Aluminum Boat Rebuild

I tried to direct this question to Starcraft, but their website refers all but dealer inquiries to local dealers. I hope someone here can answer these questions. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

I own a 1978 Starcraft Supersport 16' open bow boat with a Johnson 70 hp outboard. The floor was rotting so I stripped everything out including the driver and passenger consoles and bow seating area. My questions are:

1) Can I restore only the floor area while eliminating the passenger console and bow seating area without compromising the structural strength and hp capacity of this boat? That is, I'd like to convert it to a fishing style boat with a smaller driver console and a few pedestal chairs. This is my first choice.

2) Will the maximum hp rating be affected by these modifications?

3) If I opted to, could I simply eliminate all of the wooden floor area and still safely operate it with this 70 hp motor or does the wood floor provide required structural support?

Thanks,

Doug Covin

	The Ez-Coil Spring Rewinding Tool