Well, I decided to just go for it and cut the bench out today.

I walked around Home Depot for several hours last night just looking at things and getting ideas. Finally, I walked out of there with everything I needed for the bracing, the new deck and to recarpet the boat again. I got up early this morning and worked until I finished it about an hour ago. I was able to add a ton of room and also cut the weight of my last deck way down. I can lift the trailer tongue by hand again. I worked so fast that I didn't take any cool step by step pics like Ken. I did copy alot of his ideas for building the deck though. Here's some photos of the finished product. It's pretty plain and simple. I don't like bells and whistles. They just get in the way :)

Should be enough room for my dog to get some shade under the deck :)
It feels as sturdy as ever without the bench. Still need to find a way to cover up the jagged edges of it though.
http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/3764-Picture_175.jpg

Do you think a cooler will fit? That's an 8ft swimbait rod.
http://www.calfishing.com/dc/user_files/3765-Picture_176.jpg

Attachment #1, (.jpg file)
Attachment #2, (.jpg file)