Trojan 390 Express

E

eric_b

Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2013
RO Number
33482
Messages
60
We are looking at moving up from our '32 Convertible and are currently looking at a Trojan Express. What is everyone's thoughts about it? The one I am looking at has the 8.1L FWC Crusaders. It will be used in the Great Lakes, mostly Lake Erie.
 
That is a beautiful and well maintained boat for sure, but way more than what I am looking to spend right now. Plus the boat I am looking at is already at a marina on Lake Erie and the cost to get it to where I boat out of would be minimal.
 
You need to post more information. Hours on engines? Maintenance records? What year is the boat?

Crusaders are great engines, if well maintained, you'll get 1500 - 2000 hours out of them.

Get oil samples and have them analyzed.

Do you have link/pictures of the boat?
 
There are 158 hours on the port engine and 156 on the starboard engine. There are under 100 on the 6.5 KW Kohler generator. The canvas needs to be replaced, the interior carpet needs to be replaced, the eisenglass needs to be replaced. The boat is a 1996 390. It is a 2 owner boat, both dentists and has been maintained and stored at a Carver dealer on Lake Erie its entire life. Kenny (Ramsport47) is familiar with this boat. It has been a well maintained dock queen. I did find some crazing above the rubrail on the starboard side that is indicative of an impact, but that is the only spot on the hull that I was able to see.

Here is the yachtworld listing: http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1996/Trojan-390-Express-2801645/Eastlake/OH/United-States#.VRRG8_nF8nY
 
That is very low hours for a boat that old. I'd be concerned about the lack of hours on the genset - not using it is very bad for it.

At 20,000 lbs, it's at the upper limit for gas engines. You will probably cruise around 18 MPH. If that's not enough speed, you need to re-think.

I would get a hull survey and an engine/generator survey. Make purchase contingent on passing both.

The boat looks nice, I love my 44.
 
The broker for the boat sold it as new and has driven the boat. With the 8.1s he says it cruises around 20-21 kts. The standard engine was the 7.4l and had 320 Hp each. The 8.1s have 380 Hp each and he says gives the boat that extra oomph to get the boat out of the water and riding nicely. I'm sure diesels would be better, but not worth it using it only 30-40 hrs per year.
 
Eric - what type of boating do you usually do? Here on Lake Champlain it it mostly going to anchorages an hour or two away at hull speed and hanging out for the weekend. For that type of boating an aft cabin is way roomier and more livable than an express.
All depends on what you like to do, aft cabins are slow and wont take you real far real fast.
I love them though, they have so much living space.
A 1988 to 1992 Carver 38 aft is a nice boat, in that price range. There are some 95 to 98 355's that are in that price range also that offer nice stairs up to the aft deck.
Just something to think about.
 
Great looking boat! Don't know about being underpowered or not but I like it. I have a Carver 350 aft cabin and it is comfortable but it is all about what you want. Some people like a flybridge and some don't. If you like an express, that is a nice clean boat.
Jim
 
this IS a lot of boat for those gas engines.

The REALITY is, you are in diesel territory.

Could be the reason she's a dock queen.....

RWS
 
Eric B. That boat is in good condition mechanically. I've run it several times and really love the way she performs with the 8.2's. You're right in that she needs carpet inside and out, and new canvas. A good buffing and she should be ready to go. She has been stored with us since we sold her new. You will be EXTREMELY happy with the way she takes the waves on Lake Erie with that sharp, deep entry. She cruises at about 22mph...not sure of the fuel consumption, but she's a heavy, solid fiberglass hull, so....
 
VTBoater, we typically run around the islands in the western part of Lake Erie, 1 hour or less cruises at 20 kts. The reason for looking was to get a boat with better ride characteristics that our current 32' convertible. I do not want to get a boat that is a step down in inside room either, which is why the 390 is so appealing. We are also looking at the Trojan 350 Express. Most of the people on our dock have Sea Ray Sundancers and while nice, I do not really care for them.

Kenny, Thanks for the confirmation of the condition. I spent about an hour looking over the boat with John. It is truly a great boat that just needs some updating.
 
20-21kts is fine but what does it burn to accomplish this? It's a nice boat if you like it what's the concern? As Hogan said make the deal contingent on passing all inspection including the generator.
 
Fuel economy at cruise is estimated at about .6-.7 nmpg. which for this big of a boat is pretty good.

There are no real concerns with the boat, just need to decide with the wife on what direction we want to head. She does not want this big of a boat as it will move us to a different marina or a different dock at the current marina which also serves as a transient dock for the restaurant on the property. She does not feel comfortable with the prospect of having many strangers walking the docks. Part of our reason for getting the 32 Convertible is that it put us on the dock with our friends and provides a lot of room for it's size.
 
No way will you get that kind of mileage at cruising speed, it is impossible.
 
Is it length or beam that would force you to move to a different dock? My last boat was a 3227 Carver convertible and when tied to my current 350, it was the exact same length. There may be less of a difference than you think in the length.
Jim
 
Sounds like you are at Marina Del Isle eric b. You could come to Cedar Point Marina...plenty of secure dockage, and you get your very own amusement park along with it!
 
Aren't all marinas amusement parks?
Jim
 
Jim, Our current slip is 35', and the marina allows 2' overhand, so effectively we are limited to a boat with a LOA around 37, not 41.

Kenny, We are at Marina del Isle currently.
 
quote:
Originally posted by 32carv

Aren't all marinas amusement parks?
Jim

Click to expand...


Maybe Jim, but ours is literally attached to Cedar Point Amusement Park that has more roller coasters than any other park in the world!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top