Removing bench seats

Crappy

Recruit
Joined
Feb 11, 2019
Messages
1
Hi just wanted a little advice here. I have removed 2 bench seats from the bow and stern from my 12ft alaskan smokercraft leaving middle seat in to keep some structural integrity. Will also be putting in a floor. Was this a good or bad idea.
 

Picky fisher

Cadet
Joined
Dec 30, 2018
Messages
17
Not a good idea. The front bench supports the bow makes it rigid so when your on plane and hitting waves/water the bow takes the brunt of the pounding and the rear bench helps support the stern which you need the stern to be strong because thats where you are, fuel tank and motor. Most guys remove the middle bench add in floor then supports to the gunnels but its usually frowned upon and not a great idea.best of luck and safe boating
 

gm280

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
14,585
A boat like yours is structurally built with the bench seats actually being both structural support and flotation as well. Usually there is a block of foam in the bench for that flotation. A better idea is to keep the bow and rear bench supports, and remove only the center. But then install a floor to help with that side supports. JMHO
 
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