First post...trying to become a Grady owner. Looking at a 2008 360. Surveyor noticed the aluminum trim deboned on the transom. He says everything seems solid. Should I run or is this something that can be repaired...
Fishtales
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I'd ask the seller if you can witness two small pilot holes being drilled into the transom on the inside. You want to find out if it leaks/weaps. If not, use a moisture meter. The al cap looks like it needs to be taken off, the seam reviewed and sealed and a new cap installed. This could be nothing, or it could be a transom waiting for a repair.
Thanks! I’m told there was moisture and a little swelling. Appreciate the info...
I love Grady and all, but it seems they have not learned their lesson . Their design of capping off the transoms is their Achilles heel. Even with their all composite boats after 2015 you would figure they would do something different.
I would do the small pilot hole test and get a surveyor who really knows their stuff. The 360 is a sweet boat. I hope it all checks out for you.
I would do the small pilot hole test and get a surveyor who really knows their stuff. The 360 is a sweet boat. I hope it all checks out for you.
Summertop511
Well-Known Member
Thank you all of the assistance! There are not many 360s out there, have my heart set on one. Is this something that can be replaced? Can/will GW do it?
It’s not that hard to lift the motor off and pull the transom cap off. I’d want to see what it’s like under there before I bought the boat. If the transom is swollen and bulging it must be wet. If it’s wet that’s a problem that will need to be dealt with one way or the other. It may be wet and solid and you’ll get years off use or it may be wet and weak and need a new transom. Get an estimate for a transom replacement and figure that in the price.
Thanks for the advise! Yes, I'm told by the surveyor it's "solid" but swollen in a few places (mostly by the top) and moisture is defiantly present.
Varies by region but numbers I've seen range from 4-7,000.
Swelling is not normal and is indicative of a fair amount of water penetration.
A rather expensive boat like the 360 having had a transom replacement would in my mind be a less desirable boat compared to one in good factory condition. Kind of like a Benz that was in a fender bender.
Point is if you buy it take resale into account when negotiating. I would walk if I didn't feel like I was getting a very good deal.
Swelling is not normal and is indicative of a fair amount of water penetration.
A rather expensive boat like the 360 having had a transom replacement would in my mind be a less desirable boat compared to one in good factory condition. Kind of like a Benz that was in a fender bender.
Point is if you buy it take resale into account when negotiating. I would walk if I didn't feel like I was getting a very good deal.
Thanks! One of my concerns as well, may be able to last a few years but then what? If it get's worse I'll never be able to resell...
If you can afford to purchase a 360, then a transom replacement isn't the end of the world if everything else is in good condition. You would certainly be able to sell it after the repair.
It's like buying a used home, there always seems to be a compromise.
Good luck with negotiating,
Lee
It's like buying a used home, there always seems to be a compromise.
Good luck with negotiating,
Lee
Not sure where you live, if that transom freezes and expands in the winter it could start to crack the gel coat. I would factor in the cost of a new transom or walk.
The issue is the way the stern was constructed .The stern is made of wood and in between the wood is a large piece of aluminum and moisture builds up over the years and causes the wood to rot.When my stern was opened up the wood fell apart .Think twice before you buy that boat .
Thanks for the feedback! I’m beginning to lean that way...I guess it’s time to find another 360 to look at, unfortunately there’s not many out there...