But Connors, who was involved in the initial search for the Carmans, said he does not believe the boat repairs Nathan Carman is said to have made would cause an immediate safety issue.
Investigators were told Carman removed trim tabs from his boat, records show. Trim tabs help with fuel efficiency and keep a boat from listing.
Removing them is unusual, but not inherently dangerous, said Gloucester Harbormaster Thomas Ciarametaro.
Ciarametaro said trim tabs are bolted on, so a boat owner would want to make sure the holes were filled securely to prevent leaks.
Carman filled the holes on his boat with a “marine-type adhesive,” according to court records. Ciarametaro said such substances are strong and reliable, but that he would use additional material to shore up his vessel.