Modifying aluminum boat.

[socojoe]

Hello all, dont know if this is the right place for this but her goes. I have a 1542 aluminum jon boat that I have removed the center seat and want to relocate it to right in front of the rear seat to make kinda like a rear deck were I will put a piece of aluminun over the 2 seats and carpet. It fits prefect. I had to drill out the rivits were it was originally attached and would like to know the best way to fix the holes and to reattach the seat. Also would like to know were and what kind of foam I can put in the bottom of the boat before I put an aluminum floor in. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[socojoe]

Re: Modifying aluminum boat.

I failed to mention that the seat I removed and want to relocate to in front of the rear seat was not attached to the bottom of the boat only to the sides. It was also hollow in the middle and has a cut out for storage. It came from the factory like that so floatation is not an issue. The boat is a flat bottom jon boat.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Modifying aluminum boat.

you gunnels (sides) are probably going to be like aluminum foil. you took the back bone structure out of the boat. install it the way it came out, with solid rivets. then find some structure for the gunnels.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Modifying aluminum boat.

Ayuh,...

I agree with TD,....

For reattaching it,.. Google up "Closed end pop rivets"....

And,...
The Problem with All of your Plan is,..
You raising the center of gravity, causing extreme Tippyness, as well as you've removed the Structure from the middle of the hull...

And,...
All of the Added weight, aka, the plywood, foam,+ aluminum sheeting goes Against the total weight capacity....
It'll be Over-weight before you even step into it.....

 

[socojoe]

Re: Modifying aluminum boat.

I understand what yall are saying but the structureal integrity I do not feel has been hurt very much. It has very sturdy ribs across the boat and the sides do not flex. Its made out of .100 gauge aluminum. I do not feel that I will be adding any more than 75 pounds if that much. But I do value yalls input and will use yalls advice.

Thanks