I got a quick question? How big was the tear? I'm thinking not very big, what if it happened while taking it out of the bow or something (i.e. it caught on something and just happened?) That's a crock of crap I'd be fighting the ticket if it were me, I'd also bring a 50 gallon drum to the hearing, and show the judge, Look at this small tear, it happened as I was taking it out of the bow of the boat, but look it still floats fine. Ughhhhhhhh petty crap like that really P.M.O. Take Care God Bless LOL Dave