Witness #1 stated that he rented vessel #1 to witness #2 for the purpose of fishing.  He further stated that he gave instructions not to be used for transportation to Champagne Island. W#1, while checking the locations of the marina's rental boats observed vessel #1 beached on Champagne Island with only the stern of the vessel and mot0r in the water.
W#1 stated that due to heavy vessel traffic in the area the stern and motor were bouncing in the sand.
 Witness #2 stated to the effect  he beached vessel #1 on Champagne Island and walked the islan with his party.  He than observed someone towing the rental boat away from the location. W#2 alsostated that he observed the vessel " leaning to the left side" prior to renting and thought the boat was loaded heavily on that side.

Investigation revealed: W2 rented vessel #1 from Grassy Sound Marina.  Witness #2 operated the vessel to Hereford Inlet and subsequently beached vessel #1 on Champagne Island. Upon beaching the vessel, all occupants departed V#1.  Due to choppy conditions and heavy vessel traffic in the area, and the position of vessel #1, caused the stern of the vessel to move upward anddownward with the wave action.  This caused the stern of vessel #1 to come in contact with the hard sandy bottom , causing a crack in the stern weld of the port-side pontoon.
North Wildwood