I have a 2006 22 Classic with a 496 Mag HO. Last season we noticed 1x 10" crack and a slight Crack opposite side in the interior engine carpartment located on the left and right wall midway down near the firewall panel. We noticed that the firewall panel was loose and speculate that the panel being loose may have caused stress on the boat and caused the cracks.

Question: does the firewall panel have any structural value in keeping the boat from twisting during movement?

The fiberglass guy we are using can't get access to the entire Crack because that front panel is in the way and wants to cut a section out to gain access. He will replace it with diamond plate thereafter.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.