CAN YOU REMOVE JON BOAT BENCH SEAT IN A BASS BOAT CONVERSION BUILD? - Structural Integrity Talk

[@bobmcglothlin1562]

I appreciate the information you share, keep up the good work.

[@jaysoncasta287]

Awesome, looking to buy first boat soon and you gave me a boat load of info. Liked, subscribed and on my way to the river, I will watch all your videos

[@johnnythomas4811]

Would u put pods on a 1436 lows Jon boat.

[@FranksDIY]

Good explanation./ and from what I've seen the poured foam sometimes block the water drainage.

[@mvboutdoors]

100%, if you're keeping the foam I would definitely check your drain passages.

[@deanbaldwin1157]

How do you fill the rivet holes?

[@mvboutdoors]

I've used closed end rivets with 3M 5200 sealant with great success. Even better would be solid rivets installed with an air hammer.

[@deanbaldwin1157]

I just got done watching your video on solid rivets. Thank you for the reply! I Got to say you have answered alot of questions for my jon boat redo! Much appreciated 🙏

[@johnbrune526]

I have the same boat that you have in the video. The 1648 Landau. I’d like to remove that bench. There is bracing on each side of the bench but no bracing under that bench. Think the bench could be removed without an issue?

[@brandonthompson5795]

Got a video of various ways to restructure without welding ?? Nice video and explanation

[@mvboutdoors]

Unfortunately I don't, best thing is to run new bracing and attach in a way your comfortable with. (Rivets/bolts/welding)

[@Bobbysheresomewhere]

Can you buy aftermarket bracing like the boat has. So you can keep that open space?

[@mvboutdoors]

I haven't seen it if its available anywhere

[@reneeschuyten9357]

What about flotation requirements when you remove foam?

[@mvboutdoors]

Yes, you should consider adding additional foam back to the boat in other areas. A common area to add more foam is under flooring or behind side paneling.

[@dannyfisherman59]

Question what do recommend for removing the build in livewell in jon boat?

[@mvboutdoors]

The only additional thing you'll have to deal with is where the drain ports are. If it drains out of the sidewall you'll need to plug that with some type of bulkhead fitting, and you'll need to deal with the pickup in the transom. But the actual livewell should just be built into a seat.

[@logancox1991]

Is it safe to just remove the center piece. And leave the sides on? It is a riveted boat

[@Idopainting]

I've got a question what happens if they are welded in is a grinder the best thing to remove it and be careful and slow ?

[@mvboutdoors]

I would cut it out but leave a lip and bend it down rather than trying to cut the welds

[@Idopainting]

@@mvboutdoors yeah ok that might be a good idea and then I can use them as a side support for framing yeah thanks for the 👍

[@treygonzales8512]

Hey I got question if I accidentally drilled the holes too large, and biggest rivets I find is 3/16 can I use marine grade bolts instead if the hole is too large ?

[@mvboutdoors]

I've used 1/2 rivets that worked really well amzn.to/4bKUoBW

[@tannerfilko3419]

Hey man, I’m looking at taking the center bench in my 1987 polar craft coast guard front John boat. I’m looking for a bit more guidance on whether or not this is a good idea with my specific boat, any feedback is greatly appreciated!!!

[@mvboutdoors]

I wasn't able to find any pictures of your boat specifically, as long as its braced on either side of the bench seat you should be okay.

[@LukeHayes-xv6oh]

I have a 16’ Princecraft Springbok aluminum fishing boat with riveted bench seats attached to only the upper section of the boat. I want to remove them and fill it with soil to convert it to a raised garden. Will the hull be able to handle that with no seats?

[@trailman20]

Of course as long as it's on the ground ..if ya thought it would be an issue ya could keep a lower section of the seats attached and would ever show

[@stephenwoodson1413]

What you think about removing bench in tracker 10 32 2017 model

[@mvboutdoors]

Id say probably not, that's the other center structure in the boat from the pictures. No other ribs?

[@ambush4464444]

I have a 2000 Alumacraft 1448 and it has big foam bench area in the rear. I am not sure if there is bracing underneath. How can I determine if it is safe to remove or not?

[@mvboutdoors]

If you cant see under the bench then there likely isn't bracing under it and the seat is the bracing

[@grahampogioli803]

If my bracing on the floor of my 1973 alumacraft deep v jon boat is closer together at the stern and then further apart towards the front should it be ok to remove the bench?

[@mvboutdoors]

As long as your bracing replaces the bracing provided by the bench.

[@AppleTechPro870]

I just bought used Jon boat and the bench seats seems like rotten underneath. I just want to remove them and remove what ever is inside and replace with something different and put back the seats. Is there anything other than the foam that you can put in the bench seats?

[@mvboutdoors]

You can could rigid foam board

[@dustinbundrick1752]

Think this would work for a 1432?its an 04 model

[@mvboutdoors]

It would depend if there was bracing under your bench or not

[@dewaynewebb3467]

I’ve got a Lowe 16/48 that I’m wanting to remove the center bench but it’s got a live well and I’m not sure about the drain. Any suggestions? Thanks

[@mvboutdoors]

Is the drain in the floor or the side? Most times you can plug it up and still remove the bench.

[@dewaynewebb3467]

@@mvboutdoors floor

[@stanleybest8833]

Ping pong balls are great floatation if you can buy them in bulk.

[@fishntools]

Without flotation it's a "SINKER"!

[@mvboutdoors]

Absolutely, whenever removing foam its important to replace it elsewhere to maintain buoyancy in the event of swamping or capsizing.

[@davebohnert542]

any time a removal includes removing foam it bad. this is paet of the required floatation require by coast gaurd regulations. any time you remove it you are open to the boat being declared unseaworthy. this applies to almost every boat built after this regulation was enacted. think of it this way the liability you have if involved in any acident especially if someone is injured or worse. just as your insurance man if the would pay a claim involving an illegal boat. hope we all want safty for all. Dave

[@mvboutdoors]

100% true, when removing anything with foam care should be taken to replace it wherever else possible.