Splashwell Modification to accomidate base mounted jump seats

[chicknwing]

OK, so heres my idea...I wanted to get some feedback before I decided to do any work to the boat. I have a 73 Glastron Bayflite 16.5 feet in length. The original jump seats are built into the cap and are part of the support structure for the splashwell. See picture below....

so the bottom part of the seat needs to be cut out to accommodate the base of the seat. Also, the side of the splashwell (as shown below) needs to be cut to match the width of the front.

Basically everything in the black boxes needs to be removed. Suggestions for reinforcing the splashwell? Thanks for all your suggestions......

TC

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Splashwell Modification to accomidate base mounted jump seats

DON"T!! take some plywood, foam, vinyl, cover it and replace what was there. they were designed for small light people, you don't want the extra load in the stern of the boat.

 

[chicknwing]

Re: Splashwell Modification to accomidate base mounted jump seats

are you speaking of the extra weight generated by the fiberglass? The seats I am looking at weigh next to nothing. These (see link) are similar to the seats at my local shop. Wise plastic bases and frames. I've picked them up...less than 5 pounds...http://www.iboats.com/Deluxe_Sport_Jump_Seat_White_Blue/dm/*******.726811732--category_id.250646--**********.691718643--view_id.374663
I do not anticipate anyone other than a child to use these seats

 

[i386]

Re: Splashwell Modification to accomidate base mounted jump seats

Looks to me like you'd be modifying an important structural element. Be careful.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Splashwell Modification to accomidate base mounted jump seats

structual, waste of time and great deal of money, to do what you want. the existing will function as well if not better. unless you are a total professional at glass fabrication, you will end up with a mess. buy enough matching vinyl to do the seat and back, and make a skirt to go across the back under the seats and splash well. it will look fine, original, and not hacked.

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: Splashwell Modification to accomidate base mounted jump seats

I agree with TD. Two years ago I did exactly what he is advising you to do. Picked up some new matching vinyl, foam, little bit of ply for the bases and in less than a days time and the back of my boat looked brand new. I also did the skirt under the seats down to the floor, when all installed it looks very clean and neat plus you dont look right down into the bilge. If you plan on kids sitting back there anyway why go to all the trouble of a jumper? One other option you may have is the pre made seats with no base that the back rest folds down, like for a fishing boat. You could mount it right on top of what is there already if you have the width. I would definatly NOT cut out the areas you are proposing that is a very intrigal part of the transom area which helps the transom spread the load out. If you decide on the premade seats I have seen them at Cabellas but Im sure they sell them here on I boats as well. Good luck and for your kids sake don't cut that out...

 

[TriadSteeler]

Re: Splashwell Modification to accomidate base mounted jump seats

I would highly suggest taking Tashasdaddy's advice on this one. If there is anyone on this forum who knows. That would be the person.

I'm not even replacing the cushions. I'm just going to paint the area, mask off a ring around the edge of the base and put on an additional coat paint with non skid in the middle area of the seat.

Basically, I want to deter people (kids) from sitting back there. The only way that seat will be used will be to operate the tiller of a kicker motor.I

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Splashwell Modification to accomidate base mounted jump seats

Why use the seat bases?
Why not just mount the seat it self without that box base to what you show in your pic? Like the original? Would look good and you get to keep the storage space underneath.

Imagine the back of your boat with all of the cap cut out.
Now imagine the back of your boat spreading out cause you removed structure preventing that from happening.

 

[chicknwing]

Re: Splashwell Modification to accomidate base mounted jump seats

One other option you may have is the pre made seats with no base that the back rest folds down, like for a fishing boat. You could mount it right on top of what is there already if you have the width.

Ii had seats like this in the boat... My only issue with those seats are they do not fit as I would like them to. I had o force those seats into the existing structure...

 

[chicknwing]

Re: Splashwell Modification to accomidate base mounted jump seats

Thanks for all the input. This is exactly why I asked before I cut anything. I have folding fishing seats and I will look into cutting the plastic bases in those to fit the structure. Greatly appreciate all your responses.

TC