[Bertoli]

I just finished cutting the center seat out of my 15' Aluminum to allow for an easy walk through. There are two models of my boat one has a walkthrough from the factory and one has the three seats. Did I just screw up badly? I left about 24" on either side and I have 20" to pass through. I'm concerned about strength now.

 

[Guest]

Im sure you can reinforce it some how... when you cut the seat did you cap off the ends of the cuts ???im sure that will pretty sharp and if your wearing waders, abd rub up against it you may be buying new waders as well.

If your worried about it cap off the cut ends and weld the caps to the floor that will help reinforce it a little bit

 

[marko]

I've got a 16ft'er and thouhgt of cutting at least part of it out but you should reinforce this section
with a "u" shaped gusset and cap it off....best of both worlds... If you're not pounding high seas
you should be fine... :beerchug:....Marko

 

[Bertoli]

I just don't really see the difference between what I've done and what is done at the factory. After cutting the space out and removing the foam I replaced the void with 3/4" thick plywood which i fastened with sheet metal screws. I just wonder if the bench seat actually has any structural necessity? p/s I also took a 4" grinder to the edges and rounded any sharp edges.

 

[marko]

It's all good, Ive seen ones from the factory like that. Just not as stiff in the gunwalls...marko

 

[Bertoli]

Cheers for the replys. Happy Fishing!

 

[Bertoli]

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa216/tuckertheincredibledog/BoatAlteration.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa216/tuckertheincredibledog/BoatAlterationwalkthrough.jpg

Now all I need is a good non slip paint, any suggestions?

 

[Guest]

You have 2 ribs going across the floor on both sides of the cuts, you will be fine

 

[rieber]

There's nothing wrong with what you've done. That's a standard seating configuration on 16' rides. Identical to my buddies 16' Springbok.