Seat removal

[matridium]

I have an aluminum 73 duracraft deep v-hull and I want to modify it a little. It has 3 seats in it and one at the very front but it s really just seems to be a support and storage for bow line and anchor. What I want to do is keep the seat at the stearn and remove the seat in the middle. this would open up the the middle of the boat. there would still be two seats in the frount and one in the back. Does anyone think that this would make the aluminum hull non strucutrally sound. would it cause problems with the boat plaining? <br /><br />thank you <br />Michael Moore

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Seat removal

Chances are the haul will twist,then buckle in time.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Seat removal

If I understand you correctly, you want to remove a bench style seat in the middle of the boat. Its probably attached to the floor and sides. <br /><br />Before buying the fiberglass boat I now have, I was looking into buying new aluminum boat and modifying it similar to what you suggest. I think that it can be done, but those bench seats are a structural member supporting the sides of the boat. I think it can be done if you were to pick up some "C" channel or "U" channel in aluminum and attach a 6 or 8 foot lenght near the gunnel on each side of the boat. This will tie the section with missing seat to forward and aft sections that are supported. It will prevent the hull from twisting and bowing out in the middle.<br /><br />The tricky part will be getting some aluminum at reasonable prices. It should be easy enough to bend it to match the curve of the hull because it's not that drastic a curve.<br /><br />Look at similar aluminum boats that have no seat in the middle and see what bracing the manufacturer used for support.

 

[matridium]

Re: Seat removal

by removing the bench I would also be adding in a plywood floor that will tie in the front bench and the rear bench. Do you think that this will help to stiffen up the boat from twisting, and bowing? By the way when I cut out that bench I will not be removing the bench by the rivets, rather I will be removing the bench by cutting out the bench with a saw and leaving about an inch of aluminum attached to the boat by the rivets, will this be good enough to hold the form of the boat? If not, then I will just scrap the idea and put the plywood deck on top of the benches. <br /><br />thank you

 

[Mark42]

Re: Seat removal

Adding a floor will no doubt add support. Maybe you can cut the seat in such a way that it can be folded box like and screwed together to form a sort of box like buttress against the hull. Know what I mean? Would give more support than leaving a 1" lip alone. Folding the metal gives it a lot of strength that an open unsupported edge will offer. That and a floor would probably do it. Especially if it will spend most of its life on mild waters.<br /><br />Now the obligatory disclaimer to absolve me of any liability: Don't listen to me. I have no idea what I'm talking about.<br /><br />Edit:<br /><br />Another thought - think of adding two triangle shapped pieces of 3/4" ply to each side to support the hull. Thinking of something that is about 4" wide at bottom, and tapers to a point at the top edge (gunnel) of the boat. Attach to floor solidly and at top. Something like that in conjunction with a solid floor should do it.<br /><br />I take it you want to make this boat more fishing oriented?

 

[beniam]

Re: Seat removal

matridium<br />From what you say, I am guessing the middle seat is a very important structural stiffener.<br />Most of its contribution will be to keep the gunnel from flexing from side to side.<br />If you cut the seat, and leave about two inches,you could use the stub as an attachment for new angle braces (Ithink they were called knees on wooden boats)<br />When you put a plywood floor in,must be STRONGLY attached to the hull. This will stiffen the lower<br />part of the boat.<br />Running a stiffener along the rib, as Mark42 says is a really good idea.<br />Then make some "knees" to transfer the gunnel lateral force(side to side flex)to the deck. <br />Be sure everything is solidly attached.<br />Good luck, enjoy life and be adventurous. Batavier

 

[Mark42]

Re: Seat removal

Yeah, like batavier said. The knees thing is what I was thinking of. His idea to use stubs from the old seat to support the knees is an excellent one.<br /><br />Like woodworking? Have a table saw or know someone who does? Then here is an easy way to make a gunnel brace that runs all the way down both sides and matches the curve of the boat exactly: <br /><br />Set up the table saw to rip a nice clean dry pressure treated 2x6" or 2x8" x 10' or 12' into 1/4 or 3/8" strips. Take a strip apply epoxy and clamp to the inside of the gunnel. After curing, use a water proof wood glue and start adding additional strips until you have built up a 1.5 to 2" thick rib down each side. It will be very strong and match the curve of the boat nicely. A little sanding to round off the edges, some matching paint and it could look factory. Do it in Oak or some other hard wood and finish it in marine varhnish and it would look real sharp.<br /><br />Now you're gonna have me thinking about this all day.....

 

[matridium]

Re: Seat removal

I think I will cut the seat and leave about two inches, and use this to attach the angle braces. Now I am having a hard time trying to picture what you mean but I think I know what you mean about the angle braces. After putting in the plywood floor what should I attach the floor to? Should it be to the angle braces. <br />I think I will use Mark42's idea of makeing the strips and laminating them togeather. I love wood working it is my hobby. But Mark should I use the triangle thing you are talking about with this the stips? I'm haveing a hard time picturing what you are talking about with the triangle brace.<br />Then the "knees" to transfer the gunnel lateral force(side to side flex)to the deck. do you mean make angles from the gunnel down to the deck and then box them in out of view? <br />By the way I want to keep the Wood natural for the plywood deck rather then cover it with carpet, Do you think I could use Mahogany plywood for the deck and coat it with a poly covering all over and seal it good at the seams? <br /><br /><br />Michael Moore