Cool, thanks for the input.
There is so many different options out there and it seems there is no "industry standard". Or the standard of what is acceptable just differ's that much from each boat type.
I was going to go with one of these, it seemed to be the "happy medium" and its reasonably priced. drilling more holes in the boat is no worry. I became at ease with that by the time i got to the fifth ballast drain/vent :-)
http://www.boatersworld.com/product/MP81125627.htm
I have the 1 1/4" thru hull from wake makers and one from west marine, the wake makers piece is MUCH heavier wall thickness, but it is also longer, so more bare threads.
More bare threads/length with thicker wall or less wall thickness but shorter. Any thoughts there? I know you said a backer plate is kinda useless!