42 Classic 1974 vs 1986

[Captain DJ]

Sept 1973. Hull #386.

Actually "Models built before Hull No. 353 in 1973 were constructed of wood; afterward, the semidisplacement hulls were fiberglass". I was aboard the last woodie 42 classic hull 353 and a few years later aboard hull 354, first fg hull.
Didn't want to correct you from my memories, but this quote confirmed my memories were correct.

https://www.yachtworld.com/research/grand-banks-42-classic-gold-standard-traditional-trawler-yachts/

 

[Nepidae]

It's really like anything else, maintenance and attention to details will make a difference regardless what age the boat is.
Just recently an article in 'Soundings' was about a 100yo wood pulled houseboat, 4br.
We have a '86 Albin Sundeck 43 and really have a difficult time thinking of anything that I'd change.
As for GB, understand that they are a wet boat. No flair to the bow allows water over the bow.
Our Albin has a great flair to the bow.
We bought our boat in '10 and so far, knocking on wood and my head, all is well in the ER.
Don't have a genetic didn't need one and when we wanted to spend more time on the hook or wall, we added solar. Haven't heard of too many people who haven't had issues with a genset.
BTW, I thought I wanted a classic version myself then chartered a sundeck. What a great addition to a boat.
Any specific questions drop me a PM.

 

[Hokunani]

My wife and I have been in the market for 42 classic for a while now and have been mostly looking at mid 80's simply because it's the newest we can afford. But I'm curious about the differences if we were to go 10 years older. I know that any boat this old will need thorough inspecting, but I'm trying to get information on changes in design, layout, and common problems.

PS. Regardless of which we end up buying, we know that new fuel tanks and replacing the teak decks with fiberglass are a must.

Hi Luke 2202.
Great questions, right up my alley. Maybe I can put in a thought.
Has anybody experience with another way of dealing with the fuel tanks?
We had in my area a Radiator shop (Cars), they also fixed fuel tanks by putting a bladder inside the tank and stopping any issues like leaks or rust.

 

[jimfrens]

Just curious, what price ranges are you seeing? There’s an 89 model 42 Classic near me for $199,000. With Cummins 6BTA’s.

 

[MarkPaul]

Has anybody experience with another way of dealing with the fuel tanks?
We had in my area a Radiator shop (Cars), they also fixed fuel tanks by putting a bladder inside the tank and stopping any issues like leaks or rust.

It's a good idea, but the larger marine fuel tanks as used in GBs need internal baffles and these don't allow the addition of an internal bladder.

 

[Hokunani]

It's a good idea, but the larger marine fuel tanks as used in GBs need internal baffles and these don't allow the addition of an internal bladder.

there you go, didn't think of that, wouldn't want to have 200 or so G of diesel slosh around down below, thanks

 

[Hokunani]

Just curious, what price ranges are you seeing? There’s an 89 model 42 Classic near me for $199,000. With Cummins 6BTA’s.

Hi jimfrens.
I am so glad I joined this Group of incredible knowledgeable and passionate Waterpeople. That is probably at the upper limit, but like they say, you get what you pay for. I think 42 is somewhere in the middle, speak ideal, of what i should look at. I may have seen it, been scouring websites and reviews for some time. May be still some time before we can make the jump, but thanks for that reply. All the Best.

 

[Caballero II]

There used to be a team based in California that would travel to GBs with ailing fuel tanks. They would cut out the old tanks without any holes in the hull and then install a series of thin tanks stacked up just like pancakes. All this supposedly while not removing the engines.

Do you have any other clues to this info. I'd love to know who this was.

 

[drewc]

There used to be a team based in California that would travel to GBs with ailing fuel tanks. They would cut out the old tanks without any holes in the hull and then install a series of thin tanks stacked up just like pancakes. All this supposedly while not removing the engines.

American Fuel Tanks, La Mesa CA did my 1978 GB36 couple of years ago. Cost about $19K as I recall. Took about 3 days including cut up and removal of old tanks, clean up and paint, then install of 2 tanks/side and manifold + site tube. Nice job overall.