"Working Stringer"

[Hayden]

I recently purchased a 1986 18' CC SeaCraft on impulse. Regretably, I didn't inspect the hull closely before I took it home. As it turned out the hull has fractures along both sides which follow the bottom step (chine) from just forward of mid ship to within 3' of the stearn. These cracks weap water in a few places when the boat rests on the trailer. I've had a fiberglass repair shop look at it and they say the boat has a "working" stringer. That the glass on top of the stringer has probably separated and is flexing. This surprised them as they have never seen this occur in a SeaCraft and they speculate the boat could have been dropped in the past. They encouraged me to continue using the boat in it's present condition, as did the old owner, then bring it in this fall for repairs. I've sealed the cracks with 5200 which seems to be keeping water ingression to a minimum with a few exceptions where you can still see it drip out as it sits on the trailer. My questions are: #1 Can anyone give me an idea what this could cost me? The repair shop estimated $2000 - $6000 depending on extent of damage which wouldn't be clear until the deck came out. I plan to get a second opinion. #2 I paid $10,000 for the boat which other than this problem appears in prettygood condition, 2000 Johnson 150 Ocean Pro in good condition and a 1999 Aluminum drive on trailer with new wheels, tires, etc. in good condition. The boat has hydraulic steering, VHF, Fishfinder, AM/FM/CD, Etc. I love the boat and would love to keep it for years if I can restore the integrity of the hull. Where do I draw the line on "how much is too much" and just try to sell it for what I can get for it? Any advice from you guys with experience is appreciated.

Hayden