Do seats hold the boat together?

[bob844]

I'm looking for an aluminum deep V I can use during the summer and cover up and leave it there without towing it 700 miles home in the fall. I want something nearly wide open inside so I can add rod storage, livetanks, tackle storage, etc.

Most of the boats appropriately sized (15'-16') seem to have three aluminum seats built in athwart and attached at or near the gunwales. I assume they are this way to add strength to the hull.

However the ribs in the floor aren't or don't appear to be any different than in boats without these seats.

So what would happen if a person would remove the seats?

Thanks

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Do seats hold the boat together?

The boat would sink like a rock and the sky would come crashing down.

Seriously, though. The best one to answer that question accurately would be the boat manufacturer. Whatever boat you're thinking about doing this with, your best bet is to contact the manufacturer prior to removing the seats, and make sure that the seats may be safely removed without compromising structural integrity. There are a lot of factors which affect structural integrity; such as hull thickness, whether the boat is rvited or welded, rivit/weld spacing, dimensions, angles, ect.

Good luck with your quest, and let us know what you come up with.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Do seats hold the boat together?

Hehe

Yeah, the supports for the seats may have a structural purpose.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Do seats hold the boat together?

As state the seat give the boat most of it strength, I redid my fishing boat,not a jon, and was amazed how flimsy it was as I started to strip it down.

Maybe see if you can find one that is designed to be open btu no you can't take the seats out without really screwing up the boat.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Do seats hold the boat together?

Find a fairly long boat (16' minimum). Remove the center bench and replace it with welded in bracing that matches the footprint of the seat but is completely open, that way you maintain the structural integrity but gain the open space you desire. I had a john boat that had been modified in that manner and loved it. The boat was very sturdy and the center brace was extremely handy. I would use it to secure rods, fish baskets, life jackets, etc. As I type I'm asking myself why I got rid of it. If you do something like that be sure to cushion it though. My shins seemed to be drawn to that center brace and I was often glad the PO had done so.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Do seats hold the boat together?

The flotation is probably in the seats.

 

[bob844]

Re: Do seats hold the boat together?

DaNinja,

Yeah, I get that. I know they they supply support. I'm wondering what percentage of support and if that amount can be sacrificed or replaced elsewhere. Thanks