1988 Grady 232 Fuel Tanks

[tcontic]

I'm looking at a 1988 Grady 232 powered with a pair of 2006 Johnson 150's. In general the boat appears to be in great shape.

Owner states the fuels tanks (main and aux) are original.

At 22 years old are these tanks in need of replacing? Is a complete tear up of the deck required to do this? Estimated cost?

Thank you,
Tom

 

[Workdog]

I've got an '89, and when I had to replace a fill hose several years ago I pulled the main tank to give it a look see. I had to sawzall about a half inch around the opening (after I pulled the panel directly over the tank). I mostly emptied the tank of fuel, then putting straps under both ends of the tank and the help of a couple people, we lifted the tank up and pulled it out of the boat. There was some pitting under where the rubber strips were, so I degreased and cleaned the tank up and layed two layers of fiberglass and epoxy on the whole tank and put 'er back in the hole to use again. If you want to replace the tank, you shouldn't have much problem.

 

[slow ride]

I've got a 91 dolphin and I'm ready to recore the fuel cap at that time I will pull the tank and do an inspection if there is to much pitting I will replace. I have heard you can get them repaired but have my doubts about that

 

[Pez Vela]

You may appreciate what lies ahead by checking this old thread.
http://www.greatgrady.com/forum/viewtop ... sc&start=0
The tanks "need" to be replaced when they start leaking. From a preventative maintenance point of view, they're definitely due to be changed out. Some "disassembly" is required to R&R the tanks. The fuel fill and vent lines may be tough to access and could pose the biggest problem, as they were in my case. I paid $4,000 for the R&R of two old tanks in a '87 Sailfish, and if you had seen how many hours two professional fabricators took to deal with the fuel lines, you'd say I got a bargain. The cost of a new tank or tanks is just the beginning.