Access is through the round pie plates in the splash well. If you have to replace the pump, if you can find the same model, you can often switch out the motor, and leave the strainer basket attached to the hull.
Most, if not all, GW helm seats slide forward and back from the wheel, the pedestal itself does not move. If your new seat did not come with a slider, the industry is pretty standardized, so the slider off your old seat may well mount to the bottom of your new one.
As said, pics would help...
I would think that having the rail in place would add a lot of stability to anyone getting on, or off, the ladder at the top. Sort of like going from the roof to a ladder that only sticks up a few inches above the gutter. Maybe I'm just getting old. Is there someone who can't step over the rail?
Just bought a 228 on Tuesday, and towed it 75 miles at 65-70, with a 1500 Silverado 5.3. Perfectly flat, no hills east of I95 ride. Pulled easily, but the trailer had no brakes, so I had to watch my spacing. Good luck with your new boat.
No thread yet. Wife spotted it on the way home from the coast Monday, went back and bought it Tuesday. Very clean 2000 model. Daughter and SIL are using our place this week, so I just parked it in the driveway and left. Won’t see it for at least a week.
Sounds like you are anchoring straight from the bow pulpit, or roller. Decide which side you want to the wind/current, and move the line to the bow cleat on that side