This week’s blog is on the history of Trojan Yachts, known for their various Express and Convertible models. The company was founded in 1949 after James McQueen (a World War II fighter pilot) and Harper Hull (a University of Michigan naval architecture graduate) jointly purchased Cottrell-Spoore Boatworks in New York. The company grew swiftly, and production expanded to facilities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and even Canada. Their rise was a result of their yachts’ sleek, daring lines, elegant mahogany construction, and attractive price points. In a yachting landscape dominated by Chris-Craft and the Owens Yacht Company, Trojan managed to make its name by being more efficient, more innovative, and by simply making better boats than its competitors.
However, Trojan might be most famous for the regular appearance of its 33 foot Express Cruiser on the TV show Sea Hunt. Lloyd Bridges (portraying Mike Nelson) enjoyed working on the vessel so much that he ended up buying one for his personal use as well.
While Trojan is now owned under the Carver Boat Corporation umbrella, many of its well-designed yachts can still be found on the market, including a 37-foot, fiberglass hulled Express here on Infinity Yachts own webstore. If you’re interested in a timeless design and sturdy construction, Trojan is a good bet. Next week we’ll discuss the Taiwanese maker Ocean Alexander, a classic mega-yacht builder.
