Did you ever hear that the sides of the boat should be reinforced before you take the cap off, so that when you go to put the top cap back on it fits easily again? I have heard that it can bow out and be difficult... did you measure it? Also, I must say you are doing a bad ass job on that boat! Mad props. I am working on a 86 Rider XL right now. I will start a thread perhaps with some pics. Keep it up bro, that boat is going to be sweet.