Gunnel Dive Door on a 20

[JohnC]

I just wanted to get some opinions about adding a side dive door to a 20. I would love to add this feature however it seems like to gunnels are integral to the rigidity of the smaller hulls. I don't know that the stringer system and the deck are enough to provide longitudinal stiffness without a continuous gunnel. I occasionally venture out in bigger seas than I should so structure matters.
That being said - I really want one! Is there a reasonable way to replace the structural integrity of the gunnel while cutting a door into it? has it been done? I searched but I cant find where this mod has been tried on a 20 (or even a 23).
Opinions please.

Thanks,
John