I need some honest opinions.I have a 86 19ft tournament with a rotted transom and bad stringers. I was going to dump off the boat and get a keywest. Does anyone know how much it would be to get all that repaired and is worth it?
grady rot
- Thread starter treyladut
- Start date
If you are paying to have someone do the work, then I would say it is not worth it. You are looking at 2k at least, and probably more if your problem extends beyond the transom. You can pick up an 80s 19 tournament for anywhere between 4,000 and 6,000. By the time you put all the money into the boat, you probably would be better off upgrading to a newer hull. I purchased a 1994 Tournament for 8k. Very clean hull with no water issues. Now, if you were to restore the hull, it would last another 20 years. If that is your baby, then you may want to spend the dough. My opinion would be that you are better off cutting bait and getting a newer hull. Good luck! 
I've read several posts regarding rotting transoms here. Has this been corrected on later models or is it still an issue with all Grady's?
I believe Grady has been using Greenwood XL treated plywood that has a warranty against rot. That being said, a poor seal around the engine cutout and improper sealing of penetrations can still lead to a wet core. So in my opinion, the situation has not been corrected.
Parthery
GreatGrady Captain
If you love the boat and are keeping it awhile, then it may be worth it.
If you decide to sell it and look for another one, I'd look for a '94 or newer 192...Sea-V2 hull design makes a difference.
If you decide to sell it and look for another one, I'd look for a '94 or newer 192...Sea-V2 hull design makes a difference.
Lets say you get rid of the boat and buy a Key West. How long do you plan on owning it? If it is less than 10 years then perhaps getting a 94 or newer 192 is something to consider over a newer Key West. I had a 192 and that boat was great. If I had to make a choice between the two boats I vote for a Grady even with the risk of rot.