So we blasted the bottom and all these little holes appeared where the fish hold was, not only on the bottom but some on the sides too. I could have fixed them, but what about all the spots that were only 1/32 of an inch and about to become holes, so we're having it all cut out and replaced with new steel. The new plates came today, 10 ft wide and 20 long, 5/16 thick, one piece for each side. The fish ( shrimp ) create an acid bath that eats up the bottom, or so I'm told, but no problems with the rest of the boat. Joyce and I are in the engine room painting and getting ready to put that all together and on it goes. Joyce also has lots of fun doing art with her kids in school. Happy new year and have a blessed day, as they're fond of saying down here. It just makes me want to give em a big old hug.