Removing the front row bench

I have a 14ft aluminum Sylvan V haul boat that I would like to remove the front bench from. It already has a platform floor below the benches and this would really open up the bow and allow more rome for a swivel seat. I have 2 questions

1. Will this weaken the bow of the boat ?
2. It is rivited in how would I seal the rivet hole on the side of the haul ?

Thanks, Stan

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Originally Posted by stanimals2

I have a 14ft aluminum Sylvan V haul boat that I would like to remove the front bench from. It already has a platform floor below the benches and this would really open up the bow and allow more rome for a swivel seat. I have 2 questions

1. Will this weaken the bow of the boat ?
2. It is rivited in how would I seal the rivet hole on the side of the haul ?

Thanks, Stan

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could you post a picture on the bench in the boat a picture of the rivets?

Thanks strmwalker I will try to post some tomorrow.

Pull it out, grind off the rivits on the inside of the bench bracket. Leave the rivits in place. Once the bench is removed, use a heavy piece of steel on hte outisde of the hull and a hammer. Pound the rivit flat on the inside of the hull. This will expand the rivit to fit the hole thus sealing it, and it will mushroom the inside to hold the rivit in place.