Removing a bench

[moby1]

I recently aquired an older lund S14 with console as a project. I will be installing a front platform and probably a floor. I know there is at least one company that does this but was wondering if anyone knows what is involved in removing one of the benches . Do they just hack it out and grind the areas where the bench meets the floor? ? Also does anyone know if there is somewhere on the web that has any sort of plans?

[IFallsRon]

Use an end-nipper to cut the ends off the rivets if they haven't been rounded over too much. Some will pop out with a punch and hammer, some you may need to drill out. When the bench is out, fill the holes with new rivets for a clean look.

[moby1]

does anyone know as well if once the bench is removed, is any additional support required or is a lack of support where the bench was previously?
Thanks

[Rost]

Moby-
Yes, by all means find some way to replace the support lost from the removed bench. I have a buddy that attempted this and his boat leaks bad! I am not sure how to do it, but I am sure there is a way.

Good luck!

[RuKiddingMe]

Has anyone ever seen the product or heard of the product Alumaloy? I seen an infomercial on this stuff last weekend and it looked like a great way to fill in the holes from rivets. I did a google search on it and the company that makes it came up, I won't post a link here. But it's definetly something you guys with rivel holes or rips in your hulls might want to look at, it looked real slick. All you need is a standard propane torch.

RU

[RuKiddingMe]

Also Moby1 send me an email, I have some links you might be interested in looking through.

esox23(at)comcast(dot)net

[Phred52]

Moby1, I removed the 3rd seat from the bow on a s-14 Lund and installed a deck from the 2nd seat foreward to the bow, as well as a flat floor where the 3rd seat was removed. It took ALOT of measuring and planeing of plywood to match the bends of the boat but it worked well enough for two buddies to do the same. Along the gunnels I ran plywood from the 2nd seat to the 4th seat to provide a place for the rail braces to mount. This was also the top of my storage areas. I had aluminum sides bent at the sheet metal shop that the bolts of the seat support went through. The aluminum that held the 2nd seat from the stern, was cut to allow for it to support the flat floor in the center of the span (with the help of a little aluminum angle). It boils down to the angle being fastened to the old seat side, the floor being screwed to the angle,the side of the storage areas, fastened to the floor, the side support(top of the storage areas) fastened to the storage area aluminum, the gunnel support fastened to the side support. I do hope you followed that! It involved NO cutting/grinding of rivets, there was MORE foam replaced under the floor, than removed from under the seat(level floatation). The boat was more solid than new. I ran a 35hp Evinrude. The only thing that was in the water all the time was the PROP! With your steering, is it single cable or cable and pulley?

[Steve Bakken]

Hey, Moby,

Check out the thread on bench seats that I just bumped up for you. Hope it helps. Any more questions, just holler.

------------------
Steve @ Bakken's Boat Shop www.bakkensboatshop.com

[moby1]

man, I love this site. Thanks all for the wealth of information as well as the links and bumping the previous similar post.

RUKIDDINGME- I was wondering the same thing about the alumaloy. I was suckered into watching that infomercial a couple times while flipping channels. Doubt Ill get to using that though. Luckily I have a couple of welding buds and bro. Ill include my email below.

PHRED52- You didn't by chance take pics of your project in progress did you? I think it is single cable steering. I havent looked at that much yet. I am trying to get the motor going. I have no spark, but thats another issue. I just noticed you are from new ulm. Just for kicks, do you happen to know anyone with the last name of Goff down there. I have an old schoolmate that lives there that I havent talked to in years. Last I new, he was a fishing fool like me. Rick is his first name, wife is Jodi. I think he's 30.

Thanks again all.

b(dot)lavasseur(at)att(dot)net

[EBass]

Hey I know that email address. moby(dot)com

[moby1]

hey ebastage :+)) dont go confusing everyone
Still have your bucket

[Phred52]

moby1, Sorry on the pics, this was a '76 model boat and CB radio was the BIG thing. I've lost track of the boat as it's changed hands a few times since '94. I don't know Rick, but I see he's still in the area (married and all), and also now has the Minnesota river in his back yard. Phred52