Bend in keel, should I buy?

[goldencrater]

To any knowledgeable boaters out there. I'm thinking of buying a '69 Trojan F28. I just noticed there is a 'warp' in the keel, just in front of where the engine is. The brokerage placed her on blocks, and it might be from too much weight, or the other blocks sinking an inch or so. It's been out of the water for about 2 years. The bend is upward, about 1/2" and spans about 6'. You can see the hull is a little disformed. Should I walk away from the sale? I can send an email with a photo. My family always had a boat, but this will be the first of 'my own' <br /><br />thanks! <br />-jim

 

[CCrew]

Re: Bend in keel, should I buy?

I'd pass on it personally... Anything that visible may be an indicator of more serious problems. Have you had a survey done?<br /><br />-Roger

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Bend in keel, should I buy?

Yeah - pass.<br /><br />Avoid any problem you can. You're welcome to check my homepage for a free Quicksilver booklet on props and hulls. Page 31 is about your problem which, in short, will make the boat handle weird at higher speeds and tend to push the bow down. This again means too much of the hull in the water and excessive drag when you want to go 'fast'.<br /><br />BTW it would be a hard job to fix it properly.

 

[MurdockJr]

Re: Bend in keel, should I buy?

Run like hell. That boat will never perform properly and is probably unsafe. Just my opinion.

 

[DJ]

Re: Bend in keel, should I buy?

Run, you have a classic "hook" in the hull. Only MAJOR repairs will fix it.

 

[goldencrater]

Re: Bend in keel, should I buy?

Yikes! OK. Thanks.<br /><br />I was hoping with a wood hull and the hook being fairly forward that it might return if I managed to release the pressure from the support under that point in the keel and let her sit the winter.<br /><br />I'll continue looking around for a different vessel.<br /><br />Cheers!<br />-jim

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Bend in keel, should I buy?

jim k, wise dissision my friend. If you only knew the trouble you are saving yourself.<br />Keep looking, as this is a good time of year to look, you will find your boat eventually.......

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Bend in keel, should I buy?

"You all" got some great advice, take it and run like mad!!!!!!!! <br /><br />LubeDude