Ken,

Exactly the thought I was having. You put it into words better than I did. That way you end up with a floating panel. Sort of the same idea as a frame and panel door, except this is glued to the foam but the faom would still allow for expansion and contraction when the hull flexes (as in an impact situation).
By all means give me a call. I sure liiked what you have done. The prow and the stern must have been a challenge. I won't be free Wed. or Thurs. next week, but give me a call and we will figure it out. Talk to you later.
Mark