I know the first thing everyone is going to tell me is do a search and let me just say I'm not lazy and that that's the first thing I did. My question is I have a 1448 riveted Jon boat. I am interested in modifying the seats . The middle bench I would like to take out completely and the rear I would like to cut the middle out, not all the way to the floor. If I cut the middle out and left and inch or 2 of metal off the floor would that still keep the stability and support the boat needs? And also if I took the middle seat out completely I would like to add a rib in its place. Does anyone have any pics they could post to show me what they did. I know some people say they use wood but I would really like to use metal . Any constructive criticism and help would be appreciated

I have a 1436 that the center bench is gone but still have the back and its as rigid as ever no leaks and its around a 1967 model duracraft