Bench seat project

[mcump]

In the next day or so, I am planning on purchasing a v-hull style 14ft jon boat. The problem however is that the bench seats were removed. Before I move forward purchasing it, is it even logical to try to implement bench seats with either wood or aluminum? If so, do they have to be hand crafted or can you purchase them from somewhere? I’m in college right now working part time with remote classes, so I don’t exactly have the greatest amount of time. Here are some pictures of the incoming project:

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[mcump]

[No message]

 

[Chris1956]

Why do you call that a Jon boat? Jon boats are flat bottom, flat front style boats. I would call that a semi-vee boat.

usually aluminum boats have some sort of side to side support. Bench seats fulfill that purpose. That boat has some sort of side to side structure. You need to determine if that is sufficient to give the necessary strength,

 

[mcump]

Thanks Chris,
For one, I didn’t really know how to describe it. I should’ve said aluminum v-hull style boat or something along those lines. In regards to the support, is there a good way to test it’s strength other than putting weight on it? Also, say that they are good, what would the next step be for the benches?

 

[Chris1956]

I would reach across and grab the far gunwale and give it a pull. If she flexes at all, I would think it needs additional support. Of course, it may not move under your pull, and still need additional support.

A bench seat could easily be fashioned which would give the necessary lateral support and meet your needs. Cut some 2X4 or 2X6 lumber to fashion a bench seat from gunwale to gunwale. The seats should be scribed to fit the countours of the hull,ensuring a tight fit. Now bolt the seats to some "L" brackets, and rivet those to the hull.

 

[gm280]

Before you go to manufacturing any "seats", what are your plans for this boat? How do you want to lay it out for your needs. Could be what you plan to do with the boat will provide the side support as well. So tell us what you're ideas are...