Scoops:
Those holes are just a pass-thru for rod tips. I don't think the 25 has them because your cockpit is longer and they are not needed. I don't use them because they are a PITA to use. I reversed the under gunnel rod holders so the butt end is forward and tip aft which take the pass-thrus out of play.
Porkchunker:
One thing about being in the Navy---they teach you to be resourceful. When you leave the pier, if you don't have what you need, you make it, or if you don't like what you've got, you modify it to meet your needs.
However, one thing that I think most readers of CP come away with, is that Parker owners are hands on, do it yourself/resourceful type of people. So, I take the term "Boat Hacker" as a compliment of the highest order.
I am surprised that no one has noticed the new custom rod holders port and starboard mounted where the 12 inch grab handles used to be. I never used the grab handles but will get great use of those rod holders. They will be great for flying kites for wahoo and king fish (yuck). Instead of filling the holes, I just reversed the handles so they are now on the inside---can never have enough grab handles on the inside.
jim