Yeah, I've heard all the speculations about if this was the proper boat or time to go fishing. But without an answer to the question of whether this boat was ever in the sea can only lead me to think that this 'huge' news in nothing.
From what I've read on this thread one of two things is possible.
1. He washed all the salt water off...doubtful.
2.The boat was never in salt water....ever.
The stepfather indicated that the boat might have been a recent purchase. He hadn't seen it before.
I do think it is strange to go fishing that far away when you are expected on the same day for dinner at your in-laws.