Mine is also a 2008 model, and there is a step to get to the back...all the way on the port side @ the cup holder, and it is too skinny for my foot.
I made this for a fishing trip I took with my Dad, who would not have been able to use the side step up they give you. I liked it so much, I have left it this way. My center seat still looks brandie new, sitting in my spare bedroom closet. I also didn't like how the top of the seat would dig into my ribs when I was getting fish out of the livewell.
I got the rod holders when I bought my boat. Here's a couple of pics of my solution to the center seat. Yes, I can put the seat back in if I want, on top of the plate. Also, the screws I used to mount it go into the back as well as the bottom, and even catch the 1" lip on the bottom of the back, which is what the seat plate sits on. This stiffened up that area immensely, where as before, when you would step on it, you could see & feel it flex.
It is made from 1/4 aluminum, welded at the joint, and Line-X coated for looks and traction.
I also store my keeper counter/fish ruler under the bottom flip up part of the drivers seat, with the lip to the inside. This way, I just slide it out onto the plate, measure the fish without worrying about it flopping off into the water, and then put it in the livewell (if it is big enough), and just slide the rule back under the seat. Always ready, and no worries about it leaving the boat on a high speed run.