To Foam or Not to Foam Starcraft seats

[Tideaholic]

I know they don't help you float, they keep you from sinking. My 1976 14ft Starcraft has foam under all 3 seats encased in a metal box but it does not appear to be any type of structural support, no legs or brace, just the top part where the wood seat slides into. Bow seat is older foam and nasty, the other 2 seats are a different type and in great shape, fills the metal box, cut to shape. I want to get rid of the metal boxes. Any ideas, info or suggestions? I'm tempted to try to attach part of it somewhere, somehow but not sure how beneficial if I don't use it all. We aren't fishing so no fishing gear or floor or anything like that in the boat. Trying to keep her simple but safe. Thanks.

 

[jbcurt00]

If not a fishing boat, why do you want to remove benches?

Never a good idea to delete flotation foam, unless you plan to convert it into a hanging bar decoration or a yard planter never to be seen in the water again, ever.

Benches act as spreaders to keep hull sides where their supposed to be, shouldnt be removed.

Although FB keyboard warriors will agrue in favor both deletes a great deal as well as support less then sufficient 'repairs' & 'modifications'.

 

[Tideaholic]

I replaced the seats (support) but not the metal box with the foam. The box was suspended and not supported by legs. I used 3/4 inch plywood and the original 2 metal braces on each seat and it's still not strong enough. I might try a 1X12 or some oak tongue and groove planks of wood I have screwed together.

 

[jbcurt00]

The tin boxes w foam were structural to the bench's ability to carry your weight when seated AND provided the foam inside them some protection plus outta sight