How much can you cut out the rod box holes?

[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.