Seat strength

[BLC]

I have the standard bare bones aluminum 16 foot boat with the seats that go across the full width of the boat, similar to the one in the first link below. It's a Duracraft. I am a project king of guy and would like to modify it so that it will be more user freindly and comfortable for fishing, stuff like build rod lockers, livewell. I would like a more open floor area for walking around, similar to the one in the second link below. Would I be able to remove the seats or part of the seats with out compromizing the structural integrity of the boat. I was thinking of cutting the seats down enough so that I could put a flat floor in it like in the second link. Of course I would strengthen the bottom part of the seats that were left and screw the flooring down to it.

http://www.sahkahtay.com/media/.gallery/main92.jpg

http://i.oodleimg.com/item/2912032133u_1x424x360f?1354391533

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Seat strength

You seats are a structural and floatation important part of you boat. Having said that you could replicate both of those things in a new design. Just pay a lot of attention.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Seat strength

Do it right and you'll be fine. Do it wrong and you'll have scrap metal. Research it and think it out well.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Seat strength

something to think about. Will the motor you have Now, be able to push all that weight you will be adding.??? Just a thought.

 

[BLC]

Re: Seat strength

Thanks for the replies guys. No the motor I have now will not. It is only a 15hp yamaha 2 stroke that I took off of my old 14 foot misty river. It is too small right now without the added weight. I plan on getting a 40hp for it next year and leaving the 15 for the 14 footer.
As far as doing the modification right, I plan on reinforcing the areas of the seat that I will be cutting out, and building an aluminum frame system that will tie whats left of the seats, the floor, and the rod lockers all together as one rigid frame. I have the tools and fab skills to weld aluminum so thats not an issue. I have no doubt that I can make it as strong, if not stronger than factory, I just need some advice as the the best way to do it from people that know boats. This will be a winter project so I am doing my homework now.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Seat strength

And don't forget to replace the floatation foam you will be removing with the seats, AND add more foam for the added weight of your modifications.