Grady-White has a reputation for strong, stiff sea boats, and Soundings says the company builds them with proven techniques. The problems to check follow from those methods: plywood in the structure on some models, and aluminium tanks that live under deck hatches.
Plywood transoms and stringers
Soundings describes stringers cut from Perma Panel pressure treated plywood and glassed in while the hull is in its mould, with closed cell foam sprayed between them. Transoms are several layers of the same plywood laminated with fibreglass, with an aluminium brace to spread engine torque. Larger Gradys got foam cored fibreglass stringers.
Some models have no wood at all. BoatTest's review of the Fisherman 216 says it has "no wood in the structural components", with stringers and frames of fibreglass over foam and a transom cored with high density foam.
So the transom on a Grady can be plywood or foam, depending on model and year. Plywood rots once water gets in through a fastener or fitting.
Where to look. Meter and sound the whole transom, inside and out, paying most attention around engine bolts, transducer screws and trim fittings. Push on the engines to check for transom flex. Lift the hatches to see the stringers where you can, and meter them.
Fuel tanks
Grady-White fits painted aluminium tanks and, according to Soundings, doesn't foam them in, so moisture isn't trapped against the metal. On a 272 Sailfish, Pascoe found neither tank could be reached for inspection, although there was a removable deck section.
Where to look. Every hatch and inspection cover over the tank for seals and standing water. As much of the tank top and straps as you can see for white corrosion and pitting. On boats where the tank can't be seen, say so in the report.
Deck joint and decks
Soundings describes a shoebox joint: the deck over a hull flange, held with stainless screws and blind fasteners, adhesive sealer and sealant, with the rub rail screwed over it. On the 272 Sailfish, built from 1995, he found the foredeck held down with four screws through the deck, which risks water in the core, and a battery charger mounted in the wet bilge.
What to check on a Grady-White
| Area | What to look for | Source of the concern |
|---|---|---|
| Transom | Moisture, soft spots, flex under engine load | Soundings on plywood transoms |
| Stringers | Moisture and rot on plywood stringers | Soundings construction notes |
| Fuel tank and hatches | Access, corrosion on the tank top | Pascoe, 272 review |
| Foredeck fasteners | Water in the deck core at screws | Pascoe, 272 review |
Writing it up
"Transom, around the upper engine bolts: moisture readings well above the dry reference and a dull sound on tapping over about 300 x 200 mm. Plywood core suspected wet. Recommend core samples to confirm the extent, and repair of the transom core before the engines are next run hard." Give the readings and the reference so the yard can check them.