL 321, 322
F32 SPORTS SEDAN MODEL 323
F36 TRI CABIN MODEL 360, 363, 440
F36 SPORT FISHMAN MODEL 461
F36 CONVERTIBLE SEDAN MODEL 460
F40 FLYBRIDGE MOTOR YACHT MODEL 400
F44 CONVERTIBLE SEDAN MODEL 448
F44 SPORT FISHERMAN MODEL 445
F44 MOTOR YACHT MODEL 441, 442, 443, 444, 447, 449
F54 MOTOR YACHT MODEL 541
F42 MOTOR YACHT MODEL 500, 501, 502, 503
F44 MOTOR YACHT MODEL 441, 442, 443, 444, 447, 453, 454, 543
F48 MERIAN MODEL 480
F53 MOTOR YACHT MODEL 701
F53 DECK HOUSE SALON MY MODEL 702

Trojan Shaft Coupling and Alignment
All shafts and couplings are checked with a dial indicator after the coupling is pressed on, and before installation, to insure accuracy. The engines are aligned and coupled to the shafts, and running test is made at the factory to assure smooth operation. The coupling is then unbolted for shipment. After launching, the dealer makes any necessary adjustments to engine alignment, and couples the shafts.

Engine alignment should be rechecked after the boat is water borne for a few days, and from time to time thereafter, particularly if any signs of misalignment appear, such as noise or vibration.

Realignment should be attempted only by a qualified mechanic.
Checking the alignment is fairly simple, as follows:

Holding the flanges together by hand, try a .003" feeler at the top, bottom and sides. Then turn each flange 1/2 turn at a time, and recheck at each position. The feeler should not enter at any position. If the feeler enters but the gap remains at the same location regardless of the flange positions, the engine is out of line. If it moves around with the flange, the flange is out, or the shaft is bent.



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