Kyle,

I think once I add the add'l 1/4" ply to the bottom, along with a couple coats of the graphite/epoxy mix the bottom will be in fine shape. To me, the flex is a good thing...if it was too stiff something would be likely to give out along the bottom.

Wood boats, to me, have a special "feel", or one could even call it a "personality". Sorry you gave up on your wood drifter..perhaps someday I'll do the same, but not for awhile.

Fun5: I have let the ground out area dry for several days now, and tomorrow (I'm down in Woodinville helping my dad install a new shower at the moment) I plan to use a dremel tool and grind a bit more, just to be sure I got it all and anything adjacent to the bad spot. I am told by experts that the dry rot will follow the glue lines in the ply, and want to be sure there are none of those little germs left to procreate..

Put a lot of thought into the issue of shortening the length..and have decided to leave the length as is, but to lessen the angle of the back transom so it will better accept the outboard. I do have to replace one short piece of the 1/2" ply bottom at the transom, but this too will be covered by the addition of the 1/4" piece. Should be solid as a rock (in case it hits one!) and remain full-length.

I'll post up some new pics tomorrow.

Mike