Deck Repair - not attached to stringers

[Chrismacholz]

My boat was in an accident while being trailered home this fall. The transport company put the whole rig on a flatbed (trailer and boat) and didn’t measure the height. They proceeded to get on the highway and hit an overpass. The console was pulled partially out of the floor (which was wet) and my radar/outrigger tower destroyed.

I got an estimate to fix the deck, but there is a lot of flex in the deck and it appears the deck is floating over the stringers by about a half inch, only bonded with thick areas of putty in a few places. Is this normal? Will replacing the deck core stiffen it enough or is it best to replace the entire thing, raising the stringers slightly so the deck sits firmly on top?

The tank will likely get replaced after we pull and inspect it. I’m just waiting for the insurance settlement and scheming on how to best approach the right repairs if I get enough money. Thanks!