265X fuel tank replacement

[Diad]

Has anyone replaced the tanks on their 265 Express? I need to do this ASAP on my 2003. My 265 fuel sender thread has some details but figu that I should start a fresh one. I’ll try to document to help the next guy out. Looking for tips, tricks, traps, and any advice or instruction.

thanks!,

 

[Diad]

265 Fuel sender

Hi, Does it matter what fuel sender that i buy to replace what i have in a 2003 265 X? I just filled up the main tank until it almost overflowed and the gauge is blinking one bar. The aux tank is showing 4 bars but i have no way to confirm that this is accurate. When i tap on the main tank...

www.greatgrady.com

If you could go to the last couple of threads on page 2, you’ll see my enormous problem

 

[Hookup1]

SkunkBoat can certainly tell how difficult the tanks will be to remove. On my 268 Islander the aft aux tank is easy-it lifts out. The forward main tank is difficult. Two bulkheads have to be cut out and the step notched.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Good, at least you are not in the water. Sounded like you were because your were running to burn off gas.

There is a procedure for pressure testing to find a leak. You can do that to verify. Google it because I can't tell you every step.

Pretty much its a boatyard job. I did a 60 gallon tank on a 20 ft myself. I can't imagine pulling these in my driveway on a trailer.
It doesn't look complicated but they are 120 and 130 gallon tanks

The forklift at a marina is the right piece of equipment. You'll have to talk to them about what they'll do and what they'll charge.

 

[drbatts]

I have done and helped with a couple of tank replacements. all of them under 100gallons and rectangular. With a couple guys were were able to easily lift them out. The bigger square tanks on the gradys maybe more difficult. I would plan on replacing both tanks while you have everything taken apart.

 

[Diad]

Yeah, I think that I’m going to have someone else do this. Definitely doing both tanks. One quote came back at ~10k. I was not expecting this! $22 per gallon on the tanks plus labor. Hopefull, some of the others are less.

 

[Saltyone]

Yeah, I think that I’m going to have someone else do this. Definitely doing both tanks. One quote came back at ~10k. I was not expecting this! $22 per gallon on the tanks plus labor. Hopefull, some of the others are less.

Is the 10k parts and labor, or just for the tanks

 

[Diad]

Is the 10k parts and labor, or just for the tanks

Total. Tanks $2600 for one and $2800 for the other.

 

[Saltyone]

Havent done business with this company, but I remember seeing them pop up for fuel tanks when I was researching these boat.

Grady-White 265 Express 2001 OEM Replacement Tandem Fuel Tank Combo Kit (119 + 128 gal.)

IMPORTANT NOTE: The base price is for local pickup in our SW Miami Shop. Check options above for crating and shipping to the contiguous 48 States. All tanks are made to order and the fabrication lead time is 2 workweeks. The finished tank pickup window is also 2 workweeks, so make sure you will...

weldingworldinc.com

 

[Ekea]

are you leaving them bare, or coating them with something like coal tar epoxy?

also, where are you doing it?

 

[Diad]

I don’t know. Composite yacht is doing it for me. I suspect that they will do what ever they do on their new builds.

are you leaving them bare, or coating them with something like coal tar epoxy?

also, where are you doing it

 

[Ekea]

thanks. let us know how it goes and any mid progress pics would be great if they let you in there

 

[Diad]

Well the tanks are in. Not much in the way of pictures but here’s a few. The sea trial/leak test found that the motors would only get to about 4500rpm’s. No leaks though! every filter has been changed on the motors so the injectors were pulled and sent out for cleaning. Hope to have them back next week. summer is almost over and I only have about an hour on this boat. Probably 100 hours of doing work on it. if I ever sell this boat, you Want to be the buyer. Oh yeah, replaced all bearings, hubs, rotors, and brakes on the trailer while in the shop.
come on fall fishing on the Chesapeake!

 

[Saltyone]

Did they put any coating on the new tanks, or just put in as bare aluminum?

 

[Diad]

Did they put any coating on the new tanks, or just put in as bare aluminum?

I’m not sure. I’ll take a look next week when I, hopefully, get her back