Malibu Mini X drain hole crack

I'm waiting to hear back from Malibu in regards on how to best repair this crack. Any ideas. The crack runs from the drain hole all the way under the grab handle. BTW, Malibu customer service has been exemplary. I get "call backs" right away and they are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about their products.

O.k. While writing this post I got a call back from Patrick @ Malibu. He told me to take the strap off and drill a relief hole at the very end of the crack. He is sending me a repair kit and said  I'll need a heat gun or a soddering iron. Makes sense to me. He is also,sending me a link to a video/tutorial. What do you guys think??? Thanks,for your input.

Is it under warranty still? The repair he's mentioning should work fine, but I would be concerned using that grab handle with an already stressed area even after the repair.

I think you'll find that crack to be propagated all the way to the handle bolt hole, judging by the width of the crack.  I would integrate stainless steel mesh into this repair, since it's in a high-stress area.  If you can't get some mesh into it, at least get some bigger washers inside the hull for the handle, or maybe even make a 1-piece backing plate to distribute the load better. 

Thanks guys. I like the washer idea. Malibu told me to keep in touch. If things don't work out they will work with me. My yak is 8 years old so I would only have 40% toward a new one if I can find my receipt and am the original owner... which I am but not sure if I have the receipt.

If it's a welding stick they send you, I would recommend using the soldering iron over the heat gun. I like to use the heat gun to get the stick warm and tacky....then use the soldering iron to make sure everything goes together right. I've done a few boats now and have never had an issue after the repair.

That crack originated at the holes for the handles. I would remove the handle, use the soldering iron to make a hole at the end of the crack to relieve stresses, weld the crack and holes closed (leave the drain open), and drill new holes for the handle. I like Low_Sky's backing plate idea for the handle as well.

I was kinda thinking along the same lines. Thanks for all the input guys.

In my 10 years as a Malibu dealer we saw dozens and dozens of this exact issue.

Problem is going to be thst the crack.will lead to the bolt hole which is actually an aluminum insert.  Due to the age of the boat your bolt will likely be stuck in and you will either have to band aid fix it or bust that big insert out of the boat then weld it back up and rebolt handle.

Its a pain in the ass to fix so hopefully they take care of you with their "lifetime" warranty.  Because we were their biggest dealer we always did warranty work and then billed them so not sure how itll play out for you.