I finally got a boat, or should I say a project to fish from. I traded a 71 chevy truck for a 68 richline 14ft semi-v with a 1998 johnson 9.9 and a 40ft lb tm. Today I filled the boat full of water to check for leaks and found 3 rivets leaking and the seam where the gunwales meet the floor leaks in a bunch of spots. I plan on tightening up the rivets and the applying steelflex epoxy on the boat to solve the leaks at the seam. Here are pics when I brought it home and some more today. Also a rough sketch of how I plan to modify the boat.

Here is todays pics and the sketch. As for the layou, I plan on a platform the same height as the bench is now, from the bow to the first bench. Then a raised floor between the two benches. And a platform from stern to about a foot in front of rear bench. In the diagram, I have the batteries under the rear platform extension. I'm not certain on the livewell. I would love a permanent one, but I don't want it higher than the platform. Also, I have positioned everything where it is with weight balance in mind. As always, I would love to hear suggestions and opinions.  Now for the color code:

red lines = 2x2s

red squares = 2x2 upright supports

blue line = 2x4 laying flat(provides more area for lids to sit on)

blue squares = 2x4 upright supports (provides support to a bigger area)

I think everything else is explained in the diagram. Let me know what you all think.

Looks like a good project. Keep us updated.

P.S. Congrats on the boat.

Nice project, make sure she is water tight before you get into fabrication.  You will have plenty of fun on both the build and the use of it.