Grady Repair Opinions

[NewWave]

Hi,

I'm looking for opinions on weather to repair or replace an '86 23' Gulfstream. There was water showing up in the bilge of this historically bone dry boat. The marina guy said there was a 9-10 hair line crack in the hull. He said the repair was a "BIG JOB" but hasn't quoted a price yet.

On one hand the hull is 22 years old ( motors are only 5 years and about 250 hrs old ) on the other hand replacing her isn't going to be inexpensive.

Any "glass" guys out there have opinions on repair on this hull . . . . even with this limited information?

Thanks in advance,
Sam

[27 sailfish]

Get some other shops to give you an estimate.The boat is only 20 years old.I see Gradys that are older then that out all the time.

Also be sure that is where the water is coming from.Sometimes a cockpit hatch cover can allow water in or a thru hull might be leaking.If you have livewell- check that for leaks as well.

Hairline cracks in the gelcoat are not uncommon.Grady builds a tough boat - it would take a good hit to split the hull.

[mrobertson]

You really need to get some more opinions. I can't believe that you have cracks in the actual hull of the boat that allow water in. If so, then i would be on the horn with Grady White to see what went wrong.

Grady White is a top tier boat IMO and cracking the hull is something that should not happen.

just how hard do you run that boat, lol?!?!?!?!

[paxfish]

Put up some pictures - I doubt there's cracks in the hull. Gradys of that vintage should have their transoms checked out if you're going put serious money into it though. A good friend had to replace his '88 transom.

[THOMAS70]

That sounds like BS to me, I've repaired hundreds of boats and have never seen a hairline crack leaking.

[Dombatti]

Don't know where you are, but I'd give Mark Ruewer at Reuwer Boatworks in Rock Hall a ring and talk to him. He does glass work and I've known him for almost 30 years. Honest and a good guy.