Can I do this safely?

[tmfd]

I have a 14" StarCraft aluminum. Already has a lot of custom work. The rear bench removed and a splashwell installed. And the side "shelves" which are foam filled. I would like to modify the boat further by removing the front bench seat and making it like the red Monark example I included. Mine of course is the blue one. If I removed the front bench, and added what you can see in the example picture, would I still have a structurally sound boat? The Monark is just how I would like mine set up if possible.

 

[jigngrub]

Probably... but the front deck will be stronger and offer more hull support if hold it down below the top of the gunwales instead above them like the Monarch has.

I personally would incorporate the front bench into the build by decking over top of it, that way you still have the structural support and the floatation foam and you can use the space below the deck and in front of the bench for below deck storage.

 

[tmfd]

Thank you. Yes, I have considered that. however that front bench seat is BIG, lol. Quite tall, seems like I would be too high up for comfort. And the wife would hate being up there. That is the main reason I like the Monark boat, the pedestal seat is on the floor, and still some storage and place for trolling motor mounting. Seems like the bit of work up front with some wood and maybe some aluminum might "brace" the sides enough. I also thought about leaving some of the seat and having maybe a 6in step. Main thing I am concerned about is removal of the bench and whether or not it would be unsafe or hurt the structure of the boat.

 

[jigngrub]

Structurally, a bulkhead in about the same area as the aft bulkhead of the bench and a deck below the gunwales framed out of aluminum angle will give the required support.

Safety, the removal of floatation foam is never a good idea... and that's why I suggest framing and decking around and will the bench in place.

 

[sheboyganjohn]

If I was going to do it, this is how I would approach it. I would extend the side rod boxes all the way forward to add some support to the sides of the hull that you would loose by removing the seat. I would then add a 6" step-up in the front in place of the seat and fill that with foam. You will keep the flotation foam with similar volume and still drop down the front a good amount.