Small cracks lead to transom replacement

S

steveditt

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2012
Messages
148
Reaction score
23
Points
18
98 208 for last five years small split in the gel coat during the winter freeze mostly on the starboard side then the port , repaired each year not understanding what was going on . Last season had a professional look at it he recommended installing two SS 4 x20 inch brackets across the transom via the engine bolts to get through the year . Scheduled repair for this winter. After removing the back skin he was hopeful maybe let it dry for a month he could then re glass . Not so !
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1034.jpeg
    IMG_1034.jpeg
    1.2 MB · Views: 173
  • IMG_1033.jpeg
    IMG_1033.jpeg
    861.3 KB · Views: 167
  • 72488220692__E4D17A4F-1E4B-4CF8-A254-C44FA54BEBFD.jpeg
    72488220692__E4D17A4F-1E4B-4CF8-A254-C44FA54BEBFD.jpeg
    1.5 MB · Views: 158
  • 72487866974__833034F9-22D6-47CA-9B4D-6193418432BB.jpeg
    72487866974__833034F9-22D6-47CA-9B4D-6193418432BB.jpeg
    1.4 MB · Views: 161
  • IMG_2405.jpeg
    IMG_2405.jpeg
    2 MB · Views: 169
Mustang65fbk

Mustang65fbk

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2020
Messages
2,338
Reaction score
635
Points
113
Age
38
Location
Seattle area
Model
Seafarer
It's hard to tell from the pictures but those transom caps are pretty notorious for leaking. In the second picture it almost looks like there's a gap on the bottom of it, which if water were to continually get in there for multiple seasons, then it can rot out the transom like yours did. The cracks on either side don't help either and this was actually one of the biggest reasons why I went with a 228 Seafarer in that it doesn't have the transom cap on it and is fully enclosed. Sorry to hear of the troubles, hope she's back on the water shortly. Good luck!
 
Last edited:
S

steveditt

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2012
Messages
148
Reaction score
23
Points
18
No the cracks were definitely the results of the wet core repaired in the spring reappearing after the winter freeze . The aluminum cap was part of the cause interesting the upper starboard side was also wet , as the boats are built they use a sealant on the lower half then lowing the top half after time that sealant breaks down or mine wasn't done correctly .
 
L

loubeer

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Sep 6, 2017
Messages
171
Reaction score
64
Points
28
Location
Newport Beach, CA
Model
Express 330
Not sure the reason for your transom rot, but I would recommend that any owner of a Grady with an aluminum transom cap, replace it with vinyl. Also, don't ignore maintenance on the transom drain tubes - the brass tubes must be replaced before they corrode or crack or you will have water seep into your transom. (From the looks of the pictures, it looks like this is what happened to the subject transom.) In my opinion, and what I have done on my 330, is use 1 1/4 fiberglass tubing (1/8 inch walls) in the transom holes instead of the brass tubes, seal with 5200 and you'll never have to worry about the transom drains again.
 
S

steveditt

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2012
Messages
148
Reaction score
23
Points
18
Floor drain scuppers were replaced , the hole in the transom on the starboard side was the transducer cable. New transom will have sleeves installed .
 
  • Like
Reactions: loubeer
Fishtales

Fishtales

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2005
Messages
7,608
Reaction score
1,187
Points
113
Classic results of the poor transom design. To be fair, it is a 98 hull. That being said the process of using metal and plastic strips, screwed on and caulked versus building it right should be over for this builder. I can't believe they have not addressed this at least on their most expensive models.
 
S

steveditt

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2012
Messages
148
Reaction score
23
Points
18
Very slow process almost ready for gel coat. Decided to have the bottom redone while its in the shop .
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1562.jpeg
    IMG_1562.jpeg
    1.4 MB · Views: 64
  • IMG_1549.png
    IMG_1549.png
    470 KB · Views: 65
  • Like
Reactions: loubeer and igblack87
Fishtales

Fishtales

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2005
Messages
7,608
Reaction score
1,187
Points
113
looking at them again, they were not all that small, maybe not wide but certainly long which says delam or core is very rotted.
 
G

Greatty

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2006
Messages
88
Reaction score
11
Points
8
Location
Nantucket, MA
steveditt said:
Very slow process almost ready for gel coat. Decided to have the bottom redone while its in the shop .
Click to expand...
Sorry to see you go through this. Went through this myself last year with my '99 180. Roughly how much was the estimate?
 
Fishtales

Fishtales

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2005
Messages
7,608
Reaction score
1,187
Points
113
It does suck that folks have to do these things especially on more recent models. The positive is that the boat will be strong again and hopefully you'll get many years of enjoyment.
 
  • Like
Reactions: steveditt
S

steveditt

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2012
Messages
148
Reaction score
23
Points
18
I thought when we discussed it last summer in the six range it certanly takening a lot longer then I thought i'ii let you know when the time comes .Bottom is being done separately sanding two layers epoxy then barrier and two bottom paint about $4
 
B

Barbender

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2009
Messages
74
Reaction score
1
Points
8
Location
Vancouver Island
There is a part of me that would love to attempt this on a 05 Grady 282 but the amount of work and skill required makes me nervous. This is a really impressive repair job, you will certainly be able to enjoy the boat worry free.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.