I'm trying to determine the optimum lenght of an insert for a skeleton seat. So, I've got the parts temporarily secured to the rod. I tighten the hood nut until I get a nice snug fit of the hood over the foot of the reel. The hood slides up and over the insert and foot to the point where I could, depening on the length of my insert, have only 2 or 3 threads engaged by the hood nut. Is that sufficient, or should I keep the insert shorter for more thread engagement? Is this making any sense? I woul also like to trim the unused excess from the threaded portion after determining the right length - I was thinking of using a dremel cut-off tool. Any thoughts?

I would have as many threads engaged as possible and still have the seat open far enough to add or remove any reel foot you plan to use. Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.