Bare Aluminum Hull - need bench seat ideas

[jb93]

It has brackets in place, but I need some input on how to build functional bench seats - preferably enclosure with storage. I need some ideas and pictures. Thank you.

 

[carribbean soul]

Re: Bare Aluminum Hull - need bench seat ideas

aft one dry storage think boat battery life jackets ect

mid one live well

front one insulated cooler

easy to make with fiberglass or wood just takes patience and some skill learned here or you tube.

 

[1FASTLASER]

Re: Bare Aluminum Hull - need bench seat ideas

Being as I am in the fabrication industry and boats are my love I would love to be close enough to help you with this. I definately wouldnt use wood. Simply because of the added weight. If you have the necessary resources available aluminum is the way to go. I would suggest .063 aluminum for the seats. Using that the possibilities are endless. You would need to make a template that you could transfer over onto your aluminum plate of the bottom. Then it would be simple. Just figure out what height you would want the bench seats to reach and the width as well. Before breaking the "box" along the bottom where the bench or box sits make sure you add ....I would suggest at least 3/4" tabs placed every foot along the bottom edge that could be heli arc'd to the bottom. After forming the "shell you then could cut in any access ports for storage. Its not difficult if you have the necessary resources available.....the end result will last pretty well forever.... Depending on the use intended for the boat I would put a deck in the front with storage underneath.....a deck in the rear ...again with a rear hatch that would open for access to tank batteries pumps etc and in this rear deck is where I would put in a livewell that plumbs to the rear. The possibilities are endless.

 

[jb93]

Re: Bare Aluminum Hull - need bench seat ideas

Being as I am in the fabrication industry and boats are my love I would love to be close enough to help you with this. I definately wouldnt use wood. Simply because of the added weight. If you have the necessary resources available aluminum is the way to go. I would suggest .063 aluminum for the seats. Using that the possibilities are endless. You would need to make a template that you could transfer over onto your aluminum plate of the bottom. Then it would be simple. Just figure out what height you would want the bench seats to reach and the width as well. Before breaking the "box" along the bottom where the bench or box sits make sure you add ....I would suggest at least 3/4" tabs placed every foot along the bottom edge that could be heli arc'd to the bottom. After forming the "shell you then could cut in any access ports for storage. Its not difficult if you have the necessary resources available.....the end result will last pretty well forever.... Depending on the use intended for the boat I would put a deck in the front with storage underneath.....a deck in the rear ...again with a rear hatch that would open for access to tank batteries pumps etc and in this rear deck is where I would put in a livewell that plumbs to the rear. The possibilities are endless.

I live in the Dallas TX area...any fab shops you know of that I should call? If not, what type of shop should I be searching for in google/yellow pages search?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Bare Aluminum Hull - need bench seat ideas

First I'd put in a 1/2" plywood deck.

Then I'd frame the bench out of aluminum angle.

Then I'd sheath the 2 sides with 3/8" plywood.

Then I'd put a nice 3/4" plywood top on the bench.

This will be a strong and economical build.

Yes, all aluminum construction would be nice... but when you see the price of sheet aluminum you will poop your pants.

You should google sheet aluminum and check prices for a 4x8' sheet, then compare it to 1/2" and 3/8" plywood.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bare Aluminum Hull - need bench seat ideas

Ayuh,.... Where's the Flotation gonna go,..??

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Bare Aluminum Hull - need bench seat ideas

Ayuh,.... Where's the Flotation gonna go,..??

If it was me, it'd be under the deck and some inside the 3 benches.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Bare Aluminum Hull - need bench seat ideas

Bond-o is Spot. on. I would at the bare minimum dedicate one entire box to floatations foam and the others half. Call your DOT and see what they do with their old traffic signs. It makes great aluminum for your boat