I have a 14' aluminum (riveted w/ 15" transom and 48" bottom width) V bottom boat. It has three bench seats and I have been kicking around the idea of making a casting deck using the front seat as a base and running aluminum angle up to the bow with a plywood deck. My thoughts were to create some storage and move the battery forward. My concerns are the added weight and stability. I would keep the deck as low as possible and I don't plan on removing the bench seats.

 Is this a safe and worthwhile conversion? Should I try and sell the boat and find a jon boat? My main goal is to be able to stand up and fish without having my feet cramp up from standing on the ribs in the bow.

Your help and suggestions are appreciated.

Absolutely it will be worthwhile.

I used to have a 14' aluminum V hull with an enclosed bow and single bench. I cut a piece of plywood for the main floor area, wrapped it in carpet and put it in. I also mounted a swivel seat post near the back for another fishing seat. Then I reinforced the front bow area and put another swivel seat base up on the front. It was a very comfortable fishing boat for two men with enough room to keep out of each other's way.

Running longer wire in order to stick the battery up in the nose is another good way to level out the boat weightwise. Moving that 60 lbs makes a big difference when getting up on a plane. Fully loaded my boat used to get up on a plane very easily. Weight towards the front also helps keep it from getting squirrelly when trolling along in the wind.

Thanks for the info, I guess I will give it a try.