I cant comment on the stern tube hose problem as I have not had a need to change it yet.
The muffler on #359 is mounted on that pad your describe on the starboard side of the compartment.
I changed to cam cleats and placed them on the sloping portion of the cockpit inboard of each winch where the original cleats were. I was able to place the cam cleats in a position that provided a good lead to the winch and covered the original holes.
I like the cam cleats alot better but they do take some getting used to. My crew has had to learn to be more careful climbing up to the high side after a tack in order to avoid kicking the sheet out of the cleat.
