Purchasing 2000 GB Europa 42 - advice, ares with potential issues?

[CaptnChuck]

Hello Grand Banks owners, I have decided to purchase a 2000 Europa 42, and have it under agreement. Survey is happening in a couple weeks. Twin Caterpillar 3116 TA's, I am aware of the soft block issue, and also that some had black iron fuel tanks. Are there any other issues/suggestions/concerns that experienced Grand Banks owners can share? Very much looking forward to this next chapter afloat, and would appreciate any quality suggestions/experiences. Thank you!

 

[Skeetsdad]

Congrats on the 42 GB. I have a 32 GB. I'd say fuel tanks, window frames, teak decks, exhaust/muffler are all worth paying attention to. Being a 2000 I wouldn't expect you would have those issues unless boat was neglected. If you're not already on Facebook, you should join. The Grand Banks Owners page is a great source of info. I searched that page with the hull number of my boat before I bought it to see if previous owner was on the page and referencing any issues.

 

[Chuck34]

Good luck with everything.

 

[CaptnChuck]

Thank you!

 

[Comodave]

It is an almost 25 year old boat. Doesn’t matter if it is a GB or whatever. Maintenance is the key. Any boat if neglected can be run down. As with any older boat I would check the decks for wet/rotted core, leaking windows and wet stringers. I spend a day on any boat that I am thinking of buying. I poke around and open every hatch, etc. i make notes of things I notice. Then when the surveyor comes show him/her the notes and ask their opinion on those things. The surveyor will/should do the normal checks but your list may find something the surveyor might miss. I take a phoenolic hammer to check the decks and stringers for rot. You tap with the plastic side and listen for the sound. A bad core will have more of a dull thud than a sharp sound with a good core.