Grand Banks 49 Classic
Built 1980–1999 by Grand Banks Yachts
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About the Grand Banks 49 Classic
Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.
- Built
- 1980–1999
- Builder
- Grand Banks Yachts
- Length
- 50.5 ft
- Waterline
- 48.75 ft
- Beam
- 15.42 ft
- Draft
- 4.58 ft
- Displacement
- 60,000 lb
- Hull / keel
- semi-displacement
- Propulsion
- inboard
- Fuel
- 1,000 gal
- Water
- 500 gal
- Holding
- 70 gal
- Water heater
- AC + engine
Tank capacities — where the figures come from
-
Fuel 1,000 gal
No builder document could be checked, but all sources agree on 1,000 gal: YachtBuyer's spec page, the Grand Banks dealer Oxford Yacht Agency, and a 1991 boat's listing describing two 500 gal tanks.
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Water 500 gal
YachtBuyer and a 1991 boat's listing (two 250 gal tanks) say 500 gal; Oxford Yacht Agency's page says 450. There's no builder source.
-
Holding 70 gal
YachtBuyer says 70 gal, as does the HMY powerboat guide; no other figure was found.
-
Water heater AC + engine
“12 gallon water heater” — broker listing (1981), curtisstokes.net · “Port side fwd is a 20 gallon 120 volt electric hot water heater w/engine heat exchanger” — search excerpt (1988), edwardsyachtsales.com · “Seaward stainless steel 18 gallon water heater” — broker listing (1997), curtisstokes.netListings only and they differ by boat: 12 gal (1981), 20 gal 120 V with engine heat exchanger (1988), 18 gal Seaward (1997). Could reflect changes over the 1980-1999 run or replacements; no builder figure found.
Tanks are often replaced or added on older boats — check the tank labels or a survey for yours.
Thrusters and steering — where this comes from
-
Bow thruster unknown
An owners' forum post describes a 1993 Grand Banks 49 with a hydraulic bow thruster, and a 1993 broker listing (NW Explorations) shows one with bow and stern thrusters; these may be the same boat, so it isn't enough to go on.
-
Stern thruster unknown
Only one 1993 boat is listed with a stern thruster.
-
Steering unknown
No builder, association or review source describing the steering system was found.
Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.
About 125 built. Early boats had twin 120 hp Lehmans (about 8 knots cruise); later boats had Cat diesels from 210 to 435 hp. Standup engine room. Teak walkaround decks and parquet floors, so the usual Grand Banks deck and tank checks apply. About 125 built (HMY).
Engines fitted
-
Ford Lehman 2715E (120) — 120 hp, diesel, twin
standard
Original power on early boats per the HMY/BoatUS guide (about 8 kn cruise); a 1983 boat still lists its original twin 2715E Lehmans.Sources: hmy.com · curtisstokes.net
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Caterpillar 210 hp diesel (model not named by source) — 210 hp, diesel, twin
factory option
HMY: later boats got Cat diesels starting at 210 hp, cruising 10-12 kn. The source gives hp only; the 210 hp Cat of the period is usually the 3208 naturally aspirated, but that is not confirmed here.Sources: hmy.com
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Caterpillar 3208TA — 375 hp, diesel, twin
factory option
Turbocharged 3208s at 375 hp each listed on a 1986 and a 1998 49 Classic.Sources: grandyachts.com · dimillosyachtsales.com
-
Caterpillar 435 hp diesel (model not named by source) — 435 hp, diesel, twin
factory option
HMY gives 435 hp Cats as the top option on later boats (17-18 kn top); model number not stated.Sources: hmy.com
Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.
Generator
Broker listings commonly show one or two generators of varying makes and sizes: Onan 12 kW plus Onan 15 kW (1981) and a Northern Lights 283PS 20 kW (1997). An unofficial copy of one boat's operating manual describes twin Westerbeke 20 kW and 8 kW units. No builder or review source says how generators were supplied.
Known problems for this model
No well-sourced problem reports found yet.
Engines & parts
Ford Lehman 120 (6D380 / 2715E) parts: good
Factory standard engine — you entered “Ford Lehman 2715E (120)”
Marinized by Lehman from the Ford of England 'Dorset' 2715E six-cylinder (380 cu in) industrial/truck diesel; Ford built the Dorset base engines 1964–1984. Base-engine internals interchange with the Ford 2715E, and marine-specific parts (raw water pumps, heat exchangers, injection elbows, gaskets, lift pumps, air filters) are widely stocked. American Diesel Corp (founded by former Lehman people) still sells parts, publishes spare-parts lists and gives technical advice. Rebuilt and used 120s are also sold by salvage yards.
Parts sources: American Diesel Corp, Go2marine (Ford Lehman parts collection), Fred Warner Marine & Outdoors
Common problems (2)
-
Chronic oil leaks engine
Most 120s weep oil somewhere; owners often trace it to the rear of the engine near the heat exchanger (head/head gasket area) or to the drive seals of the gear-driven injection pump. Moderate oil use is treated as normal on these engines.trawlerforum.com · marineengine.com
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Fuel leaks at injection pump, lift pump and return lines fuel
Slow diesel drips usually come from loose bleed screws or banjo washers, perished rubber injector return hoses, a failing lift-pump diaphragm, or worn internal seals in the Simms or CAV injection pump, which needs a pump shop to overhaul.yescenters.com
Maker’s service schedule (16)
| Engine oil & filter change | 200 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 1. Change Engine Oil ... Every 200 hours running ..... 17. Change engine and transmiss” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Fuel filters & water separator | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours running ..... 18. Change all engine and fuel oil filters.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Change oil in fuel injection pump | 50 hrs | “Every 50 hours running ...... 13. Check cleanliness of intake air filter. 14. Check (exchanger) zinc pencil. 15. Change” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Transmission fluid change | 200 hrs or 1 yr | “Change oil every 200 hours of operation or at least once each season under normal conditions” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Valve clearance check / adjust | 400 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 3. Adjust valve clearances. ... Every 400 hours running ..... 22. Adjust valve clearan” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Injector test / service | 400 hrs | “Every 400 hours running ..... 21. Remove and service injectors.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Engine pencil zincs | 50 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 4. Check (exchanger) zinc pencil. ... Every 50 hours running ...... 14. Check (exchang” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Drive belts inspect / replace | 200 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 5. Adjust belt tension. ... Every 200 hours running ..... 16. Adjust belt tension.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Air filter / intake silencer | 50 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 8. Check cleanliness of intake air filter. ... Every 50 hours running ...... 13. Check” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Clean fuel lift pump | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours running ..... 19. Clean fuel lift pump.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Clean injection pump cover filter | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours running ..... 20. Clean injection pump cover filter.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Remove raw water pump and check drive coupling | 400 hrs | “Every 400 hours running ..... 23. Remove raw water pump and check drive coupling. Place dab of grease on coupling halves” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Adjust idling speed (if required) | 400 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 10. Adjust idling speed (if required). ... Every 400 hours running ..... 24. Adjust id” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Check engine/propeller shaft alignment | 6 mo | “After first 15 hours running .... 9. Check engine/propeller shaft alignment. (twice annually, minimum).” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Replace Borg Warner transmission oil cooler | 1,200 hrs | “Suggested replacement is at 1200 hours.” — manufacturer, img1.wsimg.com |
| Inspect drive damper | 2,500 hrs | “Inspect your drive damper if you have more than 2500 hours on the engine.” — manufacturer, img1.wsimg.com |
Service part numbers (3)
| Raw-water impeller | Jabsco 1210-0001 | “6D380 5850-0001 040 3/4" NPT Flange SK33 3298 1210-0001” — manufacturer, marineengine.com · “Breakdown of 2C48 Pump ... 9 1 1210-0001 IMPELLER” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com |
| Raw-water pump kit original 2C45 pump (Jabsco 5850-0001) |
Jabsco SK33 | “6D380 5850-0001 040 3/4" NPT Flange SK33 3298 1210-0001” — manufacturer, marineengine.com |
| Raw-water pump kit Lehman 2C48 replacement pump (Jabsco 10950-2401 type) |
Jabsco SK239 | “Service Kit SK239 - Comprising Key 7/8/9/17” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Caterpillar 3208 (NA / T / TA) parts: good
Factory optional engine — you entered “Caterpillar 3208TA”
V8 introduced in the 1970s and discontinued in the late 1990s (Big Bear Engine gives 1999). Naturally aspirated versions run about 210 hp; turbo and turbo-aftercooled versions go up to 435 hp. Cat dealers still supply many genuine parts by serial number, and aftermarket in-frame/overhaul kits (pistons, rings, liners, bearings) are sold by Diesel Pro Power, Highway and Heavy Parts and others; complete remanufactured long blocks are also sold. The block is unsleeved from the factory but can be bored and sleeved during a rebuild.
Parts sources: Diesel Pro Power, Highway and Heavy Parts (Cat 3208), Big Bear Engine Company (3208 long blocks)
Common problems (3)
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Aftercooler failure flooding the engine (TA models) cooling
The seawater-cooled aftercooler on turbo-aftercooled 3208s has aluminum parts that corrode; a failure can let seawater into the cylinders. Owners pull, clean, grease and pressure-test aftercoolers every 2–3 years and some replace them on a fixed schedule.trawlerforum.com · forums.ybw.com
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Short life at high ratings / overloading engine
The higher-rated 3208TA engines last longer when run well below full power and propped so they can reach rated rpm; overheating or running at full load continuously shortens life.trawlerforum.com · trawlerforum.com
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Overheating at high throttle cooling
Common causes owners check are clogged heat exchangers, thermostats, fouled keel coolers or restricted raw water flow, and faulty temperature senders.justanswer.com · facebook.com
Maker’s service schedule (20)
| Engine oil & filter change | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Engine Oil and Filter - Change” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Fuel filters & water separator | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Fuel System Primary Filter/Water Separator Element” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Raw-water pump impeller | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Auxiliary Water Pump - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Engine pencil zincs | 50 hrs | “Every 1900 L (500 US gal) of Fuel or 50 Service Hours ... Zinc Rods - Inspect/Replace” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Air filter / intake silencer | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Engine Air Cleaner Element - Clean/Replace” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Valve clearance check / adjust | 2,000 hrs | “Initial 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or 1 Year ... Engine Valve Lash - Inspect/Adjust” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Coolant replacement & freeze-point test Cat DEAC / conventional coolant | 1,000 hrs or 2 yrs | “Every 36 000 L (9000 US gal) of Fuel or 1000 Service Hours or 2 Years ... Cooling System Coolant (DEAC) - Change” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Coolant replacement & freeze-point test Cat ELC (extended life coolant) | 6,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “Every 216 000 L (57 000 US gal) of Fuel or 6000 Service Hours or 4 Years ... Cooling System Coolant (ELC) - Change” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Turbocharger inspection | 1,000 hrs or 2 yrs | “Every 36 000 L (9000 US gal) of Fuel or 1000 Service Hours or 2 Years ... Aftercooler Core - Clean/Test” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Turbocharger inspect | 2,000 hrs | “Every 72 000 L (19 000 US gal) of Fuel or 2000 Service Hours ... Turbocharger - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Heat exchanger & oil cooler cleaning | 2,000 hrs | “Every 72 000 L (19 000 US gal) of Fuel or 2000 Service Hours ... Heat Exchanger - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Injector test / service | 2,000 hrs | “Every 72 000 L (19 000 US gal) of Fuel or 2000 Service Hours ... Fuel Injection Nozzles - Test/Exchange” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Sea water strainer clean/inspect | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Sea Water Strainer - Clean/Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Coolant SCA test/add | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Cooling System Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA)” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Hoses and clamps inspect/replace | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Hoses and Clamps - Inspect/Replace” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Crankcase breather clean | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Engine Crankcase Breather - Clean” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Thermostat (water temperature regulator) replace | 1,000 hrs or 2 yrs | “Every 36 000 L (9000 US gal) of Fuel or 1000 Service Hours or 2 Years ... Cooling System Water Temperature Regulator - R” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Marine transmission oil cooler clean/inspect | 1,000 hrs or 2 yrs | “Every 36 000 L (9000 US gal) of Fuel or 1000 Service Hours or 2 Years ... Marine Transmission Oil Cooler - Clean/Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Crankshaft vibration damper inspect | 2,000 hrs | “Every 72 000 L (19 000 US gal) of Fuel or 2000 Service Hours ... Crankshaft Vibration Damper - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Jacket water pump inspect | 3,000 hrs or 2 yrs | “Every 108 000 L (28 500 US gal) of Fuel or 3000 Service Hours or 2 Years ... Water Pump - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
Service part numbers (4)
| Fuel filter | Caterpillar 1R-0750 | “| Fuel Filter | 1R0750 |” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Fuel Filter for Caterpillar 3208 Natural and Turbo engines 1R0750 Advanced Efficiency” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
| Zinc / anode heat-exchanger anode (10 mm); 2 on the 4W-9164 heat exchanger, 3 on the 7C-3114 heat exchanger |
Caterpillar 6L-2283 | “| Anodes on 7C-3114 Heat Exchanger | 6L-2283 | [CM6L2283] x 3.” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Zinc Anode for Caterpillar Marine Engines 6L2283 NPT: 1/4”” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
| Zinc / anode 16 mm anode, starboard bottom of bonnet, 4W-9164 heat exchanger only |
Caterpillar 6L-2289 | “Anodes on 4W-9164 Heat Exchanger | 6L-2283 6L-2289 ... [TEC 02023] x 1. Starboard Side, bottom of the bonnet. 16mm” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Zinc Anode for Caterpillar Marine Engines 6L2289 NPT: 1/2”” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
| Zinc / anode transmission oil cooler anode (if the cooler has one) |
Caterpillar 6L-2288 | “| Anode - Transmission Oil Cooler (If present on cooler) | 6L-2288 |” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Zinc Anode for Caterpillar Marine Engines 6L2288 NPT: 1/2”” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Sources disagree on horsepower — left blank rather than guessed.
Model sources (7)
hmy.com · grandbanks.com · curtisstokes.net · grandyachts.com · dimillosyachtsales.com · curtisstokes.net · curtisstokes.net
Other Grand Banks models
- Grand Banks 32 Sedan
- Grand Banks 36 Classic 1964–2004
- Grand Banks 42 Classic 1975–2005
- Grand Banks 46 Classic 1987–2004
Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.