Oldest 232 Gulfstream owner with original fuel tanks ?

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Bmarlin22

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Hi all. Looking to purchase a 1997 232 Gulfstream powered with a 2007 Yammi 250. Supposedly the boat is an original owner boat that has been dry stacked inside since new. The boat does not looked like it has been abused but is showing normal wear and tear for that age. My biggest concerns are the fuel tanks. I opened all of the access ports and did not get any smell of gasoline. The top of the tanks looked ok with normal corrosion especially around the fittings. The hoses looked bad but no show of failure. I know I could get the tanks pressure tested but have heard the pros and cons of that. I will be using the boat for light cruising and inshore fishing. My question is who has the oldest 232 Gulfstream on the forum with original fuel tanks? The boat I am looking at is 28 years old. Would it be possible to get a few more years use out of the boat without any tank problems. I know this is a tough question but wanted to ask anyway. Thank you in advance.
 
No one can really naswer your question. Your tanks are your tanks. They lived their own life. The Grady Model doesn't matter. The fact that its a Grady doesnt matter.
What someone elses boat did doesnt matter.
There have been many aluminum tanks that failed in 20 years.
You look at them as best you can and go until you have a leak or you can replace them before they leak.
 
Without seeing any actual pictures of the tanks or anything else on the boat in general... what I would do if you buy the boat is to replace the things that are in bad shape, like the fuel lines or anything else that can be easily fixed. You could likely run it that way for at least a couple seasons, then check the tanks for the smell of gasoline every season and run them that way until you do. When you start to smell gasoline, then replace the tanks. I think the other option, and the one that I'd likely go with instead, is to look at other newer boats. I believe I found the boat you're referring to and it's priced at just under $30k? Is there any particular reason why you're looking solely at that boat? There's 16 Grady White 232 Gulfstream's for sale on Boat Trader up to the year 2012 and most of the early 2000's models are in the low to mid $30k's range. I personally always try to find as new of a boat as I can, and would if I were in your shoes I'd look at something a bit newer, possibly one with twin motors if you want them, a trailer and so forth that's likely going to be the same or a similar price to the one you're looking at. Just my thoughts on the matter of course, good luck with whatever you decide on doing.
 
Like Skunk said, depends on the rig. I've got original tanks in both my Grady's. 1998 and 1993. No issues, but that could change tomorrow.
 
SkunkBoat said:
No one can really naswer your question. Your tanks are your tanks. They lived their own life. The Grady Model doesn't matter. The fact that its a Grady doesnt matter.
What someone elses boat did doesnt matter.
There have been many aluminum tanks that failed in 20 years.
You look at them as best you can and go until you have a leak or you can replace them before they leak.
Click to expand...
20 years is a reasonable life expectancy for fuel tank. You need to plan accordingly and be prepared to replace them. I did mine two years ago. Search Islander Fuel tank replacement Hookup1.
 
Thank you all for the replies. It’s about what I expected. I think the boat could be cleaned up and used a few years which is what I would be looking to do. Pretty sure the motor is good to go, but would confirm that. Also would get the hull surveyed for moisture. In my mind that leaves the fuel tank as the big $$$ possible cost. I usually don’t keep boats over 3-4 years so I guess it would be a gamble. I owned a Gulfstream about 15 years ago and it’s a great boat. Thanks again and I’ll add back to this post if things work out.
 
I’m replacing the tanks on my 05 marlin. Had a few holes in the top of the main tank. Aux looked ok but I decided to do both anyway. Keep in mind new tanks are about $15/per gallon give or take.
 
The tank either leaks or it doesn't:) No smell is a good sign but even if it doesn't leak, there is no easy way to determine how much life it may have.
I would a bit concerned about possible exhaust stack corrosion. Make sure you get the exhaust inspected.
 
seasick said:
The tank either leaks or it doesn't:) No smell is a good sign but even if it doesn't leak, there is no easy way to determine how much life it may have.
I would a bit concerned about possible exhaust stack corrosion. Make sure you get the exhaust inspected.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the advice. Will definitely drop the lower unit and inspect the exhaust stack if I put in an offer.
 
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