rear bench to split bench

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vahunter

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When I ordered my weldbilt a few years ago I bounced back and forth bench/pod seats. I went with bench and couldn't take it anymore. I contemplated it for a year.

Now let me say...If you are going to reply against the idea whether it be structurally, floatation, etc. because it can and will be done without risks especially on boats this design.

Im only posting to get a couple of ideas or suggestions of adding supports to the boat. Get a couple more eyes on it.

So I cut out the center of the rear bench. My plan was to bend edges and weld the corners were the bent edges meet. I lightly scored at the inside of the bend and started bending the .080" aluminum but it didn't feel like I was going to get a clean bend and I didn't want to score it deeper. So im going to plan B. Framing the cutout with 1x1 or 1.5x1.5 angle and stitch weld (tig).

Would that alone be enough to keep the boat strong and keep welds from cracking.
 
[attachment=-1]uploadfromtaptalk1393692704565.jpg[/attachment][attachment=-1]uploadfromtaptalk1393692719699.jpg[/attachment]
 

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i have the 1648 w/ the split rear seat. livewell/ storage.have owned bench seats and did not like them when i run my tiller. i made a plywood deck that straddles the rear seats. i can remove it for long runs and stand on it to fish.. it does have an offset base and will fit between the seats on the floor . best of both and retains access to my storage.
 
The more I look at it Im thinking Ill be fine. After welding the angle framing in it probably will be even more solid. I have since cut at the "bend" line to weld angle across each edge. I have plenty of 1x1 and 1.5x1.5 angle but its all .060. Think ill be safer with .090"-.120".[attachment=-1]uploadfromtaptalk1393778586999.jpg[/attachment]
 

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Stronger than it was??? Probably not, but it should be just fine.

Go buy the proper gauge of angle. Do it right, and you won't have any regrets.

-TH
 
Been super busy lately with family, work, other projects...but I did get some of the framing clamped for my friend to weld up. Then when I get more time ill clamp the angle to frame the sides up. 1.5x2.5x.125 6061 angle and 1x1x.125 6061 square are what is shown in the pic. The rest of the angle is cut but not sure if he'll have enough argon for his tig. [attachment=-1]uploadfromtaptalk1395457266610.jpg[/attachment][attachment=-1]uploadfromtaptalk1395457285525.jpg[/attachment]
 

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Here are the braces welded up. The rest of the angle for boxing the seats back in will be next[attachment=-1]uploadfromtaptalk1395525023094.jpg[/attachment]
 

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Looks like you are on the right path. I did a similar mod on my middle seat,but went with rivets since my seats are constructed with that method. Keep the pictures coming. =D>
 
the "framing" is finished. All thats left is the continuation of the floor. I decided since its rigid enough ill hinge the sides and make them access hatches for battery, onboard charger, etc. [attachment=-1]uploadfromtaptalk1396315290362.jpg[/attachment]
 

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Been super busy so its been slow but steady on the boat. Got a couple pieces done, 2 pieces for added support for the pedestals which you cant see but its an oversized backing plate that I bent basically C channel on one end 1/2" by 1" which will tie-in to the upper 1x1 angle on the seat frame. The other piece i got done is the floor piece. Next will be the side plates and hinges.

One thing I cant make my mind up on is: using 4 buttonhead screws to fasten the hatch down or get a hatch latch. They're about $25 a piece though. All that will be in there is an onboard battery charger, battery and access to switch panel wiring and fuses.[attachment=-1]uploadfromtaptalk1396542141845.jpg[/attachment]
 

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i dont know which way u will hinge the access, but velcro is a wonderful tool. i have velcro straps all over my weldbilt. it sticks to the carpet well and holds down rods, fishfinders, nets, pushpoles. etc.
 
I considered Velcro and since I have some and its easy enough to remove Ill give it a shot. Heres the doors and hinges. The hinges are attached to the door but not the floor piece yet. The boat "edges" are not finished yet.
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Finished the boat up Friday. Just have to bedline the rest of the floor and repaint but no rush for that. Took my wife and 2yr old son out for a cruise and an island picnic Saturday. Did some bass fishing today. Really like the new layout and seems plenty sturdy. It doesn't ride or feel any different in a chop.[attachment=-1]uploadfromtaptalk1397414943400.jpg[/attachment][attachment=-1]uploadfromtaptalk1397414977528.jpg[/attachment][attachment=-1]uploadfromtaptalk1397414990609.jpg[/attachment]
 

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