I am looking for advice on modifications to make on a 14' Livingston to fish the mid/upper Columbia for salmon. The boat has a 15 hp Honda long shaft and trolling plate and though the boat ugly due to being poorly repainted, its sound. I think I want to add a console and swivel seat to move weight forward, then add 2 manual down riggers about 20" from the transom. Winds can come up very quickly and 4-5' chop can happen. I have oars and electric trolling motor for back-up and winds will push me back to the launch. I will likely mount twin gas tanks/lines behind the flotation cavities in the front. I may cap the bow area to give me a flat area and provide storage for life vests etc when on the road.
I have considered lowering the center hump by about 3- 4" and re-glassing it as well as adding additional flotation to the floor thus creating a flat floor. Landing salmon solo is challenge enough without dancing over that center hump, so I want to reduce the tripping hazard; fishing solo increases my desire to stay in the boat...additionally, I need to clean up the transom; it was designed for a short shaft and the aluminum plate backed wooden filler is both ugly and flexible.
The questions:
1 Thoughts about how lowering the hump will effect handling? I understand the structural issues...I also know if I lower it too much the boat will beat itself and me on waves.
2. I have read that on a 14' Livingston, raising the motor about an inch will increase top end and reduce cavitation. Does anyone have any experience with this? What should the relationship in elevation between the motor's anti-cavitation plate and the boat bottom be?
I would appreciate thoughts/suggestions and ideas. I cannot do anything for quite some time due to shoulder tendon reattachment 5 days ago, but I can fish my smaller livingston in about 5 months.

Something positive to think about and patience are needed!
Thanks