Grow A Spine! Reinforcing the floor of my Saturn SD518 Inflatable Boat

I install 1"x2" Aluminum Tubing to reinforce the sectional floor in my SIB.

[@michaelg503]

Nice modifications and great videos. Suggestion - if you could attach your seat frames to the aluminum channels with corner brackets, that would really ensure an incredibly stable platform. I know in your seat-install video you indicate the seats are pretty secure between the tubes but attaching to the frames to the channels would help. Just a thought. For storage, have you ever thought about boxing in the bench seats - that is, putting 'doors' on them with say a piano hinge. Would probably help in keeping the inside of your boat organized - you could do this for the seat frames too. Again, great videos!

[@shawnvalverde2986]

I've been thinking of buying one of these boats for awhile. I really appreciate your videos as you clarify many of the questions I've had. Also, your seat solutions and modifications are great!

[@gonzalezliu86]

that's pretty cool. i can't wait to see how it rides with the reinforcement.

[@markricharddavies]

Thanks for all your videos on this boat, it’s really helping me out!

[@SoFloBuilds]

You're very welcome, we're all learning together.

[@jaimeorozco9122]

Love the idea,but my experience screws will loosen up. Use weld nuts with the head of the nut on the bottom side.

[@SoFloBuilds]

It's gonna get further modded at some point, just need to wait till the Summer Heat and Humidity let up a bit.

[@Johnnypark77]

I like this idea, I have the exact same boat, also gonna try your seat config in July. I have 40 HP 1991 Johnson ( upgraded to 50 HP ) Never taken it out yet though , bahaha! If I live after next week, perhaps I could share a video with you.

[@SoFloBuilds]

I'd definitely like to see how it goes with a 40-50hp. That thing should fly..... Literally. LOL. Are you in South Florida?

[@Atlantichotsummer]

Can you also show us the towing rig you got

[@davehanna1557]

Nice! If the screws pull out after lots of use, stainless steel nutserts would probably work out good, instead of trying to use nuts and bolts..

[@SoFloBuilds]

That's actually a great idea! I didn't even consider that. I just bought a tool for installing Nutserts last year too. Sometimes you have so many tools you forget what you have. Thak you for contributing, thats what I really want my videos to be about, everyone in the community helping each other out.

[@davehanna1557]

@@SoFloBuilds probably the only other way to fasten them together would be to run bolts up through the bottom. With large fender washers, with a dab of 5200 to hold in place, while you attach the nut from the top.

[@SoFloBuilds]

@@davehanna1557 I thought about that, but didnt want to dissassemble the boat again... Way too hot and humid now! I also want to retain the ability to break the boat down if I need to. 5200 is super strong and would make it difficult to remove the bolts.

[@jaimeorozco9122]

Let's see the results

[@SoFloBuilds]

I’ll be taking her out and filming tomorrow for the next video.