[RingLeader]

I don't think its necessary to remove the coreing in that top cap to adequately join the sides together. I would scarf in a piece to join the two halfs and then cut a larger piece of some kind of core material that overlaps the joined area by 8" or 10" or so on each side and glass that to place. If you use a piece of coosa or something like that it won't add but 10 lbs or so to the situation up there. Hell 3/4" plywood and a little glass won't add but 20 lbs at the most. Bevel back the glass on the sides of each half on the top side and glass it up real well. It'll be strong as hell.

I just removed all the old masty plywood core material from the fuel tank hatch on my big Mako and in some spots I caused some nice damage geting that core material out... Now if the core in that forward deck is rotten or wet, well take it out and start fresh. Otherwise, I would splint it together from the underside.