Stub nose boats are pretty cool when done right. You see it most often on bigger boats like Bentz. Seems like it frees up a bunch of space, and when you ride in them you can actually see whats right in front of you. I would think if you were building your own, you might as well design it with stick steering instead of a wheel. About the pump. I have seen some manufacturers use this mickey mouse pressure plate type of deal between the motor and the pump. Works great until it don't work at all... I doubt that you could find a used 212, but don't write off a 3 stage hamilton. I bet you could find one and they work great. I have a 212 and it really blows some water but also seems to find every stick in the river. The 3 stage does not seem as prone to collect sticks.

Dog salmon, I can't help it.. Woolridge might make a good boat but you could enter one in an ugly baby contest and win every time!!! All the ones I have seen look like somebody set out with a blank sheet of paper and went out of their way to make them ugly. They did a good job. Just ribbing ya about that but you gotta admit it.

Snag, I should take you fishing sometime, You live real close by I bet. Fact is, I am leaving in about 20 min for Kinghill.