lower seats in cuddy cabin?

[5kids]

We just boat a 19' Larson with a cuddy cabin. We have 5 kids and know that a few of them will spend more time in there playing their psp than up on deck. Unfortunately, you can't sit up in there....there isn't enough headroom. Is there a way to lower the cushioned seats deeper into the hull to get more headroom - enough to be able to sit up straight? I don't care if I lose some width. I'd even consider putting a bench type seat and table in there if possible. My husband is handy, but we don't know anything about boat remodeling or restoration. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks-

 

[erikgreen]

Re: lower seats in cuddy cabin?

It depends on how high the seats are now. Usually the hull curves upward and inward at that point so the existing seats may be only a couple of inches high in places anyway.

If you have the height, you can cut them down, just as long as you replicate the structure that's there... it does add some stiffness to the hull and strength.

What other folks have done in cases like this is add a "pop out" to the bow, basically raise the ceiling a few inches. Obviously this is more of a major change than just lowering the seats.

If nothing else you might gain a little room replacing the cushions with something like foam mats...

Erik