1. I chose to cut out the seats prior to completing the planking. This has the benefit of being able to shape the edge without having to spile. In the picture above I have cut the slots for the frames and have positioned a batten to mark the edge flush to where the planking will be. The technique proved to be fairly straight forward and I suspect makes it easier to get a good join.
2. The completed seat top dry fitted.
3. The main seats dry fitted. I have inserted some thin strips of Tasmanian Oak as I intend to finish the seats bright and want to create more of a visual impact. In truth very fiddley, but I'm reasonably pleased with the result. I am certainly convinced that shaping them as descibed in 1 above has got to be better than trying to do it after the hull is fully planked.
4. Seats with planking finished.
5. Front seat installed.