Boat safety question!

[JohnnyMat]

Hi all! I was hoping to get some opinions on this modification I am making to my Starcraft aluminum.
Are there any safety concerns I need to have about with this seating set up? Do these seats covering the fuel and batt compartment pose any safety issues (fire/explosion)? I'm considering cutting holes in the top of the splash well (with vent covers) but I'm not sure if that's necessary.
My 3 kids would be sitting here, so I'm okay with being overly concerned about things.
I like this setup better than the original back to backs. I also have two captains chairs for the front.
All 3 of the back seats will be individually removable. Base will have 3 hinged lids with a small compartment under each.
I still have enough room to remove batt/gas tank when needed as well.
Would appreciate some feedback and suggestions. Thank you in advance and i apologize if this is a silly question/concern, but again, my kids would be sitting here.

 

[Jeremy7779]

Wow that looks really good and quite an improvement! You shouldn't have any problem that's not typically an area that's wide open usually theres some kind of covering the biggest pain would just be accessing your batteries or fuel tank if you need to.Not to mention your fuel tank should have some kind of vent every outboard I've ever owned with a fuel tank that is built into the hull, its probably black tube going to the side of the boat.

 

[JohnnyMat]

Wow that looks really good and quite an improvement! You shouldn't have any problem that's not typically an area that's wide open usually theres some kind of covering the biggest pain would just be accessing your batteries or fuel tank if you need to.Not to mention your fuel tank should have some kind of vent every outboard I've ever owned with a fuel tank that is built into the hull, its probably black tube going to the side of the boat.

Thanks Jeremy! The boat only has a small 6 gallon removable fuel tank that vents through the cap. That was kind of my concern. It does not have a permanent tank with a tube vent.

The seats are fairly quick release, so getting to the battery and gas tank isn't all that difficult. In fact, I only need to remove the middle seat to get access. That particular set up will only be in there if we are cruising/tubing. Otherwise the seats will come out when I am fishing and I will be able to stand on the seat frame lids. I am going to seal the wood really well and then carpet or vinyl it. Haven't decided yet.

 

[jhande]

I would probably install the vents. I'd rather play it safe than take a chance especially with kids sitting that close.

 

[JimS123]

Put vents on the vertical section of the splash well, not on the bottom section. Otherwise you'll take on water in a following sea.

Also, add more vents on the front section at ankle height. Gas fumes go down.

 

[JohnnyMat]

Put vents on the vertical section of the splash well, not on the bottom section. Otherwise you'll take on water in a following sea.

Also, add more vents on the front section at ankle height. Gas fumes go down.

Thanks Jim,
I appreciate the feedback. I was actually considering putting through vents in the seat base. Potentially even a small blower fan as well. Shouldn't be all that tough.
I would also place two vents on the splash well right behind the seats or on the angled faces on both sides....as far up as possible. I'm just not excited about cutting holes in it.

 

[JohnnyMat]

So I ended up raising the box off the floor slightly 5/8", plus the space between the seats, and also the ski locker vents directly to the bilge area. I figured between the 3, there should be ample ventilation. The entire back seat system is also completely removable (box and seats).
I think it came out pretty nice and I lucked out that the 3 seats fit across the back perfectly. The kids and wife love it too!

 

[JohnnyMat]

I also ended up customizing the original "back to back" seat bases, and cut them to use as bases for the front seats. Also added a swivel mount to each base. Now they adjust front to back and swivel. Gained a little more storage and this layout is perfect for our family of 5.
Overall, very happy with the results. Can't wait to get it out on the water and test everything out!
Mounting the motor this week.

 

[jhande]

Coming along very nice!

 

[Bakilby]

I would definatly install vents if your fuel tank is covered.
Just remember to install one backwards to create an intake.

 

[havoc_squad]

If the boat capacity can legally take more HP, might be worth selling off that 60/70 hp with at least a 90hp.

Might not seem much but it makes a difference when you get a full but safe amount of passengers and gear on that boat.

Three full sized adults and a skier on that boat with that 60/70HP even on an aluminum boat will be hard pressed getting that done quickly.

 

[JohnnyMat]

I have a 70 on it now and don't really plan on doing any skiing behind the boat. Right now we're just doing some tubing with my three kids (all under 10), fishing, and cruising.
That said, I do keep my eyes out for 90HP outboards. When the right one comes along, I'll probably jump on it.