Baddawg, first what do you want to do with it? Just rivers, or lakes and the bay also. How many people do you want to fish out of it? How fast and how much water draw are you hoping for? Is the rain an issue or would you want more room to fish? If you are going outboard spend the extra money and get an SS impeller in the pump. Alum impellers wear out fast if you suck any gravel at all. I have a custom built 17ft Valco scout with 7 degree hull, it can turn real tight! All open with a outboard jet and drift oars. I also had the interior Rhino lined, very warm and quite. I looked at several others but went with Valco because the light weight( wanted speed/low draft) and I only like to take one other person with me, unless I take the kids lake fishing. I added a full alum floor and front casting platform. just some ideas.