Hello all, 

   This is my first post on BassResource.  I bought a 1975 Ouachita 14' flat bottom jon boat back in June to fish in the lake close to my home.  Its a pretty decent little boat, perfect for what I need.  However, I have been wanting to give it a makeover.

   The boat came with folding high back seats mounted on seat pedestals like these:

The seat is mounted directly to these, which are mounted directly to the bench seats.  Over time, the screws have backed off, causing major scratching on my bench seat, and limiting the amount of rotation.

 

Looking at various systems, I have decided to go with the two piece Attwood 3/4" Lock' N Pin mounting system.  I chose these because of they seem like they will be much easier to install, and can easily be removed.

 

Now the question I have is: Since the aluminum top of my bench seats I believe will bend back and forth with the torque of a seat mounted on it, what would be the best way to add a wooden top to the bench seat on which I can mount the seat base?

 

I had considered 3/4" treated plywood, wrapped in outdoor carpet, but I recently saw that you should not use treated plywood for this application.  Is this true?  Also, I know some people will probably suggest I use marine grade plywood, carpet, etc.  However, I am a college student, so I am trying to keep this as cost effective as possible.

 

I appreciate any suggestions!

 

 

Here is a pic of the boat as well:

 

 

 

If you use treated plywood be sure the top of the "bench" has no exposed aluminum. I would suggest using a thin layer of sealant between the plywood and the seat.

Even using a thick layer of paint will work, as long as the treated wood is not touching bare aluminum you'll be fine.

The popular method down here is to weld an aluminum plate to the bench & then weld the seat base to the plate. A little more expensive but perminate.

Thanks for the reply!  Any suggestions on paint? Ive read a lot of places where people say you need to use certain kinds of primers and things.   Is that the case?  Or would sanding it down and hitting it with a few coats of spray paint do the job?

Surface Preparation of Aluminum for Painting

Sand paper: 80-100 grit

Scotch-Brit Hand Pads p/n #7447

Conversion coating: acid etch primer/Alodine/Chemfilm

Paint: automotive or marine grade polyurethane

Steps

010: Clean the aluminum surface with a good cleaner using Scotch-Brite pads to remove all dirt, old paint, and oxidation from the surface. When sanding I ptefer 80-100 grit, it gives better "tooth" and paint adhesion. Sanding must be taken into the best previously adhered surface in order to have the new coat of paint hold properly. Start with an orbital sander; finish by hand with Scotch-Brite pads. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, let dry completely.

020: Apply acid etch primer (Zinc Chromate)/Alodine/Chemfilm following the mixing and application instructions to the letter!

030: Within 24 hours of applying etch primer, apply the topcoat.

Thanks for the reply!  I haven't decided exactly what I'm going to do yet.  I've been looking into Parker duck boat paints lately.  They have a primer as well.  So I was thinking about giving it a try.  If it end up not working out, I'd only be out $70 for the paint and primer.  So it might be worth a shot.

I like these in a jon. They are simple to install, let you move them side to side to shift your weight to balance it and they let you easily take the seat off to store so they are not left in the weather.  Just be sure to get the long one
http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Wise-Sure-Mount-Bracket-Kit-33-rail&i=94577

You will use that same swivel you have pictured in your post.

These are my favorite seats for a jon. Very comfortable and durable. http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Wise-Molded-Fold-Down-Fishing-Seat-with-Padding&i=94573&aID=601C5A&merchID=4006