I did a similar repair to a late model Hobie 18. The seam had started to split open and let in plenty of water. We turned the boat upside down and raked out all the old silicon. Then we poured in epoxy resin (without thickener) and clamped the lip with strips of aluminium secured by visegrips.

Worked a treat - we did 100 miles in the gulf the next day without taking on a drop of water.

The anchor plates are a very worthwhile upgrade - my suggested priority would be:

• At the side shrouds
• At the front Cross bar
• On the outside at the back crossbar if you have wings (you will need to cut in a port behind the cross bar)

Chris.