The burned area is the forward transverse bulkhead. Very critical to anchor it down, it is what helps shutdown any bow curl allowing wave energy to be transferred to the boat hull. Energy travels in a straight line so if I keep the maximum amount of wave energy out of the hull the boat should ride better. I glassed the snot out of it right before closing up the shop. The fairing of the balance of the seam is well along and super fair. I understand why manufacturers of the production boats carpet over this seam, what a PITA to fair.