I am sure that "side stiffeners" is not the technical term to use here, but it describes their effect. The original plans called for bench seating on both sides of the cockpit. This may be appropriate for tiller steering (which is not appropriate for the B model of this boat), but I wanted a helm station, so the bench seating had to go. Mr. Michalak saw no problem with this modification. However, in removing the benches, structurally I thought I made the boat weaker. I retained a thicker version of the rear supports for the bench seating along the cockpit wall. I also added angle bracing between each side and bulkhead 17. This adequately transfers the thrust of the outboard through to the cabin section of the boat.

The stiffeners are cut to size. I have completed notching one of them to fit around the butt plate on the side.

I had a router, but no table yet. I am hand routing the notch out of the second stiffener.

Also, since the stiffeners run the full length of the cockpit, they run into the bulge caused by the fiberglass attaching the bulkheads at either end. I marked off the part of the stiffener that has to be belt-sanded off. Just do a little at a time. When the marks disappear, stop and check for fit. Re-mark and re-sand if needed.

Starboard stiffener epoxied in place.

You can see how the notched port-side stiffener fits around the butt plate in this photo. You also may be able to see a row of dark spots about a third of the way down from the coaming to the stiffener. These are screws attaching the rub rails from the inside. I still have to seal them over with epoxy putty.

This is the starboard angle bracing that I added. The shifter, throttle, and steering cable run over the top, while the electronic cable is coming up from below.

The port bracing has the battery cables, fish finder wire running through it. I also tie off the fuel tank to this brace.