Grady Adventure (1996) freshwater tank location

[imjus4u2nv]

I just purchased a 1996 Grady Adventure (and just sold my 1981 Grady Sportsman 195- great boat). My adventure doesn't have any washdowns (raw or fresh) and I am hoping to add both eventually but working on freshwater first (if have saltwater recommendations I am eager to learn).

For the freshwater washdown - where would the tank be located (this does not have one and hoping to add it). I saw another thread on this site but no clear indication of where it was. Any help or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

A few other questions if someone knows the answers:
Can I fit speakers in the access panels on the fish boxes that face aft? I am thinking of just going with box speakers under the gunwale (seems to make most sense as far as protection and already enclosed for best sound - not looking for something crazy just basic music that will not require an amp). I am considering this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0752 ... PDKIKX0DER
I only have two gauges and they are dead center, thinking of getting new piece of starboard and reconfiguring.

Trim tabs - I am on a budget, what size trim tabs should I aim for. I was thinking of getting the ones that auto adjust on their own - should i save up and get the adjustable ones with the switch (I know bennet are OEM but they are very pricey, any other suggestions). Was thinking of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L4 ... 9T8PL5PE1U
Are they big enough? I am handy but idea of drilling holes in my new/old boat is daunting. Is this as straight forward as it seems? My old grady started rotting, and would hate to take my near perfect hull and start it on the same path.

Thanks for the help, cant wait to get these projects up and running and to post the results/install process.
Best,
J

 

[seasick]

I just purchased a 1996 Grady Adventure (and just sold my 1981 Grady Sportsman 195- great boat). My adventure doesn't have any washdowns (raw or fresh) and I am hoping to add both eventually but working on freshwater first (if have saltwater recommendations I am eager to learn).

For the freshwater washdown - where would the tank be located (this does not have one and hoping to add it). I saw another thread on this site but no clear indication of where it was. Any help or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

A few other questions if someone knows the answers:
Can I fit speakers in the access panels on the fish boxes that face aft? I am thinking of just going with box speakers under the gunwale (seems to make most sense as far as protection and already enclosed for best sound - not looking for something crazy just basic music that will not require an amp). I am considering this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0752 ... PDKIKX0DER
I only have two gauges and they are dead center, thinking of getting new piece of starboard and reconfiguring.

Trim tabs - I am on a budget, what size trim tabs should I aim for. I was thinking of getting the ones that auto adjust on their own - should i save up and get the adjustable ones with the switch (I know bennet are OEM but they are very pricey, any other suggestions). Was thinking of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L4 ... 9T8PL5PE1U
Are they big enough? I am handy but idea of drilling holes in my new/old boat is daunting. Is this as straight forward as it seems? My old grady started rotting, and would hate to take my near perfect hull and start it on the same path.

Thanks for the help, cant wait to get these projects up and running and to post the results/install process.
Best,
J

On my 2001, the fresh water tank is located under the deck in the center right in front of the transom well lip. There is a rectangular panel that is caulked in over the tank.

The speaker issue depends on the mounting depth of the speaker. There isn't a lot of room between the outer glass and the inner glass. You can get an idea by removing the gear storage box under the seat post and feeling around.

Re tabs; If you are taking about the ones that 'self' adjust' and you have no control, I would not go that route.
Although Bennets are the OEM solution, they are more difficult to install in that hull. The pump unit should be mounter forward in the cabin starboard ocker. That means longer hydraulic tubing, longer and larger gauge cabling. Consider electric tabs like the Lenco's. I prefer Bennets but the Lenco install will be a much smaller job.

As to size, look up the sizing chart on either Lenco or Bennet site. Don't forget that if you have a swim ladder platform, you need to measure the available clearance to fit the actuator. There are models with shorter actuators if needed. ( I think the smallest size recommended for standard tabs is 12 by 9 inches for that size hull). As I have been reminded recently, I could be wrong about that size

 

[imjus4u2nv]

Thanks for the response - I am still having a hard time locating the water tank (possibly different for a 1996).

Is it located under the hatch where the gas tank is?

Looking into Lendo's/Bennett trim tabs and will do more research before deciding but appreciate all the info - thank you!

 

[DennisG01]

Your owner's manual (available on GW's site) should tell you the location of the optional fresh water tank. Look in there. However, since you are going to add it yourself, you can put it wherever you want to. There's no reason it HAS to be where Grady put it - put it wherever it's most convenient for you.

The Smart Tabs (or Bennett's version) do work well and will work on your size boat. But they will not be as effective as a true system where you can control it. Ideally, you want to go with with something a little bigger than what you listed... but what you listed will still have an effect. Span is more useful than chord.

 

[seasick]

Just to be clear; If the boat didn't have that option, it doesn't have the tank. It will have the space for it though. Do you see a caulked in panel on the deck that is about 28 inches by 16 inches ( all guesses by the way). If so, the tank goes into that space at least for the 2001 hull. Since the 2001 hull does NOT have a removable floor panel for the gas tank and apparently your 99 does, perhaps the water tank space is accessed by removing the gas tank panel

 

[imjus4u2nv]

The only access panel I have is for the has tank, which is approx 48 x24 (maybe longer). I checked the manual but do not see information listed for freshwater so possibly not an option. I want to redo the caulking on the access panel at some point so when I pull that cover will report back.
Of there is a void from the factory I figured it would be easiest to use that space. and easiest to located a tank that fits. The only other option I can think of is a custom tank in the cabin under the starboard cushion, or possibly I'm the area to the left or right of the steering wheel/chairs - will need to poke around to see available space (but also need to figure out a space that I can fabricate or find a tank to fit.
What is standard capacity for freshwater kn your boats? I am thinking 10 gallons would prob serve for my purposes even if need to fill each trip but uncertain.

Good to know about the smarttabs, figure some putting holes in the boat is bad enough, that if I do it will do not right with either bennetts or lenco. Of anyone has lencos or Bennetts what size are you running?

 

[DennisG01]

Here... I did your homework for you... In section 6 of your manual there's a subsection labelled, of all things, "Fresh Water System". It shows it behind the gas tank.

Some boats have bags, instead of tanks. Just a thought.

Tabs... 12x12 or 12x9 (with the first number being the span) is pretty much typical for small boats. But if you have room to increase the span, do it. I had 12x12 (hydraulic) on my 28' Sea Ray and even that 12x12 had a dramatic effect.

 

[imjus4u2nv]

I looked in the manual too, but somehow skipped section 6 (looked at previous section on gas tank with no luck) - as you mentioned it is behind the gas tank and is ten gallons (see p.51 of 53 of the pdf manual).
I will look into bags/tanks and let you all know what I end up doing - now that I have the location I will pull the deck and work on sizing up parts etc.

Looking at the 12x12 tabs for sure then and will report back on that eventually (not until this winter will I take that project on).

THanks so much!