There is a point on my newly stripped deck, very close to the bow that because of my inexperience with stripping is actually so thin that sanding has exposed a n irregular slit about 6 - 8" long. Of course the slit is right where two different colored strips meet in a pattern.

I'm not sure if that is something I should just try & fill with dooky schmutz or if I have to perform some very intricate surgery by cutting out and inserting a new piece of strip.

Any advice will be welcomed - thanks in advance!

Chas