For a "forever" boat like a Grady, using a rot-proof core adds immense resale value and peace of mind. 🪜 The Rebuild Process at a Glance
Use a multi-tool or circular saw to cut away the outer fiberglass skin . Carefully pry it off to reuse later if possible.
Chisel out the rotten wood. On older Gradys, this often turns into "mud". grady-white-transom-repair
Only use Marine Grade Plywood (like Okoume or Meranti). Never use pressure-treated wood, as the resins often won't adhere properly. 2. The Composite (Coosa Board) Upgrade
Grind the inner skin down to fresh fiberglass to ensure a mechanical bond. For a "forever" boat like a Grady, using
Coosa Bluewater is a fiberglass-reinforced foam that is 100% rot-proof. Cons: Significantly more expensive than wood.
Before you reach for the grinder, perform a thorough inspection. Water typically enters through unsealed screw holes, trim tab mounts, or the aluminum cap Grady installed on older models. Chisel out the rotten wood
Remove the outboard, trim tabs, scuppers, and the aluminum transom cap.