fixing up an old 10' jon boat

I just got my old 10" jon boat out of storage. Wanting to fix it up and do some modifications, but never done any work on jon boats. It has the two full bench seats, completley secured solid on both sides. I assume there is no problem with drilling into them, but how about cutting into the front or back of them for storage? Also thinking about putting a foot crontrolled trolling motor on it. I haven't had any luck finding any for the stern, so thought about just putting plywood over the very front (3rd seat) and mounting a foot controlled trolling motor there. Any answers or suggestions? Also need to replace some wood on the back of the boat where the old trolling motor was, curious about drilling holes and riviting ther too. Thank you.

:WELCOME:

Thanks for joining!

There might be foam underneat those seats, so cutting and removing that might just be unsafe (not sure) Can you post up a picture or two se we can see it?