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[Blue_Heron]

Bryce,
Thanks for posting. Yours is certainly a cautionary tale for those considering modifications that may alter the structure of the boat, or for those considering purchase of a boat that has been so modified.

I remember this boat from the for sale section a couple or three years ago. I actually saved a couple pictures because I liked the color scheme and was considering it for my 25. But I don't remember if there was a thread in repairs and modifications. Was there one? I don't want to shame the former owner, but I'd like to see if the original stringers were kept, or if they were replaced. Do you know if it had the four stringer system, or the two box stringers? If I remember correctly, they made the transition in '71 or '72.

I agree with Denny that removing the inner liner from the hull sides reduces the stiffness. But the hull bottom, deck, and stringers should act together to create a diaphram type beam that's pretty stiff by itself, so I wonder if there isn't something else going on as well. For the diaphram to bend enough to crack at the keel, I would think the gunwales would have to bow out a LOT. Is that what's happening? Is there any separation at the joint between the deck and the hull sides?

Dave