16' Starcraft seafarer deck

[linxlvr]

Hi all. I have an aluminum v-hull 16' seafarer. It comes from the factory w/ a deck at the height of the bottom of the 'bench' seats. Does this type of deck offer any structural integrity typically, or is it just to aid movement in the boat? I would like to modify it but don't want to create long term headaches that show up down the road.
TYIA
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dw

 

[DJ]

Re: 16' Starcraft seafarer deck

On aluminum boats, "decking" may provide structural support, especially if it runs all the way across the deck.

Got a picture?

 

[linxlvr]

Re: 16' Starcraft seafarer deck

Here is a photo of the deck of the boat and seat layout.
TY again for the help
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dw

 

[reelfishin]

Re: 16' Starcraft seafarer deck

Nice boat!
The floor or deck in that boat may not be so much structural, but it will prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the hull caused by walking on the back side of the aluminum. The wood deck helps distribute your weight amongst all the ribs vs. walking on the skin of the hull itself. Not only that but it sure does make walking around a lot safer since it makes for a flat floor. With the wood out, the floor would be quite slick and the ribs and aluminum stringers would all be exposed. On most Starcrafts, the floor also holds the flotation foam.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 16' Starcraft seafarer deck

i that boat it is not structural, rather it is safety. trip, fall, splash.

 

[linxlvr]

Re: 16' Starcraft seafarer deck

Ty to both of you. Not being familliar w/ 'foam' (but have read about it in other posts) there is something I don't understand. Starcraft makes the same boat w/o floor, does all the foam sit in the 'seats'? Also, if I cut out a section of the deck for storage (covered w/ a door of course) say 7' x 2' in the center, should I be concerned about the 'loss' of that much foam?

TY for the patience with my newbie questions, I've never done ANY boat mods before, nor ever had a boat w/ a deck even.

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dw

 

[Fish n Geer]

Re: 16' Starcraft seafarer deck

That is a sweet little fishin machine!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 16' Starcraft seafarer deck

i believe your foam is in the seat boxes. but don't believe you will get much storage, under the deck.

 

[linxlvr]

Re: 16' Starcraft seafarer deck

i believe your foam is in the seat boxes. but don't believe you will get much storage, under the deck.

That is welcome news about the foam. You are quite right about not much room. It has about 5" depth at the center as best I can figure. The floor has one weak spot, so I am considering raising the replacement floor a small amount (Something on the order of 2") and the I would have more than enough to put a rod locker in the center floor. I am only considering it at this point though.

I like several different types of fishing, so it's nice to have different equipment available.

TY again for the help, and to all TY to all the nice comments also.

If anyone has pro's con's about raising the deck about 2" as far as stability while fishing I am all ears also. 68" beam, 16' boat.

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dw

 

[bassboy1]

Re: 16' Starcraft seafarer deck

Stability wise, 2 inches isn't gonna even be noticable. You could ad seat height casting decks, without a problem on that rig. That boat has a lot of possibilities.

 

[linxlvr]

Re: 16' Starcraft seafarer deck

Stability wise, 2 inches isn't gonna even be noticable. You could ad seat height casting decks, without a problem on that rig. That boat has a lot of possibilities.

A 1936 OMC... now that is an old motor! I have a 1958 10HP Seahorse I use as a kicker at one res that has a HP limit.

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dw

 

[linxlvr]

Re: 16' Starcraft seafarer deck

OK, while I have so many peoples attention... Where to put Batteries?

I have a 24v bow mount and I need a 12v for accs and start for main motor.

I realize balanced, but I was wondering more fore / aft, and also the two together in the Centerline of the rig, or one out against the free board on each side?

TY again.
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dw