Anyone

[kap1492]

I purchase a MirrowCraft 14' Deep-V a couple years back at a great price. The boat is still in great shape and has been sligtly modifed (only temporary floors have been put in and swivel seats have been mounted on each bench seat). I have searched high and low for plans on how to modify my boat to be more user friendly, but not have to gamble with stability and safety. The only plans that I have come across is a company out of Texas that sells jon boat plans. I have tons of questons about this but my primary objective is to find someone who has modified his/her boat. I would like to take out the bench seats and place a sub floor and add storage compartments along with a livewell. I have heard that removing my bench seats with increase my chances of muffing up a good thing. If anyone can help me or point me in the right directions, please do. I would be eternally grateful.

 

[solidwaste]

Re: Anyone

Can you post some pics of youre boat?That would help alot dont worry these guys are full of ideas and know how..Youll get the help you need..

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Anyone

Why would removing the bench seats effect anything?

 

[kap1492]

Re: Anyone

Yeah I will get some pics up as soon as possible most likely this weekend. I have read that removing the middle bench seat will effect the stability and the strength of the hull itself.

 

[JB]

Re: Anyone

Removing the bench (thwart) seats would turn your boat into a wiggle monster. They provide most of the rigidity to the hull.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Anyone

kap, i came up with a 'gig' to hold the boats shape while reconfiguring bench seats. email me and will send diagram.. <tashasdaddy@comcast.net> it a little complicated and looks like over kill, byt who wants a boat with a straight side and a curved side.

 

[kap1492]

Re: Anyone

Hey fellas, I just got a digital camera and plan to take some pics, should have them up by tues at the latest, can't wait to get some feedback.

 

[kap1492]

Re: Anyone

Ok guys, just got the pics up, hoping I will get some ideas. This is going to be my first project so bear with me if I have alot of questions. My first step I want to tackle is installing a bow platform so I can mount my new Minn Kota PD 55# 54" shaft and a new anchor system. What shoud I use to give me the most strength and durability, I want to be safe so I want something that is going to survive trailering. <br /><br />Next I would like to place a casting deck from the front seat to the front of the bow. I would like to keep the bench seat using it as a guide. Along with the deck, I would also like to add some storage, maybe a livelwell and rod compartments or what ever I have room for.<br /><br />I would like to keep the weight down so I would like to know what are some ways to do so? Another area I would like to focus on is the transom area. I would like to make a compartment for my battery and gas area.<br /><br />In a nutshell my goal is to make the boat more user friendly and keep the project cost effective and ultimately ligth in weight. Any ideas would be great help considering I only have about 2 months before the season starts.<br /><br /> http://www.shareaproject.com/pages/projectThumbs,p,200,00.html

 

[kap1492]

Re: Anyone

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Anyone

here's what i would do. make a 2x4 frame in triangle, divided by another 2x4 thru the center for support. set this on the seat, and brace it off the forward platform. cover w 1/2" ply. you might be able to put hatch in the floor. if that is the case do not put the center brace in use 2 cross braces, across the triangle. the stearn creates more problems, as you have to clear the motor with a large hatch door. you could build you tank in permanently with a small hatch to fill it. as far as lockers are concerned i don't see space for them. Do not cut the middle seat, as it is a structual part of the boat. and you need a place for a 2nd person to sit. the best alternative to get what you really want is to up grade to another boat. i have a 1960 15' Lonestar built just like yours. with a 1955 15hp evinrude. if you want drawings of my ideas my email is in the other post.