Thanks for the input guys. The hull has been reinforced with a false deck in this area and everything seems solid as internally. (Had a prod and a good look round with a mirror.)

I think the area in question has been that way for a while and given the generally heavy conditions we've had this season I would guess that any structural damage would have occurred by now.There is no sign of any damage down the side of the hull, inside or out. OR... I could be completely wrong. (I guess time will tell)

Ben... I'm having far too much fun learning all these new skills to give up on the old girl just yet. ( though I suspect that if I had $8000ish lying around those hulls might no longer be available.)

Cheers and thanks everybody.