As you can see, it wouldn't be a big job to re-do the hull liner/ceiling after the hole in the deck is covered (piece of 1/8" steel plate welded over it). Trade off would be loss of light below (and ability to see out without going outside, not a big loss). Gain would be a nice hard dodger with windows.

This is the kind of project --building a hard dodger-- that I'd only pay someone to do, as I don't have the expertise to do it, and would want it to look good. It wouldn't be cheap, I'm sure!

I've done so much work to this boat --rebuilt the interior, etc. etc.-- and haven't we all...so doing a big project like building a hard dodger wouldn't be out of character, I suppose. Certainly would make sense for an extended high latitude trip, if that ever happens. (Next trip will be south, to warmth.)