New Marlin Owner

N

Nediver

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Aug 16, 2026
Messages
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Age
47
Model
Marlin
Hi all,

New owner here of an older 94 Grady Marlin. First boat for me so steep learning curve and lots of projects but I could not be happier. Looking forward to learning more from you all.
 
congrats. post some pictures when you can
 
Hi All,

I have a pretty long punch list going at the moment. Here are a few of the most pressing issues and I would love some input.

1) My helm windows are leaking at the corners. It looks like the rubber seals have shrunk over time. I was planning to use black silicone?

2) My fresh water tank leaks or my lines are leaking but I've lost the entire tank each time I go out. Would plumbing dye help to diagnose?

3) One of my wipers does work. I can see the the gear box in cabin and I have a Fluke Multimeter but have not troubleshot it yet. I assume if its getting power I will need to replace the part - where would be best place to source this?

4) My Graco Marine head only works by hand pump. Again I have not put a multimeter to it yet, but one time (oddly only once) the breaker tripped when I held the flush button down for sometime. If its wiring I am comfortable fixing. If I need to take apart the motor I am not sure what I am looking for?

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Nediver said:
1) My helm windows are leaking at the corners. It looks like the rubber seals have shrunk over time. I was planning to use black silicone?

2) My fresh water tank leaks or my lines are leaking but I've lost the entire tank each time I go out. Would plumbing dye help to diagnose?

3) One of my wipers does work. I can see the the gear box in cabin and I have a Fluke Multimeter but have not troubleshot it yet. I assume if its getting power I will need to replace the part - where would be best place to source this?

4) My Graco Marine head only works by hand pump. Again I have not put a multimeter to it yet, but one time (oddly only once) the breaker tripped when I held the flush button down for sometime. If its wiring I am comfortable fixing. If I need to take apart the motor I am not sure what I am looking for?
Click to expand...
Had to replace my exterior screw covers and window seals on my Grady because of shrinkage. Look up Steele Rubber Products (STEELRUBBER.COM). They sent me a sample bag of various seals which was a huge plus - so many seals look alike in pictures.

Re water tank? Does it only leak under pressure with the pump running constantly? Or does it leak all the time regardless of being under pressure or off? Under pressure- the leak is on the pressure side of the pump. Check the pex connectors at the elbows and Ts, the water line valves to the ice maker, sinks, wash down hoses, windshield washer solenoids ( if equipped) , etc the connectors are the most likely culprit while under pressure. If it leaks even sitting then it’s between the tank and the pump. Check connectors on the pex and the tank seals. Do you winterize the water system? Ice will cause the pex connector seals to fail.

Wipers motors are an easy replacement. Pull the cover off the wiper to get the model number. Grady uses MarincoAFI. Go to west marine, defender marine, Hodges marine or wholesale marine and they will get you one quickly.

Marine head - most likely the motor needs to be replaced. The motor looks like it was painted to hide corrosion/rust.
 
Thank you. Not sure on the tank. I’m going to find out but I suspect it leaks even when not on pressure as I’ve filled it gone fishing and went to turn it on and everything is gone.
 
Welcome...location?
  1. Windows: don't start caulking them up until you have tried to replaced the seals, as suggested above. If/when you resort to caulking; making tape is your friend. Ditto for plastic razor blades
  2. Water tank: fill it and then check the bilge; the water has to be going somewhere -- FWIW: a cheap scope is a good investment to help troubleshoot things on the boat
  3. Wiper motor(s): replace as suggest above
  4. Head: remove the motor and try running it without any load and see what happens -- go from there
General recommendations:
  • Take your time when fixing things and do it right the first time. Try to make it factory correct.
  • Use quality products meant for marine use (esp. electrical).
  • Begin to build a supply of repair/service products (Marine-Tex, resin packets, stainless screws, electrical connectors, etc.). Keep it well organized, so you aren't constantly having to buy supplies you alread have on hand. Saves time and money.
  • Tools: cheap scope, stubby screwdrivers, small torch for heating shrink connectors, right angle drill, etc.
  • When painting things (e.g. the GRACO head levers), it's best (when possible) to remove, disassemble, clean/sand/clean, prime/paint and then reassemble and install.
 
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