removing bench seats

[sams]

I have a 16' starcraft with 3 bench seats plus the little one in the bow. I am thinking that I would like to pull out the middle seat and add some rod lockers that tie into the first and third to provide the lateral reinforcement that will be removed.

Here are some very rough ideas of what I have now and what I woudl liek to end up with.

I did not note it in the second picture, but, the console will stay where it is.

Sam

 

[sams]

Re: removing bench seats

This image might make what I want to do a little clearer.

sam

 

[Starman8]

Re: removing bench seats

This image might make what I want to do a little clearer.

sam

Not an expert, but tinnies with minimal beam probably require less lateral support at the toprails. Looks like you will add a plywood floor at the waterchine mark, which should help "shore up" some lateral support there.

If your current dash/wheel is affixed to the center seat, consider leaving that attached and remove the remainder of the middle bench and tie what you keep longnitudanal with a stringer(aluminum stud?)

Don't know if that area would be long enough for rods on the starboard side, but would make misc. storage area for stuff.

The port side could then be tied with a stringer to grab the lateral strength of bench 1 and bench 3 while providing the framework for the rod locker.