I had a forward casting platform on my "07 23SE, but it was delaminating, and had to remove it. When it was cut away, there were ugly scars on the inside of the hull that could have been gel coated over if desired, but I liked the storage space for PFD's, fishing gear, etc. My fiberglass guy fabricated a new platform from lightweight closed cell foam that is quite strong, and coated it with a perfect color laminate skin. I imagine your hull inside is also single layer, so be careful not to cut too deep, and gel coat over the scars, or paint if necessary. Best to you on your project. Papa...........