breazy

You can buy them in sets or one at a time, its really dependant upon what you are looking for and if they come on kit form where you're buying from

16 or 17 refers to the barrel inside diameter wgere the threaded portion is. Sizing will be dependant upon where ypu want the reel seat to land on the blank. Some sizes are only available on the 16, and some only on the 17. Consult the rods dimensions for that descision. Im in the middle of building an mhx873 mh rod w/ a 13.5 id size 16 reel seat.

The aluminum breaking when bent back likely has far more to do with the alloy composition than aanything else. 6061 aluminum doesnt bend well at all whereas 3003 aluminum handles bending very well.

You just have to look for the right boat. For example.. http://features.boats.com/boat-content/2014/02/yellowfin-24-more-bait-more-casts-more-fish/ This boat is a 24 foot bay boat with center console and a giant casting deck similar to bass boats. I dont wanna see the price tag though.