2014 180 fisherman transom concern

[aaronaus]

Hi all,

I am based in Australia and recently inspected a 2014 180 with a view to purchase. Being new to GW, i cannot determine if this boat contains timber construction or a composite? Image of build plate attached, can anyone elaborate? I believe the change over occurred around the 2014 mark?

While the boat was immaculate and very very well cared for, I noticed what I believe is swelling in the transom. Images once again attached although in person the issue is much more evident and is maybe hard to see i attachments, any feedback is greatly appreciated

Aaron

 

[seasick]

Something looks odd. Not just the swelling, but also what looks like movement under the cap seam especially in the last photo.

I can think of two possibilities other than plain transom rot: The transom seeped water and froze causing the smelling, or the aft of the boat was damaged somehow and the repair was not up to par.

I would probably move on unless you can get more info.

 

[Hookup1]

I don't know when GW switched to composite transom. You hear a lot of discussion on GG about the "bang cap" - the aluminum angle that installs to cap the transom. The older ones are raw aluminum and they start to corrode. Yours looks painted with some edge corrosion. I don't see any evidence of swelling. Attached are a few photos. When the transom swells it will bend the aluminum bang cap out. It can actually crack the fiberglass along/under the rub rail. It's hard to see the swelling in the photos but it's obvious when you get a first hand look.

Fortunately for you I don't see anything other than a little corrosion on the bottom edge of the bang cap.

Call or email GW Customer Service to confirm it's a composite transom. Check that there is no obvious swelling of the transom. The their good you should be fine.

 

[rmf4grady]

my 208 with the transom wood removed shown below. look to me that thoose cracks could show a more serious problem