I'm looking to buy and modify a 16' v hull to use for the next few years until I get into another fiberglass boat.  Is a 16' going to be stable enough to add decks and be able to stand in it?  I was just planning on making the decks so they sit  right on the current bench seats.  Other plans for the boat is take off the bench seat cover in the front and add some storage.  Make the middle bench seat into a livewell and make the back bench seat into a storage area for batteries, charger, etc.  let me know how this sounds as this would be my first modify on a boat.  Thanks

It's hard to say without knowing the particulars.

These are some of my thoughts.

Before redoing any of the seats, you need to determine if they are part of the hull's structural integrity.

If possible, take the boat to water deep enough to float it.  Stand on the seats, and move around a bit.  That will give you an idea of its stability.  Or put a piece of plywood on the seats and move around.

If the boat feels stable to you, it might work for you.  Keep in mind, that as you make the modifications you are speaking of, weight will be added to the boat, at a fairly low level which will slow down the rolling of the boat as you move from side to side.

The boat may roll as much, but more slowly.  The reason is that the boat has more mass, therefore more resisting inertia to movement.

From experience...keep new flooring/decks as low as possible to keep center of gravity low. On top of existing benches should be ok. Use nylock nuts (have nylon locking insert) with an oversized outside diameter washer when bolting down a pedestal seat. T-nuts in the wood or nuts without washers can be dragged into the wood by your weight using the leverage of the pedestal. If you can't find a pre-made livewell to fit your bench, have a well made from galvanized sheet metal, sealed with solder. They last forever and seal easy with silicone if needed.

My first boat was a Lund S-14, converted to a fishing rig. Had it a long time and I learned on the go how to upgrade it. If you have any questions, please PM me.

Good luck.

TJ

I'm looking to buy and modify a 16' v hull to use for the next few years until I get into another fiberglass boat. Is a 16' going to be stable enough to add decks and be able to stand in it? I was just planning on making the decks so they sit right on the current bench seats. Other plans for the boat is take off the bench seat cover in the front and add some storage. Make the middle bench seat into a livewell and make the back bench seat into a storage area for batteries, charger, etc. let me know how this sounds as this would be my first modify on a boat. Thanks

Here is my 16' V bottom. Yes you can stand in it without an issue. I have had 3 adults standing and fishing in it.

keep the center of gravity low and you should be fine. i dont know about that boat, but my v-hull has styro-foam underneath the seats, and i would not advise to remove that. if you flipped your boat, that foam is the only hope you have to keep it afloat. my 12' v-hull  is a little on the tippy side, but i stood while my friend sat, and that worked out well. good luck!

LJ