Mike, I built a wood boat a few years ago. Here's my advice: Don't use someone elses measurement. Fashion some sort of test seat in your boat (bucket, block, whatever) and adjust it to find the combination of the right comfort level, and the lowest seat level. Keep that weight as low as possible in your boat, but not so low as to cramp your passengers up. There is a BIG reason Willie and other manufacturers make a 2" and 5" dropped front seat. The lower center of gravity means more stability, and better rower line of sight out the front of the boat when navigating.