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Grand Banks 42 Classic

Built 1975–2005 by Grand Banks Yachts

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About the Grand Banks 42 Classic

Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.

Illustration of a Grand Banks 42 Classic
Illustration, not a photo of this model. AI-generated illustration of a typical twin-engine flybridge trawler.
Built
1975–2005
Builder
Grand Banks Yachts
Designer
Ken Smith
Length
42.58 ft
Waterline
41.08 ft
Beam
13.58 ft
Draft
4.17 ft
Hull
fiberglass
Hull / keel
semi-displacement
Propulsion
inboard
Fuel
600 gal
Water
varies by year
Holding
50 gal
Water heater
AC + engine
Generator
fitted on some boats
Bow thruster
often added later
Steering
mechanical
Tank capacities — where the figures come from
  • Fuel 600 gal
    No builder document could be checked, but every source agrees on 600 gal: the Grand Banks dealer Oxford Yacht Agency, a Mad Mariner review reproduced by the broker Denison, Denison's powerboat guide, and a 1992 boat listed with two 300 gal aluminium tanks.
  • Water varies by year
    “Water Capacity 235 - 300 Gallons” — review, denisonyachtsales.com · “Water 295 Gals” — spec database, oxfordyachtagency.com · “Water ...265 gals.” — search excerpt, cdn.denisonyachtsales.com · “the normal 250 gallons of fresh water tankage” — review, passagemaker.com · “(2) 130-gallon painted aluminum water tanks (NEW, 2024)” — search excerpt (1992), northstaryachtsales.com
    Water tankage changed over the 1975–2004 run; a review gives a 235–300 gal range, and the hull was lengthened and widened in 1991. Sources give 250, 260 (a 1992 boat, with same-size replacement tanks), 265 and 295, but none ties a figure to years, so there's no single standard.
  • Holding 50 gal
    Denison's powerboat guide says 50 gal of waste tankage, and a 1992 boat has a 50 gal holding tank. Nothing from the builder.
  • Water heater AC + engine
    “12 gallon hot water heater (110V and plumbed to engine)” — broker listing (1981), edwardsyachtsales.com · “12 gallon hot water heater” — broker listing (1980), boats-from-usa.com · “onan 8kw generator, 20 gallon hot water heater” — search excerpt (1986), youtube.com
    Only broker listings give a size, and they differ: 12 gal on a 1980 and a 1981 boat, 20 gal on a 1986 boat, possibly a change over the 1975-2005 run or replacements. An operation manual giving another size exists only as an unofficial copy, so it isn't relied on here, and no builder figure was 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 often added later
    “Recent Bow Thruster ... 1983 Grand Banks 42 Classic” — search excerpt (1983), yachtworld.com · “1986 Grand Banks 42 Classic Trawler Well maintained and loved Classic with bow thruster” — search excerpt (1986), powerboatlistings.com · “a SidePower Bow Thruster makes docking effortless” — search excerpt (1989), rubiconyachts.com
    Three separate 1980s boats for sale carry bow thrusters, one described as recent, and no builder document was found listing a thruster as standard or option. One listing names Side-Power, but on a single boat, so no unit is shown here.
  • Steering mechanical
    “Surprisingly, for having wire cable steering, steering was remarkably easy.” — review, yachtsurvey.com · “Does anyone have any pics of the GB 42 cable steering? ... She's a 1966 42 classic.” — search excerpt (1966), trawlerforum.com
    A surveyor's boat test describes wire-cable steering (chain and wire to a quadrant), which fits our earlier figure of mechanical. Our earlier claim that hydraulic steering became an option around 1995 wasn't found in any source.

Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.

Sources disagree on displacement — left blank rather than guessed.

Wood until 1973 (fiberglass from hull 353); the Classic name/fiberglass model is dated 1975-2005 by the builder. Hull lengthened and widened about 1991-92 from hull #1203 (to 43.25 ft LOA, 14.08 ft beam). A single engine was standard but most buyers chose twins. The 1,555 hulls figure (Oxford Yacht Agency) covers all 42 variants, including wood boats, Europa and Motor Yacht, so hulls_built for the Classic alone is left blank. Single-engine boats benefit from a thruster because the long keel turns poorly.

Engines fitted

Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.

Generator

Generators appear on nearly every listing seen, in several makes: Onan 8 kW (review boat; 1986), Westerbeke 8 kW (1980), Northern Lights 7.5 kW (1998 unit on a 1981 boat), Onan 6.5 kW (French listing). No builder document says whether the factory fitted one as standard or option.

Generators are often replaced or added — check the unit's own plate before ordering parts.

Known problems for this model

Engines & parts

Ford Lehman 120 (6D380 / 2715E) parts: good

Factory standard engine — you entered “Ford Lehman 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
  • 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 change200 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 separator200 hrs
“Every 200 hours running ..... 18. Change all engine and fuel oil filters.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com
Change oil in fuel injection pump50 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 change200 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 / adjust400 hrs
“After first 15 hours running .... 3. Adjust valve clearances. ... Every 400 hours running ..... 22. Adjust valve clearan” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com
Injector test / service400 hrs
“Every 400 hours running ..... 21. Remove and service injectors.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com
Engine pencil zincs50 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 / replace200 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 silencer50 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 pump200 hrs
“Every 200 hours running ..... 19. Clean fuel lift pump.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com
Clean injection pump cover filter200 hrs
“Every 200 hours running ..... 20. Clean injection pump cover filter.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com
Remove raw water pump and check drive coupling400 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 alignment6 mo
“After first 15 hours running .... 9. Check engine/propeller shaft alignment. (twice annually, minimum).” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com
Replace Borg Warner transmission oil cooler1,200 hrs
“Suggested replacement is at 1200 hours.” — manufacturer, img1.wsimg.com
Inspect drive damper2,500 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.

Ford Lehman 135 / SP135 (2725E) parts: good

Factory standard engine — you entered “Ford Lehman 135 (later Sabre Lehman 135)”

Based on the later Ford 'Dover' 2725E 6.2 L naturally aspirated six (Ford built the Dover series 1982–1994, then Otosan/Dovertech to 2005). Parts are sold by the same Lehman specialists as the 120; American Diesel lists spare-parts sheets and Go2marine stocks cooling parts, heat exchangers and elbows for the 135. Do not assume 120 (2715E) and 135 (2725E) internals interchange.

Parts sources: American Diesel Corp, Go2marine (Ford Lehman parts collection)

Maker’s service schedule (14)
Engine oil & filter change200 hrs
“Every 200 hours of operation ..... Change Engine Oil & Filter. And Transmission Oil.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com
Fuel filters & water separator200 hrs or 1 yr
“should be replaced once each season or at least each 200 hours (which ever comes first) under normal conditions” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com
Raw-water pump impeller200 hrs
“Every 200 hours of operation ..... Replace raw water pump impeller.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com
Coolant replacement & freeze-point test1,200 hrs
“Every 1200 hours of operation ..... Flush cooling system. Replace anti-freeze.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com
Exhaust mixing elbow inspection200 hrs
“Every 200 hours of operation ..... Check exhaust components for leaks.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com
Transmission fluid change
Borg Warner gearbox
200 hrs or 1 yr
“Change oil every 200 hours of operation or at least once each season under normal conditions” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com
Transmission fluid change
PRM/Newage gearbox
200 hrs
“After 25 hours running: Drain all oil from the gearbox and refill with one of the recommended lubricants.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com
Transmission fluid change
Twin Disc gearbox
1,000 hrs or 6 mo
“The period between oil changes is 1000 hours of operation or 6 months, whichever occurs first.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com
Check idling speed200 hrs
“Every 200 hours of operation ..... Check idling speed, adjust if required.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com
Check coolant and oil hoses200 hrs
“Every 200 hours of operation ..... Check condition of all coolant and oil hoses.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com
Check engine mount bolts200 hrs
“Every 200 hours of operation ..... Check all engine mount bolts.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com
Replace thermostats3,600 hrs
“Every 3600 hours of operation ..... Replace thermostats.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com
Replace Borg Warner transmission oil cooler
Borg Warner gearbox
1,200 hrs
“Suggested replacement time is at 1200 hours.” — manufacturer, img1.wsimg.com
Inspect drive damper2,500 hrs
“Inspect your drive damper if you have more than 2500 hours on the engine.” — manufacturer, img1.wsimg.com
Service part numbers (9)
Oil filter
engines built before the 1987 change (original filter)
Lehman 2N50
“11 1 2N50 FILTER (Engine Oil Cooler Assembly D196/D197, SP90 / 135)” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com
Oil filter
1987-on engines (larger capacity, revised fitment)
Lehman 2N53
“DURING 1987 A NEW OIL FILTER OF LARGER CAPACITY ... THIS IS PART No. 2N53” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com · “Oil Filter 2N53 LM - P12-R105 P11-88” — dealer, lancingmarine.com
Fuel filter Ford 6149717 × 2
“2 ALL 2 6149717 FUEL FILTER ELEMENTS” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com
Raw-water impeller Jabsco 1210-0001
“Breakdown of 2C48 Pump ... 9 1 1210-0001 IMPELLER” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com
Raw-water pump kit Jabsco SK239
“Service Kit SK239 - Comprising Key 7/8/9/17” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com
Drive belt Lehman 2B209
“15 1 2B209 VBELT (Alternator Assembly D144, M/N)” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com · “Alternator Accessory Drive V-Belt 2B209 2B209 - P11-51” — dealer, lancingmarine.com
Air filter Lehman 1F7
“12 1 1F7 FOAM ELEMENT (Plenum Chamber / Air Filter Assembly D1125, SP135)” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com · “Air strainer to replace 2H75 & 1F7 (PF136) (Whilst stocks last)” — dealer, lancingmarine.com
Zinc / anode Lehman EM21A
“25A 1 EM21A ZINC ANODE (Heat Exchanger Assembly D882/D883, SP135)” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com · “Anodes EM21A (Pack of 5) - - P11-18” — dealer, lancingmarine.com
Thermostat Lehman 2C35
“11 1 2C35 THERMOSTAT ... Modified / 12 1 1541317 GASKET” — 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 3208 NA”

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)
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 change250 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 separator250 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 impeller250 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 zincs50 hrs
“Every 1900 L (500 US gal) of Fuel or 50 Service Hours ... Zinc Rods - Inspect/Replace” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Air filter / intake silencer250 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 / adjust2,000 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 inspection1,000 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 inspect2,000 hrs
“Every 72 000 L (19 000 US gal) of Fuel or 2000 Service Hours ... Turbocharger - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Heat exchanger & oil cooler cleaning2,000 hrs
“Every 72 000 L (19 000 US gal) of Fuel or 2000 Service Hours ... Heat Exchanger - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se
Injector test / service2,000 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/inspect250 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/add250 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/replace250 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 clean250 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) replace1,000 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/inspect1,000 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 inspect2,000 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 inspect3,000 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 (11)

hmy.com · denisonyachtsales.com · oxfordyachtagency.com · grandbanks.com · denisonyachtsales.com · passagemaker.com · trawlerforum.com · oxfordyachtagency.com · edwardsyachtsales.com · boats-from-usa.com · yachtsurvey.com

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Other Grand Banks models

Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.