Gradydrive Rot

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csvencer

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New to the forum and haven't made the plunge yet into a Grady but it is on my short list of options right now. I am looking at late 80's Overnighters and Seafarers and was wondering if there is more or less concern about the transom on these with the gradydrive. I understand with or without the bracket you can still have issues with thruhulls leaking and screws not sealed but overall are the bracket boats more or less of an issue when it comes to transom issues?

Thanks.

-Svence
 
Svence,
I have nothing to back it up, but I think the boats with the Grady Drive are less prone to transom rot. I have seen many outboard powered boats with water sneaking into the transom though the engine mounting bolts. Not that the water cannot get around the Grady Drive, but it seems less common. This may only pertain to Grady Whites, as I really have not looked all that close on other boats that come with and without engine brackets.

Welcome to the site.
 
It seems like most of the older Grady's suffer from the aluminum trim failing on the top edge of the transom, I guess with the bracket you reduce this leaky edge..??

-Svence
 
Whatever boat model you are interested in, get the chosen one surveyed, that how's you handle it.

That goes for any boat, and brand.

Boats have stringers, bulkheads, hull coring on larger models, and deck cores of wood too, not just transoms.
 
Many times the leak is from the engine bolts but like all holes, if they aren't sealed properly you're going to have problems. Personally I'd find the model I liked better (bracket or full transom) then find one that was acceptable.
 
True, but there are many more bolts into transom with the brackets, and there is a longer rub rail with screws into it.

Both models need to be checked out, unless you intend to buy a project boat.
 
Looks like both raise some concern. I understand the thoughts about getting a survey on the boat, anything 20+ years old is like opening a can of worms. I am still looking but have had a couple prospects pop up that I will be going to look at.

Thanks.

-Svence
 
You get a survey on THREE year old boats !

How you know owner didn't pile boat up on the inlet jetty after too many beers?
 
BobP said:
Whatever boat model you are interested in, get the chosen one surveyed, that how's you handle it.

That goes for any boat, and brand.

Boats have stringers, bulkheads, hull coring on larger models, and deck cores of wood too, not just transoms.
Click to expand...

Thats the best advise, in my opinion. Any boat, any model or brand, can get wood rot problems, if not properly sealed when attaching outboards, brackets, etc.. Best to get a good surveyor to go over boat thoroughly before committing to purchase.

There are thousands of Overnighters and Seafarers out there that are completely solid with no wood rot problems, in my opinion.
 
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