Grand Banks 49 - Fuel Tank longevity or other know issues?

[Wayne.B]

I'm considering the purchase of a 1981 GB49 trawler and have noticed
that some GBs of this vintage have had fuel tanks replaced. Does
anyone know if this is a common issue, or what the average tank
longevity is? I assume some major structural work has to be done to
replace the tanks.

Are there any other known issues with GBs of that vintage?

[Gould 0738]

Post by Wayne.B
I'm considering the purchase of a 1981 GB49 trawler and have noticed
that some GBs of this vintage have had fuel tanks replaced. Does
anyone know if this is a common issue, or what the average tank
longevity is? I assume some major structural work has to be done to
replace the tanks.
Are there any other known issues with GBs of that vintage?

Black iron tanks can rust out.
Less risk if:

1. bottom of tank has some airspace under it. (Is tank supported on corners and
some edge blocks or sitting directly on a floorboard?)

2. Fuel hose enters tank through side, rather than down through top. Prevents
water following the hose from puddling on top of the tank

3. Deck has never leaked over the top of the tank

4. There is no history of any great quantity of water in the fuel separator
(difficult to establish when looking at a used boat)

You will likely have to pull the engine (s) to
replace the tanks.

Teak deck? The usual drill.......make sure water hasn't followed the screws
into the deck coring.

And then look for all the other isms of older
trawlers....less frequently encountered in a GB but still potential issues.

[trawler_kid]

In article <***@4ax.com>, ***@hotmail.com
says...

Post by Wayne.B
I'm considering the purchase of a 1981 GB49 trawler and have noticed
that some GBs of this vintage have had fuel tanks replaced. Does
anyone know if this is a common issue, or what the average tank
longevity is? I assume some major structural work has to be done to
replace the tanks.
Are there any other known issues with GBs of that vintage?

Yes, it is an issue. Salt water can intrude around the fuel tank deck fittings and land on
the top of the tanks and cause corrosion. Replacing the tanks is a huge deal as they need to
be cut up and taken out through the salon sole. Other potential issues are leaking teak decks
and leaking windows with rot possible. The hulls are pretty good but the bottoms need to be
checked for blisters. You will probably need to paint the boat as gelcoat rarely looks great
for more than 20 years. This is expensive but reduces the need for frequent waxing as you
would on gelcoat.

Go to www.oya.com and look at the grand banks forum under maintainence. It's a great source.

Having said all that, the boats are great sea boats, especially a 49 (better if stabilized, of
course). And a joy to cruise or live aboard.

pg
GB 46-220

[Norm Freedman]

Here's a link for all things GB:

http://oxfordyachtagency.com/ubb/

But yes, it is a common issue.

Post by Wayne.B
I'm considering the purchase of a 1981 GB49 trawler and have noticed
that some GBs of this vintage have had fuel tanks replaced. Does
anyone know if this is a common issue, or what the average tank
longevity is? I assume some major structural work has to be done to
replace the tanks.
Are there any other known issues with GBs of that vintage?

[Wayne.B]

Post by Norm Freedman
http://oxfordyachtagency.com/ubb/
But yes, it is a common issue.

================================

Norm and "Trawler Kid",

Thanks for the information, very helpful.

Wayne B