Transom Damage?

[TonyD]

Hey guys! I was wondering if you guys can help me with a possible transom issue. My boat is a 1989 Grady White Tournament 195. I re-powered 2 years ago and at the time, the marina who did the install said the transom "looked good" and was able to handle a new heavier 4 stroke. But now it looks like I am seeing some bowing port side of the bracket mount. How bad does this look?

Also, in addition to, I am noticing a bubble? On the starboard side of the hull. Not sure I know what that is - is the wood expanding behind the fiberglass? Is that a common occurrence?

 

[Doc Stressor]

That aluminum cap was the worse idea Grady White ever had.

I hate to say it, but it looks like you have a wet and rotted transom. The bubble you are seeing is a sign on delamination of the fiberglass from the wood.

Stand on your anti-ventilation plate and jump up and down. If you see any flex at all in your transom you will need to get it replaced. If you do end up replacing the transom, glass over the top and get rid of that aluminum cap.

 

[TonyD]

Thanks, doc! Yeah I did jump on it to look for any flex and do not see any.. (I forgot to include that part).

The bubble is not on the transom though..it's a whole other issue maybe aside from the transom problem - it's on the starboard side of the hull, is that an odd place to see delamination and rotted wood?

So it looks like that I have transom issues and over all hull issues?

 

[PS Guy]

My transom looked good and I did not see flex when I bought it but in my case the motor pushed through the transom.
Firsts outing in it.
$3500.00 later and all is good.
The guy that did my boat said he has seen bubbling spots on the other Grady hulls which were thickness of gel coat issues which he repaired.

 

[TonyD]

Hey, PS Guy - the repair looks good. What did they use and who did you use? In New Jersey at all? It looks like they used brass fittings again - not sure I'd go that route though. $3500. sounds like a good price since I have been seeing around 6,000 but I think it depends on the material used, etc…

Thank you for the response!

 

[PS Guy]

Keep in mind this price is Canadian dollars. He has been doing fibre glass boat repairs for thirty years and has a small shop.
The transom was replaced with marine plywood. Hopefully will last another 20 years.

 

[Willy-C]

I have a 1992 GW 19 and seeing these type of posts prompted me to do some preemptive maintenance this past few weeks while it was being prepared for winterization

My transom didn't see any visual signs of water damage yet but pulling off the motor, motor trim and all penetrations to reseal all hardware, splash-well and scupper drain tubes with 3M 5200 was well worth the trouble in the long run.

I was surprised at how corroded the brass drain tubes were and would recommend if you have a GW of this vintage it is worth the peace of mind to hopefully avert a major repair job.

I made the two tools at work for the 1.00" (splash-well) and 1.25" (scupper) drain tubes, if anyone here wants to tackle replacing theirs I can make them avail at N/C with the honor system of returning them.....the brass tubes can be purchased thru marine supply outlets or McMaster Carr has the tubing in lengths with .032 wall thickness.

 

[Meanwhile]

Willy-C, what a great offer. HOPEFULLY I'll not need them, but cudos for the offer of a loan. Good Looking tool.

 

[downtown]

PS Can I get the contact info for the repair guy. I have a boat up in Ontario needs new transom.

Thanks,

Sal

 

[PS Guy]

Grant Felsman
Ph # 705 774 8211
Parry Sound area.

 

[downtown]

Thanks much.