New Grady owner ( couple questions)

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DesolateGreg

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Gulfstream
Hello everyone. I am new to the forum. I recently purchased a 97 232 Gulfstream. Its been re powered with a newer Yamaha 300. I've been going through its systems and fixing a lot of little things. Just getting it ready to hit the water. I had a couple questions for you grady experts.

(1) Maybe someone removed it or maybe this boat wasn't optioned with it but I have seen some of these models have a fold up, upper bunk that floats above the V birth. I would love to have this for my kids. Mine is gone but one side of the hinges are there. Any chance anyone wants to sell one? or if you have one in your boat would you maybe be able to send me some photos and basic dimensions of it in case I end up building my own.

(2) On the switch panel there is a switch labeled forward bilge. Does anyone one know if these boats actually had a forward bilge? I havn't been able to locate it

(3) On either side of the transom are small insulated coolers. The lids on my are roached from the sun. Does anyone know is these are sold anywhere? I was going to either screw down some starboard on top of them to cover the damaged gel coat or find someone to repair them but buying new would be best. Rough dimension of them are 13" x 16" and about 7/8" thick


Thank you,
Greg
 
Welcome!

For number 1, you can find some photos of other 232's for sale and find some pics of the folding bed. Others might chime in here that know more about it.
Number 2: Forward bilge. On my 252, in the floor in the cabin is a round popout. The bilge pump and float switch is located in this access port. You have to reach down and feel around to find it. There is also a larger rectangle access hatch than can be removed to make any repairs if needed. I frequently access this popout to test the float switch and listen to make sure bilge is running ok by lifting the float.
Number 3: I saw another post on here where someone had boat outfitters make new Starboard hatches. In my case, I just repaired and re-gelcoated which came out very nice.

Good luck and enjoy!
 
I have a 2016 232. I'm not sure if the bunk is the same but I'd be happy to take some pics or make you a template if it helps. I think it would be pretty easy to build one.
 
ROBERTH said:
Welcome!

For number 1, you can find some photos of other 232's for sale and find some pics of the folding bed. Others might chime in here that know more about it.
Number 2: Forward bilge. On my 252, in the floor in the cabin is a round popout. The bilge pump and float switch is located in this access port. You have to reach down and feel around to find it. There is also a larger rectangle access hatch than can be removed to make any repairs if needed. I frequently access this popout to test the float switch and listen to make sure bilge is running ok by lifting the float.
Number 3: I saw another post on here where someone had boat outfitters make new Starboard hatches. In my case, I just repaired and re-gelcoated which came out very nice.

Good luck and enjoy!
Click to expand...
Awesome thank you
 
GH02050 said:
I have a 2016 232. I'm not sure if the bunk is the same but I'd be happy to take some pics or make you a template if it helps. I think it would be pretty easy to build one.
Click to expand...
That would be super helpful. It doesn't look terribly hard. I was just trying to decide if I should use ply wood and glass it before upholstering it or some type of starboard
Thanks!
 
DesolateGreg said:
(3) On either side of the transom are small insulated coolers. The lids on my are roached from the sun. Does anyone know is these are sold anywhere? I was going to either screw down some starboard on top of them to cover the damaged gel coat or find someone to repair them but buying new would be best. Rough dimension of them are 13" x 16" and about 7/8" thick


Thank you,
Greg
Click to expand...
Hatches and hardtops on older GW's are problematic. You won't fine a replacement in any better shape. Repair is best especially for the edge chipping. Starboard is OK for the top.
 
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