Let me try to answer some of the questions you guys asked here now...
Dave...[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]
The only way anyone can give an accurate assement of this, is thru first hand inspection. Boat the boat and trailer will need to evaluated so as to prevent any future occurance.
I couldn't agree with you more. I think this will be taken care of the best that it possible can by Mark and his crew.
Tod...
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[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]Is there a keel roller near the crack on the outside? Is that balsa core we can see? [/font]
There is no keel roller anywhere near the crack, not a bad thought though. If you look at the picture it is well out in front of the actual crack and not even touching the boat at this point. The crack actually begins to the left of where that bunk ends and extends 9 3/4" towards the stern.
[font=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]SJFairbank...[/font] You're going to love your boat! The only paint that the previous owner did was the camo job. It doesn't really look like any paint at all on the underside of the boat with the exception of where the camo was taken down to. This looks more like the actual boat material to me. How about some pictures of your rig? The only thing better than playing with boats is checking out how others have theirs rigged up for hunting.
Ryan... Yes, I most definitley use a stern tie down. The boat woould bounce all over the place if I didn't. Heck you've been to PA and seen first hand the potholes we get. I just take the strap off and let it hang or rest on the starboard transom as you can see in the first picture. I am in and out of the boat all of the time and it just seems silly to keep ratcheting the strap back down. I do appreciate the offer of your epoxy, cloth and hardner. I don't think I will need it for now, but thank you very much for offering.
John... all of the above pictures were taken from underneath the boat. That is the core material that you see in the picture. And your definitley right about the weather not being on my side. I think its supposed to snow tomorrow isn't it? We still need to get out and hunt at least once this season.
Pete M... I honestly don't think that green is paint that you see. There is much more crack than you can see in the pictures a total of about 9 3/4", but it is one continuous crack. No I did not contact the previous onwer. I inspected the boat thoroughly before I brought it home and other than minor cosmetic scratches it was in perfect shape. Even if I did contact him, I don't think it would do any good other than if I wanted to argue with him about it. We both made a deal, if he got over on me then it is my own fault, but I honestly don't think that is the case here.
Bill...How about some picture of how you have your boat rigged up for hunting? Have fun with it!
Bob...Nope, I didn't contact the previous owner as I mentioned in Petes response.
JR...Pictures man...pictures. Lets see how you have yours rigged up.
I hope that covers everything...thanks again for all of the help,
Steve