Re: What are your opions on a 1981 Grady White w/ cuddy 20'
Grady White boats are highly regarded strongly built vessels. That being said, the number one problem, by far, with an older Grady White is transom rot. This is especially prevalent on the notched transom outboard models. Grady had a design throughout much of the eighties where an aluminum angle model was screw down from the top installed around the outside edge of transom notch. This angle covered the seam of outside hull/inside transom. After years of weather, factory installed sealants would wash out allowing water to get under this angle model, and down around screws securing angle molding. The design of the top of notch area directs this water directly to the seam, allowing water to get down into the interior wood of the transom. This actually goes undetected, because you will not be able to see if there is bad wood in the transom by looking at the outside fiberglass.
Best way to check one of these models for transom rot is to remove one of the screws securing the aluminum angle molding, and then push an ice pic or similar shaped item down into the screw hole. If it is soft and ice pick easily goes down into wood, then it most likely has some transom rot problems.
One other way to check would be if the boat has trim tabs, or a transducer mounted on the outside bottom rear area of transom. Again remove a screw or two and check for water or soft wood. If it is wet, then you will have an extensive repair on your hands.
I have owned three Grady Whites, and I am currently about halfway through a complete rebuild of transom on a 1984 Grady White 22' Seafarer. I knew when I purchased this particular boat, that this repair was needed.
Again great boats if you make sure you are getting a good one. JMO, Mike.
