263 Chase

[eastover]

Hello everyone, I just purchased a 1998 model 263 and had a few questions.

1. The prior owner said the boat has a recirculator or aerator for the baitwell. Where would that pump be located? I don't think it's working.

2. There are two ports inside the baitwell, one at the bottom and the other just a few inches above it. What's their function and if I need plugs, what size?

3. Is the storage compartment in front of the baitwell and under the pilot bench dry storage?

4. I need a transom door. This one is missing.

5. The battery compartment under the rear seat is missing the spring or shock or whatever helps hold the door open. Ideas?

6. Speaking of that compartment, has anyone fabricated a drop-in box to fit in there to add storage?

I'm sure more questions will arise as I get deeper into it.

Thanks in advance for your consideration.

Will

 

[eastover]

Apparently I bought a dinosaur.

 

[family affair]

Apparently I bought a dinosaur.

Na. Most of your questions are very model specific. You'll just need to wait for someone to come along and answer.
I might be able to answer #5. Those struts can be bought from a number of places. You need to determine the closed length and open length. Lastly you need to make a guess as to how much lift force you want. It's been a while since I bought one, but I would think the 15-20 lb range would be in the ballpark.

 

[OceanSun]

#5 - Just bought new gas shocks for the hatch doors on the livewell and the fishbox on my Gulfstream. They were 10" (center of mounting ball to center of mounting ball when compressed) and at 60 lbs force. One of the original shocks was still there albeit with a broken end that grabs the ball. The original was "Ameritool" - Tailor Made are exect knockoffs and available on Amazon. Could not find the 60# shock in the size I needed in stock so ended up buying the 40# shocks and hoping they work as well. I'll have them on the boat this weekend and let you know if they're strong enough. I don't think you'd want to drop down below 40# Nothing like a lid slamming shut on your hand (or head) when it's rough out. Nice strong struts holding it open is a good thing!

 

[OceanSun]

#1 - Go to the Grady White website and download the owners manual for your year/model. Good info all but in the appendix will be plumbing and wiring diagrams laid out on the outline of your boat for all systems and will show where the livewell pump is located. On my Gulfstream, it's in the transom.

#2 - On my boat the bottom hole is a drain and a standpipe screws into it to raise the water level to the top of the standpipe. The other port is the water inlet/circulating jet. Water comes in there, circulates, and drains down the top of the pipe. The pipe clips into a holder on the underside of the livewell lid.

Have fun and be patient. The process of tuning it up, rigging it, repairing it, etc. is making it "yours" and adds to the reward of all those great days on the water you're creating!