So that's how folks mount the captain's chair bases? Saw them off? Makes sense. I was considering welding something custom, but that looks easier.

Bigshrimpin's boat doesn't have the built in bilge flooding modification that many 25 footers do.

Many of the 25s have rod holders on the flat on the cap on the transom, just forward of the fuel filler ports, which are about 30 degrees from horizontal.

I think they get installed when people install new fuel hose. It appears to be much easier to tighten the double stainless hose clamps thru the rod holder cutout. Then you drop a rod holder in to the cutout and it looks neat topsides.

Problem is- the rod holders don't drain to the deck. They drain to the bilge. :mad: It makes tracking down deck leaks frustrating. And the very deep vee will hold 3 or more gallons of water right under your steel oil pan because it is quite difficult to get a pump and float switch to drain it dry, especially on both sides of the keelson.

I think cdavisb addressed this with a flat floor and custom pickup.

In the mean time, I need rubber bungs for rod holders on the transom. And maybe a few others do, too.

Tech service bulletin- For 25 Seafari owners (and maybe others). Get rid of the hinges for folding the engine cover and fill them immediately, and well. (not RTV- use glass).

This was the source of deck core rot, engine bulkhead rot and general delaminaton on my 25. I now have to rebuild all that structure upside- down and in place.

My approach is to use McMaster pultruded square poly/fiberglass tubing and divinycel, but even with that to pull it back into shape, it is a lot of work that could easily have been avoided by ditching those hinges.

Captain's chair location
 

Do you like the tube location for your cockpit chairs? I am hacking in that area now an debating putting mine there- in the step down, or on top of the deck.

I think on top of the deck must be nicer in terms of seat back clearance to the gunwale when you rotate left, but it might be too far back. I wonder if where yours is feels right to you?

Hey Fish - I haven't done much on this project (been dealing with some health issues). I plan on making boxes similar to Strick and Blue Heron and using the step down as a storage area / raised platform. I'll keep them in place until I have time in the fall.

I hope things get better with your health!