14ft Lowe Line Modification

ivb · Mar 4, 2009

I just picked up a Lowe Line 14ft jon from a friend for a few hundred bucks. The package included two fairly new batteries and two trolling motors (28lb tiller mount and a 36lb bow mount) and a trailer. We have been using the boat for years and it needed new carpet when he bought it from a co-worker.
I wanted to add pedestal seats and new carpet , but once I saw that the deck was made of 1/2 in. plywood that was starting to show its age I judged that I could not safely add seats .

Here is a link to some pictures of my progress:
https://picasaweb.google.com/iv.blankenship/BoatProject?feat=directlink

So far I have stripped it down, cleaned it up and identified the leaks (seem to be all slow rivet leaks).

Before I get started I have a few questions.
The previous, previous owner decked the boat using steel framing studs. I searched the forums and I have found nobody mentioned using this material for support. It seems to me that steel while heavier than aluminum is cheaper and lighter than wood. Should I consider this a viable support alternative?
Here are examples of what was in place before:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4wZBLomoOSmQ6IuLbeMYhQ?feat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nzx-_mkKHNfHfdFF0VWvrQ?feat=directlink

Second question. For a pedestal seat on the front deck, now much space should I leave so that I could comfortably operate the trolling motor foot control? It seems to me that if I mount the seat on the forward bench, I will crowd a third person unlucky enough to be stuck in the middle.

Third question. Is 3/4 in plywood thick enough to support a pedestal seat bolted through it?

Last question (for now). The bow shelf is about 6 inches higher than forward bench. Should I build the deck at the level of the front shelf or on top of it? When I fished from the front in the boat’s original configuration it felt a little wobbly. Would lowering the deck 2 inches from the original height provide a noticeable change in stability?
Follow up question. Should I slope the deck down to the bench assuming that if I am fishing alone the slope will be parallel to the water?

Thanks in advance..

Specknreds · Mar 4, 2009

:WELCOME:

It is very interesting that they used metal studs in the mod. I never thought about that. I guess it would rust over time. Most people do not use steal because of the weight and rust.

2nd ? - I would need to go measure mine and will tomorrow if no one weighs in first.

3rd ? - It wouldn't hurt to double it just under the seat.

4th ? - Go as low as possible. You will not regret it. I have a modified-v 14' with a large front deck about 2" from the top of the boat. It's fairly stable but I wish it was a few inches lower.

ivb · Mar 4, 2009

Thanks for the response.

Specknreds said:
It is very interesting that they used metal studs in the mod. I never thought about that. I guess it would rust over time. Most people do not use steal because of the weight and rust.

I can tell from experience, we used that boat for over 5 years in pretty nasty weather..
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6CMQpNkh5q7dJaFvOU_1Tw?feat=directlink

When I ripped everything out, the wood was flaky and starting to rot but no signs of rust on the galvanized steel. I did a little reading and steel framing is not recommended for load bearing walls. So wood may be sturdier.. I was hoping to find a compromise solution stronger than wood but cheaper and easier to work than aluminum.

Thanks again.

bAcKpAiN · Mar 4, 2009

Welcome to the forums!!

It is interesting, I never thought of it either. I would shy away due to the possibility of rust and it corroding the aluminum the rusty seats I took off of my benches did a number on the aluminum bench. The load bearing thing is a bit different when talking the small span of a boat deck and a erson standing on it rather than a second floor of a building being held up by the frame. I wouldn't let that sway me. You wouldn't use 1/4" angle aluminum or 2x2 pine boards for a load bearing wall either

. My question is this, what do you think? You have used the boat for a few years and know how well it held up. Did the frame seem to support you well enough? It is obviously not rusting (yet) and causing problems that can be seen. If it is good as it is and you like it why not leave the supports and just replace the desking with some good quality plywood. As far as the pedestel seats mine are mounted to 1/2" ply sandwiched to the bench seat of the boat. Like I mentioned in another post, IMHO I would do more if doing it over again, there is a LOT of sideways torque on pedestel seats especially on small boats where there are always micromovements. I planned out my boat for multi species and multi scenario fishing. I ended up putting the seat bases through the benches because it gave room for three people. I also decked mine below the bench heights because I want to take the boat into the backbays and tidal rivers with some serious waves at times. This left my front deck space a bit smaller than I would like, but I have yet to use it with the foot controlled TM. But I have no less room than I did with the battery up there.

As far as the position of the deck and pedestels, I would say let your experiences with the boat be your guide. If it felt tipsy.... lower the height. If you are going to have three people..... lower the height. You have a huge advantage in already using the boat for some time now. Let those experiences help you in your decisions.