Adding a new seat post to existing hull

zippy83 · Jan 6, 2013

Hello All,

I just got a new (very used but new to me) fishing boat. The seating setup on the boat is a little stupid if you ask me. I am looking to add a new seat post next to the drivers seat. I have include pictures. Is there any way I can do this without having to tear up the floor? I really don't want to ruin the floors since they are original.

I have included the pictures. In picture 2 I am looking to add that part next to the driver seat

Thank you for any suggestions
Zipp

carribbean soul · Jan 6, 2013

Re: Adding a new seat post to existing hull

Easy just buy one of those base plates and cut the floor and install. Seal the edges of the wood!! Very important!!! And know what you are cutting into, make sure there are no wires, fuel or important stuff under the spot your cutting.

carribbean soul · Jan 6, 2013

Re: Adding a new seat post to existing hull

With that access plate right next to where you want to install the seat, I bet there is a fuel tank under there! Measure twice cut once!

jigngrub · Jan 6, 2013

Re: Adding a new seat post to existing hull

You definitely need to know what's under where you're cutting before you cut if you aren't going to remove the decking. In addition to what CS named off, you could also cut through a rib... and don't want to do that either.

A lot of people screw those base plates down through the decking, but that's not the best installation nor the longest lasting. Seat bases should be installed with stainless steel t-nuts under the decking and 1/4-20 oval head screws for a secure installation.

Since that's an aluminum boat you don't have to worry about sealing anything with 3M 5200, there's plenty of other places for water to get down into the bilge... so one more won't hurt anything.

Since you just bought the boat, you should take it apart anyway to inspect your decking, foam, and transom. Aluminum boats disassmble easily, and go back together easy too.

If the carpet is indeed original your decking should be fastened down through the carpet so you can take the screws and decking out without ruining your carpet. Dig around through the carpet knap and see if you can find any screw heads.

zippy83 · Jan 6, 2013

Re: Adding a new seat post to existing hull

Hello

The problem that I am having is that the bottom (floor) is not wood. It is sheet metal and I am having difficulty figuring out how to screw the plate to the floor if I have to use nuts for the bolts. This boat has an external fuel tank so I wont have to worry about that. Also the access plate is for electrical wiring coming from the front. All the cables are going through the right side close to the driver seat. If it was wood it would be simple.

zippy83 · Jan 6, 2013

Re: Adding a new seat post to existing hull

So here is what I have that attaches the floor to the rest of the boat. there is really no easy way of removing those, I would have to ruin the whole floor to get a seat installed if there is no other way.

jigngrub · Jan 6, 2013

Re: Adding a new seat post to existing hull

Those blind rivets remove easily, just drill the head off of them... the hole in the middle of them makes them real easy to drill.

Since your decking is aluminum, you'll need to install a backing plate under the deck for additional reinforcement, without a backing plate you'll warp your aluminum and that seat base will turn into a rocking chair. You'll need to remove your decking to install a backing plate.

I think you'll be better off just to live with what you have, given the way your boat is built.

Teamster · Jan 6, 2013

Re: Adding a new seat post to existing hull

Is there a seat base further back on the passenger side???

I think I would leave it as it is,....

If it were me I would want to move the passenger seat out of the way every time I stopped to fish and that would get old after awhile,...

zippy83 · Jan 6, 2013

Re: Adding a new seat post to existing hull

Yes, There is one more seat in the back near the outboard. I guess I can leave it like it is. If someone wants to ride with m,e they better bring a cooler to sit on.

Teamster · Jan 6, 2013

Re: Adding a new seat post to existing hull

Why a cooler???

Couldn't they sit in the front or rear seat????

chriscraft254 · Jan 6, 2013

Re: Adding a new seat post to existing hull

Think you could probably buy some stainless steel anchor bolts or winged bolts. You will have to mark your holes and drill the holes big enough for the anchor part to go through the decking. Then install all the bolts with anchors on them into the seat base. Push each one through its hole, then the anchors will spread out under the decking. Tighten down each one a little at a time so you can keep the anchors tight against the bottom so all will tighten until base is firmly in place. A little 5200 under it wouldn't hurt either. .

zippy83 · Jan 6, 2013