Purchasing 1994 Trophy 2302 WA /questions

[cemiiii]

What were the weak points on these boats? I have heard about wood stringer failures as well as soft spots in floors. What should I know before I commit?

Probably needs to be repowered. Has Merc 175, is this the ideal size for general fishing use? Anyone own this model I would be interested in your general thoughts.

Thank you, chris

 

[DJ]

Re: Purchasing 1994 Trophy 2302 WA /questions

What were the weak points on these boats? I have heard about wood stringer failures as well as soft spots in floors. What should I know before I commit?

Probably needs to be repowered. Has Merc 175, is this the ideal size for general fishing use? Anyone own this model I would be interested in your general thoughts.

Thank you, chris

Chris,

The (decks) floors and stringers are of first priority, as you noted. Do not forget the transom.

The engine is a good one. Do the typical checks.

1. Compression.

2. Lower unit lube.

If compression is good and the L/U check out, anything else can be done reasonably.

 

[cemiiii]

Re: Purchasing 1994 Trophy 2302 WA /questions

Tilt is not working and I think it may cost more to fix it than motor's mkt. value. that is why i am assuming repower options.

I have access to a freind's etec 90 which is basically new, under 20 hrs, for under 5k, but I am assuming that would probably be drastic underpowering for the 23?

 

[DJ]

Re: Purchasing 1994 Trophy 2302 WA /questions

I have access to a freind's etec 90 which is basically new, under 20 hrs, for under 5k, but I am assuming that would probably be drastic underpowering for the 23?

That is an understatement. Grossly underpowered comes to mind.

The tilt may not be that expensive to repair/replace. Tilt/trim units show up on ebay all the time.

 

[BoogieMan]

Re: Purchasing 1994 Trophy 2302 WA /questions

My .02 cents I would get the tilt trim working, you should be able to find a used unit or maybe even have that unit fixed for a decent price. I would not repower the boat just because the tilt trim problem.

As for the rot you are concerned about, there are test that you can do to assure that you have no rot. It all depends on how the owner took care of the boat, if he kept it covered etc etc. The boat is 14 years old now so rot is a possibility really either way you look at it boat covered up or not. I say do the "test" for rot, which will most likely be done after you purchase the boat and go from there.

 

[j442w30]

Re: Purchasing 1994 Trophy 2302 WA /questions

What kind of Mercury 175 are you talking about? Optimax, EFI, 4 stroke, year? Why do you think the engine is need in of a repower? Check the compression and lower unit lube like DJ mentioned. The tilt an trim can be fixed but can be expensive because sometimes if you only need one part you have to buy a whole kit which really drives up the price. Whats wrong with the tilit? Does the motor not work when you hit the button or does the engine fall down after you trim it up?

Don't put that 90 hp Etec on it, you will be disappointed.

Good luck, hopefully the boat is sound, the engine stuff is easy compared to replacing stringers or a transom.

 

[cemiiii]

Re: Purchasing 1994 Trophy 2302 WA /questions

eng is the original 94. nothing when you hit the trim button not even a click. owner says it was working 3 weeks ago (last time he visited boat). i know it could just be a contact or the whole works, but....... boat is stored in a salt water marina, in the water without any mooring cover except it's hardtop. has plasic shrouds over all the electronic buttons. tip of ob skeg is in water and has considerable marine growth leading me to be almost certain the boat has not run in months.

we just had the biggest storm in CA in last several years. i lost 1/3 of the shingles off my roof and (2) 30 year old trees. winds over 70 mph. assuming it's still afloat, i'm getting concerned. final inspection on wed. thanks, chris

 

[DJ]

Re: Purchasing 1994 Trophy 2302 WA /questions

eng is the original 94. nothing when you hit the trim button not even a click. owner says it was working 3 weeks ago (last time he visited boat). i know it could just be a contact or the whole works, but....... boat is stored in a salt water marina, in the water without any mooring cover except it's hardtop. has plasic shrouds over all the electronic buttons. tip of ob skeg is in water and has considerable marine growth leading me to be almost certain the boat has not run in months.

we just had the biggest storm in CA in last several years. i lost 1/3 of the shingles off my roof and (2) 30 year old trees. winds over 70 mph. assuming it's still afloat, i'm getting concerned. final inspection on wed. thanks, chris

Chris,

Those til/trim systems are pretty rugged. Connections and electrical issues are far more common than a hydraulic issue.

 

[cemiiii]

Re: Purchasing 1994 Trophy 2302 WA /questions

engine is "Offshore". is it common for the trim pistons to be almost fully submerged. I'm going to try to post an eng. photo to show why I am assuming the worst.

 

[DJ]

Re: Purchasing 1994 Trophy 2302 WA /questions

engine is "Offshore". is it common for the trim pistons to be almost fully submerged. I'm going to try to post an eng. photo to show why I am assuming the worst.

That is more a function of the hull, than the engine. She sits pretty low in the stern. I would be looking for waterlogged foam, in the hull.