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I am considering the purchase of a 1996 Guardian that was previously a Coast Guard patrol boat. The boat is in Texas and I am in North Carolina so I have seen only photos. The purchase is contingent on a favorable marine survey. Today the survey was done and the only significant problem was that the moisture meter showed a reading that would be indicative of moisture along the ENTIRE transom. The surveyor indicated the 30 inch transom appeared to be structurally solid but the moisture meter readings were troubling / puzzling. He said that other than moisture, the readings could be caused by certain metallic compounds. I am trying to determine if this is a "false" moisture reading or an actual problem. Does anyone know about the construction material used in the transom of a Guardian former Coast Guard boat (any metals)? Has anyone had a moisture meter reading taken on a Guardian transom.
Can a few small test holes be made below the waterline in transom area? Maybe a drain tube could be removed to see if the hull is wet. Ask inspector to see if there are any holes in deck that may have allowed water to enter.
Thank you for the suggestions. Brunswick Commercial advised me that they do sometimes encounter false moisture readings on their transoms. They added that ex military boats often have wet transoms because the military did not know how to properly seal holes when changing engines. Like you, they suggested drilling a couple of small holes to check the condition of the wood.
Even if the wood is wet, but the rest of the boat is in good condition, I wouldn't let that stop me from considering the boat. Static trim when it's in the water is a great indicator of excess water weight. Also, check out this Project Page below and note his comments on the strength of the transom fiberglass separate from the wood, and consider that the Guardian model is even beefier than the standard Outrage in its fiberglass layup.
