My 2000 Larson had the plastic on every seat cushion. The foam will chafe and split like being cut with a knife where the seams are over time-mine did. It doesn't look like your boat has been neglected nearly as bad as mine, but what these guys are telling you is exactly what I found on my project a few months back. I learned there are several different types of foam. One type of foam allows water to run through and will not retain water. I think a few pieces of wood had large holes (about 1 inch) drilled in the wood. Marine plywood has proven to be some amazing stuff on my boat. Good luck with project.