Cuddy Cone
 

Boat: Baja 19TC (1980) i/o Merc 260
First boat, new to boating, quick questions on the cuddy nose panel.

Pulled away carpet/headliner (recent Racoon damage) and the outer port and sb sides of the wood nose panel has been eaten away about 3-5 inches.

- Is this an important structural component? If so maybe I should buildup o replace the piece so that it goes all the way to the edges.
- It's not an "air pocket" aiding in buoyancy, is it?
- Can I use the space as a small (or hidden) storage area?
- Could I set a 10" subwoofer into this panel?

Thanks
- Paul in Toronto