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.
The only way to be 100% sure is to drill small exploratory holes from the inside . If the shavings are dark, wet, or smell like mulch, the core is gone. 🏗️ Repair Options: Wood vs. Composite grady-white-transom-repair
While every model (from an Adventure 208 to a Sailfish 252) differs slightly, the professional "outside-in" method is common for DIYers: Before you reach for the grinder, perform a
Sand it smooth, apply fairing compound, and finish with color-matched gelcoat or paint. The Bottom Line: DIY vs. Pro If the shavings are dark, wet, or smell
Chisel out the rotten wood. On older Gradys, this often turns into "mud".
Grind the inner skin down to fresh fiberglass to ensure a mechanical bond.