01 transom look ok? 258

firstdeadrise

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Never kept in water, and covered, very clean. Newbie here ! Looking to buy this. Twin 150’s on her 2001; 258


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No.
While it isn't terrible yet, a rebuild to some degree will be needed in the future. The crack on the back is the most troubling IMO.
 
Actually it doesn't look all that bad for a 24 year old hull. There are stress cracks, mostly where one would expect to see them with the possible exception of the crack at the top of the stringer on the right side of the first picture.
I would do a tapping test all over the transom to listen for any evidence of delamination or hollow core. Going forward, the caulk around the bang cap should be cleaned out and caulked with a decent caulk like Life Seal.
I am not sure what the semi clear yellowish caulking is, it may be silicone . It's hard to tell is it is all secure and sealing.
I agree that there may be a need for repairs in the future but when that might be is difficult to nail down.
Is this a fresh water boat? I would expect to see more evidence of corrosion if a salt water boat.
 
The inside cracks by themselves are nothing. That gel goat always cracks
The outside crack in the corner is not unusual. The gelcoat tends to get spider cracks from 90 deg corners.

The resin in the bolt holes indicates someone had the motor off and may have been trying to fix something or just being proactive

The BOLTS look like galvanized to me. Maybe I'm wrong... They should be SS.
The lower bollt angle looks concerning.
 
That sealant under the right flap of the bang plate/cap looks quite gnarly and as though someone has obviously been in there doing some work, of which it might not have been the best work? I'd replace the bang plate/cap with a new one, or glass it in entirely to make it look a lot nicer as well as keep any additional water out. On top of that, I'd pay a surveyor to come out and inspect the boat with you, if you haven't done so already. As mentioned, the angle of the lower engine bolt also looks a bit suspect as it shouldn't be angled down like that.
 
Actually it doesn't look all that bad for a 24 year old hull. There are stress cracks, mostly where one would expect to see them with the possible exception of the crack at the top of the stringer on the right side of the first picture.
I would do a tapping test all over the transom to listen for any evidence of delamination or hollow core. Going forward, the caulk around the bang cap should be cleaned out and caulked with a decent caulk like Life Seal.
I am not sure what the semi clear yellowish caulking is, it may be silicone . It's hard to tell is it is all secure and sealing.
I agree that there may be a need for repairs in the future but when that might be is difficult to nail down.
Is this a fresh water boat? I would expect to see more evidence of corrosion if a salt water boat.
The boat is an 03 , 258 Journey with twin 150 2 strokes. Only has 500 hrs. Kept OUT of water, stored on trailer, no bottom paitn, and used in salt. Very clean. We are looking at pulling the trigger on her and will have someone purcussive test that is familiar with that process. If it is ok, we'd repower, and have the transom cap glassed over (after extensive hours on this site and researching.)
The 'silicone' is old clear 5200 from an old transducer.
I don't have experience with Grady's, wondering 'how much' is involved on a low level from transom repair, 'if' this is not horrific. Any advice is appreicated or knowledge! *We are hoping to buy this boat, and keep it for a good amount of time as it meets our applications.
 
No.
While it isn't terrible yet, a rebuild to some degree will be needed in the future. The crack on the back is the most troubling IMO.
Thank you, do you have any experience with rebuilds or partial rebuilds? Thanks so much.
 
That sealant under the right flap of the bang plate/cap looks quite gnarly and as though someone has obviously been in there doing some work, of which it might not have been the best work? I'd replace the bang plate/cap with a new one, or glass it in entirely to make it look a lot nicer as well as keep any additional water out. On top of that, I'd pay a surveyor to come out and inspect the boat with you, if you haven't done so already. As mentioned, the angle of the lower engine bolt also looks a bit suspect as it shouldn't be angled down like that.
Thank you, yes we noticed that lower bolt angle. We looked at other gradys models, 1 year off and all had the same bolts and 'goop' behind them as we wanted to compare apples to apples. We do plan on having someone come out and percussive test. IF we purchase, we plan on glassing over the bang cap, to seal her up good . The silicone around it: current owner did that to be preventative. Boat has 500 hrs, kept on trailer.
 
Thank you, do you have any experience with rebuilds or partial rebuilds? Thanks so much.
Looks like your expectations are realistic for what you are getting into. As long as the transom doesn't have excessive flex under load, you may be able to run the boat for a long while yet. However, if that crack goes beyond the gel coat, I personally would be looking for a rebuild sooner rather than later. It takes a lot of movement to have a full crack in fiberglass that is that thick - different story if it is only the gel coat.
I believe member Fishtales intended to have a full transom replacement on his 300 Marlin. The shop found most of the damage at the top and did not dig further. The repair was made at the top and was much less intrusive. You should be able to find his thread on here for more info.
 
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Some experience since I had my transom rebuilt last year 98 208 , also have a friend who is having his repaired on a new GW prior to more serious issues start and they will . Have your the motor removed remove that cap plate and have that area fiber glassed .When replacing the motor install on each set of engine mounting bolts upper on lower 4 inch ss plate across the rear of the boat to help with the transom stress , this was recommended for myself and my friend by an excellent fiber glass guy .It will cost you 1/4 of the transom replacement .