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Did you do any reinforcement after cutting the top out of the bench? I'm considering cutting the whole top off my benches. Come ~2-4" off each port and starboard side and leave a 1.5-2" lip on the bow and stern side. I am doing this for storage as well as adding a transom support attached to the rear seat. With access inside the bench I can thru bolt it. I've thought about running 2 pieces of 1/16 angle in the center of the bench about 6-12" apart where my transom bracket is going to bolt to. My benches are pretty thick (1990 boat). Did you add any angle under the lip left from hatch cutout?
