[erebus]

Since you've already painted the decks (I think you did, didnt you?) I would just go through the top.

Run a circ saw with the blade depth set to cut just through the top skin, and cut out as much of the bow area as you dare. Leave enough of an edge to grind back so you can glass the original skin back on.

Once you remove all the core, replace it with whatever you want, plywood, coosa, solid glass whatever. Glass and fair the top skin back on and then repaint it again. Should be able to blend it together ok.

Zachary