Hi all
I'm a proud new owner of a 2011 TI
I have a couple of 'concerns' following my detailed inspection of the hull...The boat has been stored on a trailer with 3 horizontal cross-bars, no cradles etc...think it has been tied down pretty tight.
Anyway - it has several flat spots.
1. Is this a big deal or can I use the normal methods to try and get them out (air pressure inside hull and hot water)? The amas also have flat spots too, assuming same method can be used for those? They are really bad to the rear of the boat (in between the rudder and rear seat), then a second section which is in line with the rear mirage drive hole - not sure given it is right on the mirage drive hole if this makes resolving the flat spot harder. If they are just superficial / only needing to be fixed for general aesthetics then I am not overly worried.
2. How do I avoid flat spots like these in future? Current trailer design is obviously not ideal for storing the boat on - should I have cradles that the hull sits in? Or store in another method (off the trailer)?
3.. The scupper holes in that are between the 2 seats, one almost looks as though it has had a small hole and been repaired at the TOP of the scupper hole - however on the inside I can't see any actual evidence of product to repair it, I know the past owner used beach wheels at times and I'm thinking maybe it has pushed and ALMOST broken through the scupper hole, creating a really thin spot where it has stressed the plastic...because if it had previously been a hole and repaired there would be some sort of fibreglass / product that I would be able to see from inside the hull hatch? Is this a concern or while it is waterproof/not leaking or cracked, no action required?
4. At front nose of the hull there is a couple deep scratches, deepest is maybe 1 or 2mm deep - should this be repaired or would it be OK? (not sure how thick the plastic hull is as to how deep a scratch becomes a concern). I don't mind if it is just cosmetic/aesthetics - but if potential to be a weak point or crack and I should fix it, then I will?
5. Finally, with the mirage flippers, should I be replacing the fin if the metal rod is slightly showing, or wait when/if it falls off/breaks?
Hopefully this is all just standard wear for a 5 year old boat! If anyone can shed light on to whether any of this is serious problems and/or what really needs fixing and what doesn't so much...I'd be very grateful