I just ordered a new alumacraft 1442. I plan to put a 25 tahatsu on it with stick steer. I would really like to remove the front  bench and put a pedestal . Has anyone done this . And how can i strenghten the sides after the bench has been removed. If anyone has pictures of this I would like to see them.

go to myjonboat.com it has a book you can buy for 25 dollars and u get an instant download of the book it has great info I bought it to do my conversion.

Why not put a Swivel-Ease seat base directly in the bench? Then you can have the seat at bench height or stick the riser pole in the hole and put the seat on that for a raised seat. I'd build on to the bench rather than remove it.

I would definately leave the seat and use it as support .  That bench provides torsional stability, it is "structural".  Your deck will start from the inside edge (closest to middle of boat) of that middle seat and run all the way to under the front lip of the bow seat.  Add a few braces in key spots, a coat of Glass resin,carpet and you're ready to install your pedestal mount and bow mount T/M.  Done.

KU just did this recently.