A Bigfoot bites it

Photomike, I am not certain about BF's but on boats the joint is usually stronger than the hull or the deck... the joints are mostly likely glued with a sealant then glass/resin taped to make it watertight, thus it become strong...now that is in a good boat. Cheap boats are glued with sealant and then a flimsy rub rail is pop riveted on the joint on the outside...nasty leak prone and not strong, but probably stronger than the rest...so I am not surprised the joints held is my point! But you may be correct! JMHO!!

That is why I have an all welded alloy boat!