How much can you cut out the rod box holes?

[scook]

I'm thinking of building rod boxes and a buddy suggested making them bigger and adding other storage. I figure I need to stay away from the corners a little, but not sure how much stiffness the inner panels add to the strength or rigidity of the boat. Anybody know what concerns I should have about this?

Thanks

[Franco]

They didn't add anything to mine except a place to put fishing rods. Just remember, measure twice, cut once!

[scook]

Franco - A friend of mine's dad told me that when I was just starting out as a carpenter in '63. Now I have to measure about 5 times to remember long enough to get it written down.

[LESTERUS]

www.fpmarine.com sells them, I bought them long time ago and did it. yuo can cut the inner liner without any problem. There is a very old post with my pictures on it.

[BigMike]

I just boarded mine up... they were all cracked anyway

[Destroyer]

I also have mine covered, but have always felt that it was a ton of really needed, wasted storage space. I intend to cut mine larger, add a few vertical boards to act as stiffeners and load bearers for the gunnels and make a long compartmented storage area. Since I have my rod boxes out already I can look from one end to the other and I cannot see why it can't be done. I don't intend to make the opening higher or lower, just longer. It's on the winter project list.