Hi, I just bought an older 1982 Grady 241 that has 2 tanks. I looked into the floor plates and I see the tanks, but I see no valve to switch to Aux Tank. There is no switch on the dash either. How do you turn on/off the Aux tank? Also, when you are at the gas pump does it automatically fill up the Aux tank at the same time? Thanks for any reply.
Dual Fuel Tank Question
- Thread starter Captain Blood
- Start date
Legend
GreatGrady Captain
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2006
- Messages
- 1,462
- Reaction score
- 201
- Points
- 63
- Location
- Southern New England
- Model
- Sailfish
Captain - check out this article on the 241. The original boat came with a 93 gallon fuel tank. Sounds like the previous owner replaced the single tank with two small ones. Can you see if they are connected to each other. My guess is they could not find a 93 and just put 2 stock tanks in the place and tied them together with a fuel hose? That would ne the only answer if there is only one fuel tank fill
Grady-White boats was founded in 1958 by partners Glen Grady and Don White, who owned the company until current owner Eddie Smith Jr. bought it in 1968. Firmly rooted in the rugged Carolina tradition of offshore fishing, this company's boats have earned a reputation among coastal fishermen as well built, durable, well suited to their task and, dare we say it, a little bit pricey. And though used Grady-White Offshore 24 models are among the highest priced boats of this size and type, they remain in high demand. They're great for bays and coasts, providing minimal accommodations without sacrificing their true mission in life, which is fishing.
Related Results
Alien fish: it walks, it stalks - Boat US Reports
The Offshore 24 series includes four models, first introduced in 1979 and remaining in production until 1991. The models varied only in propulsion options rather than in any significant design modifications. The first was the Offshore 240, a cutaway transom outboard model. In 1984, the company added the Offshore 241, a stern-drive model, along with the Offshore 242, a solid transom model powered by single or twin OMC Seadrive units. After Seadrives were discontinued, this model became the Offshore 242G, the same solid-transom configuration with a fixed outboard bracket. All models shared the same walkaround cuddy cabin accommodation plan.
By today's standards, Grady-White construction methods are not considered hightech, but their boats are built with aboveaverage fit and finish. The hulls and decks are built with hand-laid layers of fiberglass cloth for a uniform structure with high strength and durability.
The boat consists of three main components: the hull, an inner liner and the deck mold. The hull is longitudinally strengthened by plywood stringers encased in fiberglass. The liner is a cored composite (plywood core in some areas, balsa in others) and is bonded to the hull and longitudinal stringers with fiberglass tabbing.
The deck, also a plywood or balsa cored composite, is attached to the hull in a shoebox fashion with stainless steel screws. A 93gallon welded aluminum fuel tank is installed beneath the cockpit deck.
As Offshore 24s age and are used -- and sometimes abused -- there are several problems that crop up. The most common involves the center section of the cockpit installed over the fuel tank. Plastic inspection ports were not adequately sealed where they pass through the core and the screws have not been sufficiently bedded; water enters and destroys the core. This problem is often not detected until the deck is soft underfoot and the section must be removed and rebuilt.
Secondly, several Offshore 24 models have suffered failures where the longitudinal and athwartship supports attach below the V-berth, and where the longitudinal stringers meet the transom. In most cases this occurs on boats that have been beaten up in extreme conditions. If it's caught before there's any structural damage to the hull, the repairs are not difficult or terribly expensive but are best left to an experienced repairer.
Potentially the most serious problem to anticipate on these models is a corroded fuel tank. The welded aluminum tanks are installed on centerline in the bilge below the cockpit. Although the tanks are raised slightly off the bottom, it's nearly impossible to keep the area entirely dry, and eventually these tanks will fail. The good news is that Grady-White allows access for replacement without having to cut away the cockpit deck. Still, a tank replacement is likely to cost over $1,000. For safety's sake, it's best to take a good sniff in this area on older models before heading out.
The Offshore 24 is what is commonly referred to as walkaround, differing from the pure center console by providing minimal below-decks accommodations. This compromises some fishability, but it's not much of a sacrifice. The cockpit is unobstructed and provides sufficient space for two fishermen to move about without getting in each other's way. Built-in rod racks are on each side of the cockpit, plus two insulated fish boxes and a live baitwell.
The helm is forward to starboard and has a single pedestal helm seat mounted atop a tackle locker. The console forward of the helm is short on convenient places to mount electronic navigation gadgets and fishfinders.
Accommodations below are the bare minimum, to say the least, but anything more on a boat this style would seriously impinge on its purpose as a fishing boat. A single Vberth snugly sleeps two adults. Storage is beneath the berth cushions, and an optional portable toilet fits along the companionway.
Grady-White has always preferred powering its boats with outboards, although the Offshore 241 model was offered with gas and diesel engine options. With a single 200 hp outboard, about the smallest engine I would recommend, performance is marginal with a full load of fuel and four adults. The 225-hp Yamaha was a popular choice for years and engines in this range can cruise at 22-25 mph with top speed of over 30 mph when not overloaded. Twin outboards of 115 to 150 hp each are a good choice.
Grady-White boats was founded in 1958 by partners Glen Grady and Don White, who owned the company until current owner Eddie Smith Jr. bought it in 1968. Firmly rooted in the rugged Carolina tradition of offshore fishing, this company's boats have earned a reputation among coastal fishermen as well built, durable, well suited to their task and, dare we say it, a little bit pricey. And though used Grady-White Offshore 24 models are among the highest priced boats of this size and type, they remain in high demand. They're great for bays and coasts, providing minimal accommodations without sacrificing their true mission in life, which is fishing.
Related Results
Alien fish: it walks, it stalks - Boat US Reports
The Offshore 24 series includes four models, first introduced in 1979 and remaining in production until 1991. The models varied only in propulsion options rather than in any significant design modifications. The first was the Offshore 240, a cutaway transom outboard model. In 1984, the company added the Offshore 241, a stern-drive model, along with the Offshore 242, a solid transom model powered by single or twin OMC Seadrive units. After Seadrives were discontinued, this model became the Offshore 242G, the same solid-transom configuration with a fixed outboard bracket. All models shared the same walkaround cuddy cabin accommodation plan.
By today's standards, Grady-White construction methods are not considered hightech, but their boats are built with aboveaverage fit and finish. The hulls and decks are built with hand-laid layers of fiberglass cloth for a uniform structure with high strength and durability.
The boat consists of three main components: the hull, an inner liner and the deck mold. The hull is longitudinally strengthened by plywood stringers encased in fiberglass. The liner is a cored composite (plywood core in some areas, balsa in others) and is bonded to the hull and longitudinal stringers with fiberglass tabbing.
The deck, also a plywood or balsa cored composite, is attached to the hull in a shoebox fashion with stainless steel screws. A 93gallon welded aluminum fuel tank is installed beneath the cockpit deck.
As Offshore 24s age and are used -- and sometimes abused -- there are several problems that crop up. The most common involves the center section of the cockpit installed over the fuel tank. Plastic inspection ports were not adequately sealed where they pass through the core and the screws have not been sufficiently bedded; water enters and destroys the core. This problem is often not detected until the deck is soft underfoot and the section must be removed and rebuilt.
Secondly, several Offshore 24 models have suffered failures where the longitudinal and athwartship supports attach below the V-berth, and where the longitudinal stringers meet the transom. In most cases this occurs on boats that have been beaten up in extreme conditions. If it's caught before there's any structural damage to the hull, the repairs are not difficult or terribly expensive but are best left to an experienced repairer.
Potentially the most serious problem to anticipate on these models is a corroded fuel tank. The welded aluminum tanks are installed on centerline in the bilge below the cockpit. Although the tanks are raised slightly off the bottom, it's nearly impossible to keep the area entirely dry, and eventually these tanks will fail. The good news is that Grady-White allows access for replacement without having to cut away the cockpit deck. Still, a tank replacement is likely to cost over $1,000. For safety's sake, it's best to take a good sniff in this area on older models before heading out.
The Offshore 24 is what is commonly referred to as walkaround, differing from the pure center console by providing minimal below-decks accommodations. This compromises some fishability, but it's not much of a sacrifice. The cockpit is unobstructed and provides sufficient space for two fishermen to move about without getting in each other's way. Built-in rod racks are on each side of the cockpit, plus two insulated fish boxes and a live baitwell.
The helm is forward to starboard and has a single pedestal helm seat mounted atop a tackle locker. The console forward of the helm is short on convenient places to mount electronic navigation gadgets and fishfinders.
Accommodations below are the bare minimum, to say the least, but anything more on a boat this style would seriously impinge on its purpose as a fishing boat. A single Vberth snugly sleeps two adults. Storage is beneath the berth cushions, and an optional portable toilet fits along the companionway.
Grady-White has always preferred powering its boats with outboards, although the Offshore 241 model was offered with gas and diesel engine options. With a single 200 hp outboard, about the smallest engine I would recommend, performance is marginal with a full load of fuel and four adults. The 225-hp Yamaha was a popular choice for years and engines in this range can cruise at 22-25 mph with top speed of over 30 mph when not overloaded. Twin outboards of 115 to 150 hp each are a good choice.
Thanks, I think they are connect together then. I may just see if I can install a shutoff valve between the tanks somehow so that I will never run out of gas for not paying attention if it is not too difficult.
I just replaced all the deck plates, which like the article said were deteriorated pretty bad. I put down a good layer of silicone and set the plates where they should be and then drilled new holes for them.
I am having a new 350 Chevy truck engine put in it with 4 bolt mains. It is a brand new crate engine from GM and it comes with new heads and all the tin that goes with it. The cost for the entire engine with shipping was only $1,700 and I thought that was super. I found a local marina to install the engine for $750. So overall repowering it I find was not that bad. If anyone needs a new 350, here is the link to the engine. http://www.jegs.com/p/GM+Performance/75 ... 2/-1/10763 Also I am replacing the old points and condenser ignition with a brand new HEI ignition system.
All the stringers look good and solid and the floor is very sound. When I get through with it I think it will look and run very much like a new Grady as the lines are classic.
I just replaced all the deck plates, which like the article said were deteriorated pretty bad. I put down a good layer of silicone and set the plates where they should be and then drilled new holes for them.
I am having a new 350 Chevy truck engine put in it with 4 bolt mains. It is a brand new crate engine from GM and it comes with new heads and all the tin that goes with it. The cost for the entire engine with shipping was only $1,700 and I thought that was super. I found a local marina to install the engine for $750. So overall repowering it I find was not that bad. If anyone needs a new 350, here is the link to the engine. http://www.jegs.com/p/GM+Performance/75 ... 2/-1/10763 Also I am replacing the old points and condenser ignition with a brand new HEI ignition system.
All the stringers look good and solid and the floor is very sound. When I get through with it I think it will look and run very much like a new Grady as the lines are classic.
I had an 85 Offshore with dual tanks. There was a 3 way fuel valve that was mounted near the transom, on the port side. Remove the seat lid to access it. One direction feeds from the main tank, the other direction feeds from the aux. tank. There is no seperate off selection for either tank but, I think if you place the valve in the middle, it will stop fuel flow from either tank, (not 100% sure).
On mine, the fuel fill for both tanks was on the starboard side gunnel. The forward fill was for the auxillary tank and the rear fill was the main tank.
You should also have a 2 position switch on your dash for reading fuel level in each tank. "Up" should be main tank, "down" is auxillary.
On mine, the fuel fill for both tanks was on the starboard side gunnel. The forward fill was for the auxillary tank and the rear fill was the main tank.
You should also have a 2 position switch on your dash for reading fuel level in each tank. "Up" should be main tank, "down" is auxillary.
Captain Blood said:
I'm no inboard or i/o expert, but from what I understand, it's not a good idea to use a car or truck engine on a boat. Inboard or i/o boat engines are "marinized". The internal cooling surfaces are treated for anti-corrosion, (phosphated, I think). If you have freshwater cooling, you might be able to get away with it. The freeze out plugs are different too. Make sure you use the same type of alternator too, it is "spark arrested", as is the air cleaner, (silencer). I'm sure there's more, but that's all I can think of right now.
I asked that question about the suitability of a truck engine. The mechanic said that he just needs to make a couple of modifications. This is total fresh water use, so that is pretty much like running a car with no antifreeze.
catch22 said:
There is only 1 fuel gauge and 1 fuel fill port. I guess I just have 1 big tank then. :?:
Captain Blood said:
Yea, sounds like one tank. I didn't know it was an i/o in my first reply. 2 inspection plates, the front one should show fill and vent lines. The rear one should show pick up line and fuel level sending unit.
81 catalog, (no 82) says the 241 was available with an optional 55 gal aux tank. http://www.gradywhite.com/customer/cata ... s/1981.pdf