Hi all,
I thought I would weigh-in on the "welder" issue. I have corrected several items on my 17CC that were dealer inspired and/or modifications of a non-structural nature. I have utilized a Seelye welder which utilizes a compressed air stream and heating element. Great little item, especially if you are making stuff out of Starboard or minor repairs. The welder that is utilized by the factory and available to dealers is of the "extrusion" variety. It heats and dispenses the HDPE with some force, nice but around $3K.

For small repairs, an electric paint-stripping gun (used carefully) and HDPE welding rod really does the trick. Melting the powder in an old skillet and applying with a drywall knife is also a good method. It depends upon the amount and degree of repair that needs to be done, and how far away from a dealer you happen to be. I'm about 250+ miles away from any dealer I would allow to touch my hull.