Grand Banks 32

[Swank]

Greetings from the PNW.
Hot and smoky here in Puget Sounds, fires close by.
I'm looking at a GB 32 and will be surveying, this coming Friday.
I've read a lot about fuel tank problems as one of the biggest concerns.
The outside of tanks look fine with a minimal light surface rust that the current owner is rectifying.
If the survey shows bad tanks how difficult is it to replace them?
Will they come out the hatch in the mid cabin? Or do you have to move engine to get them out the forward hatch over engine.
Anything else I should be especially concerned with .
I am aware of deck and windows leaks.
And other issues with a 50 year old boat.
Thanks again for any and all help.
This is my first trawler. I've only had smaller sailboats.
Brian.

 

[Frosty]

How exciting!

From what I have read, it's the top of the tanks that is often the culprit (fuel fills leak, water sits on top of tanks). So try to check that area if you can.

I suppose too that water sitting in a tank can have a deleterious effect, but would guess the top is more usually the problem on the GB (be interesting to see what others say).

One place you could check is American Tank in California. IIRC the fellow's name is Vince, and he basically specializes in replacing GB (and similar) tanks. They will travel to your boat. I think they usually cut up the old tanks (so they come out in pieces) and then go back with two stacked/interconnected tanks on each side (so again, easier to fit).

Since a 32 is always a single, I think that type of replacement could be done with the engine in place.

A generator might be more in the way, but then not all 32's have one (not sure it's a problem anyway).

Post #2 in this thread mentions a replacement by American Tank (on a GB36 with twins, so similarly cramped):

GB36cl fuel tank replacement

Hello, has anyone replaced the 200gal tanks or relined them? And how to remove/install? This is on a 1993 36 with twin screw.

www.trawlerforum.com

 

[Swank]

Yes the tops are usually the rusty spots as the decks leak and water collects on top.
The rust on these tanks was very superficial, and very sparse, but it was there.
No way to tell what the insides look like.
In cold weather country, its very important to keep tanks full so no condensation forms inside. I have no idea what past owners did.
Maybe fuel test at survey will show something?

 

[BruceK]

Try wiggling the fuel filler pipe where it joins the tank to be sure ir is attached as it was made.
You could see inside with a borescope, but if the exterior rust after 50 years is superficial, and there are no signs of leakage down low, you might be ok. Look to see if there is a low drainable sump in the tank, if there is it`s a way to drain any water and grunge, which can be the cause of rust and nasties in the tank.

 

[Comodave]

Is it a glass or wood 32?

 

[Swank]

1978 Glass.
We will try everything mentioned.
Thanks for bathe input.

 

[Comodave]

Glass is good.

 

[joyful]

Greetings from the PNW.
Hot and smoky here in Puget Sounds, fires close by.
I'm looking at a GB 32 and will be surveying, this coming Friday.
I've read a lot about fuel tank problems as one of the biggest concerns.
The outside of tanks look fine with a minimal light surface rust that the current owner is rectifying.
If the survey shows bad tanks how difficult is it to replace them?
Will they come out the hatch in the mid cabin? Or do you have to move engine to get them out the forward hatch over engine.
Anything else I should be especially concerned with .
I am aware of deck and windows leaks.
And other issues with a 50 year old boat.
Thanks again for any and all help.
This is my first trawler. I've only had smaller sailboats.
Brian.

Re: tank removal. Just finished removing the port tank. Had to remove muffler, associated exhaust piping, wood cribing, used 17 diablo 1 inch heavy steel blades. Worked 3 hours per day cutting the tank for 5 days. Biggest challenge is being efficient with the cuts due to extensive baffeling inside the tank. The steel and the construction is of excellent quality.