Duranautic Bench removal

[weneedabiggerboat]

im trying to open the floor area on my duranautic 14t (no split benches) 2020 hull and give it some space by taking out the third bench from the front. Dealership explained to me that some of the benches are for the integrity etc. if I can cut down the bench to make it like a split bench and redistribute the foam in the bench to equal parts of the boat would it be ok? I would build the subfloor before cutting the bench so that im helping to keep the hull strong.

 

[airshot]

The bench seats do keep the sides from flexing. On boats like my side console there are rod storage compartments that act as stiffeners for the sides. I have taken the center out of a bench seat before with no issues. Just keep the integrity of the side support there. Also depends on whether bench seat is suspended of riveted to the floor..