... the spacing between the holes are 2”, 1 ¾” and 1 ¾”. I think this is a standard layout but I’m not sure why there is a difference in the spacing. Obviously, a single stud arrangement will work in any hole but I’m having a harder time visualizing a double stud arrangement.
That pattern is driven by the hole-spacing in the standard Sarns attachment plate (for use with a single-stud plate). I don't know why the forward hole is further forward, but I assume it's there for super-light wind.
You should drill the holes in the floor of your boat to match whatever hardware you decide to use (I've always used the plate as a template for locating the holes).
For far as I know, the advantage of the double stud system is that the plank loads are distributed over four studs instead of two, so it should be stronger/more reliable.
FWIW, I've always used single-stud plates and never had one fail in-use.
Cheers,
Geoff S.